Timothy Norton

master gardener

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since Aug 12, 2023

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Timothy Norton currently moderates these forums:

chickens 22056

Biography

Tim is a big dreamer working at a piddler's pace.

On a third of an acre in a village, living alongside his wife and trusty hound, Tim works towards living life within nature instead of at odds with it. Chickens, gardening, mushrooms and much more occupies Tim's mind as new projects appear and old projects complete. Tim is currently working towards renovating his 1850's home while turning lawn into edible space.

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Upstate NY, Zone 5, 43 inch Avg. Rainfall

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Recent posts by Timothy Norton

Keeping chickens home

I think your fence will be plenty high for your needs in relation to chickens. I would steer you towards larger, bigger bodied, breeds as I know my smaller hens are more flighty and might try to perch up on a fence given the chance.

Welcome to the forums.

3 hours ago

chickens

Battery Tender from Florida, USA

Rich Rayburn wrote:Just curious , if some of the equipment being discussed is not being used for long periods of time such as over winter why wouldn't just unhooking the negative battery cable prevent battery draw?

Good question. I have been told that unhooked batteries can still drain slightly from things such as cold weather. I have to admit though, I installed the battery tender because it is more convenient on my end than to get to where the battery connections are on some of my stuff such as my motorcycle. The idea that the battery tender is keeping the battery in a topped off condition is just a bonus.

3 hours ago

gear

winter hand tool maintenance?

I am a big fan of doing the yearly maintenance in the winter. A lot of work goes into touching up rust spots and looking for signs of wear. Blades get sharpened and everything gets touched up. I will take the time to go through my kitchen knives as well and inspect each one.

While it may take some work, beeswax is my go to for refreshing tool handles. You have to be careful not to leave a ton on, I tend to go over the handles with a cloth several times at the end.

12 hours ago

gear

Animals know (sometimes) what’s good to eat?

Sepp Holzer has spoken about intentionally letting poisonous plants stay on his property and that his animals know what to and what not to eat. More on that can be read about here.

I don't want to speak for the intent and assumptions of Sepp, but I believe one of the cruxs of the system for success involved having an abundance of plants available all the time for the livestock. When availability becomes limited, then risk of illness increases that might require intervention on the part of the farmer.

13 hours ago

goats and sheep

Rose bush growth in the fall

You know, my wife and I made a remark this fall about a 'new' rose bush we planted in the spring having a second flush of buds forming and thinking it was odd. I wish I could identify it for you but it was a big box store clearance plant who was supposed to produce yellow roses but instead made ones of dark red. A mystery if you will.

I can't tell you any rhyme or reason for it, perhaps the weather 'tricked' the roses for another boost of growth? Perhaps it is normal?

We should circle back in a year unless someone else has an answer for us.

14 hours ago

plants

Squirrels

In an ecosystem, squirrels have their role much like other animals.

As has been mentioned, their habit of caching away nuts helps their spread and growth. Forgotten bundles of calories also serve as food for other critters. I was reading something once about how squirrels help the spread of certain mushrooms through their consumption and then travel with spores on them. Squirrels also serve as prey for an array of other species that exist higher up on the food chain.

I have fond memories when I was younger of going out on squirrel hunts. While they do not have much meat on the bone, they are a bit of protein that can be sustainably harvested. On a day where someone might not be able to bag a pheasant or deer, certainly there is a squirrel out in the woods that can be appreciated.

(source)

17 hours ago

wildlife

Garden on Corliss Homestead Journal

Frustration has been a familiar feeling these past few days.

My vehicle is not doing too well. Power steering has been leaking, coolant has been seeping, and I have a soft tire I need to inflate every few days. I was going to go to work yesterday and something was off. My car started, but it wasn't 'right'. I let it run for a little bit before I noticed the battery light was on, so I turned off the car with intent on turning it back on. Nothing. It was dead.

I hooked the battery to my old trickle but that seemed to have given up the ghost. Went into town with the wife and got a new trickle charger for peace of mind.

I hooked the car up last night and this morning, it has shown the battery to be charged. Unfortunately, the car still refuses to do anything when I turn the key. No clicks, no revs, no nothing. I replaced the starter a couple years ago, so my frustration levels are raised. I have also replaced the alternator a few years before that for good measaure.

I'll figure it out eventually. I just need to clear me head.

17 hours ago

homestead

The official permies.com Seed and Plant Source Review Grid

Wondering where to buy epic seeds this year? Here's a list of seed and plant producers we love!

1 day ago

seeds and breeding

Johnny's Selected Seed from Maine, USA

Summary

Johnny's Selected Seeds is a privately held, employee-owned seed producer and merchant headquartered in Winslow, Maine, USA.

Where to get it?

Johnny's Seeds

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Johnny's Seeds

1 day ago

seeds and breeding