To do list keeps growing!!

Spring, on the homestead, is a little different this year.  We have an extra set of hands!!!!  We joyfully welcomed a son last summer! My blog activity was limited last year as was my time spent outdoors in the heat/sun.  With an already busy sports schedule, newborn skin, newborn sleep schedule, and one tired momma....the time spent in the garden was very minimal.  

So this spring the work load is slightly bigger as I clean up and clear back old growth and yard debris.  All of my beds need attended to and I have plans of extending the herb and flower gardens.  My daughter and I have already started on expanding the herb and flower gardens.  We have begun removing sod and are in the process of beginning a new compost pile on the property.  So look forward to an update on how to build a compost pile!  

We also need to work on the strawberry bed and start spring plantings in the garden.  Everything around here is starting to bud and our blueberry bushes look like they might produce a little more this year.  Earlier this year I worked in the raspberry patches cleaning out some of the debris from last year.  They look like they should produce well this year also.  The daffodils, crocus and hyacinths are all blooming.  The tulips and iris are growing.  The Herbs are coming up nice too.  The chives are ready to be cut back already.  The lemon balm, mint, and borage are all coming back strong too.  The thyme, lavender and sage all look like they took a hit this winter. 

I've got a large supply of wood for bonfires this year! We've worked on removing a pine tree from the yard that had fallen during an ice storm this winter.   Bad thing when it fell was, it took out one of our apple trees when it landed.   So that's two apple trees we've lost in the last few years.   We had to prune one back a good bit and may only have one tree produce fruit this year.  

One item on my list to complete soon is organizing the cellar.   I needed to arrange my mason jars and lids, frozen food containers,  canned foods,  and go through everything on the shelves.   Before I start preserving foods this year I want to clean, organize and inventory.   I didn't do this last year so it really needs done! 

We are looking to make another big change

this year.  We have always had plans to add livestock and are about finally to the point in which we can.   We are looking to add goats and chickens.  So if you have a favorite breed or recommendation,  please comment below!  We will begin clearing land and building shelters soon.   

Now....  if it would just dry up some so we can dig in that'd be great!!  

Happy spring!!