Oh Well.... The Farm Report 07-25-2025

 

Oh Well.....

The Farm Report

07-25-2025

Oh Well.... This is actually a picture of Dresden, Germany after the fire bombings of WW II. I thought it would be easier to show you this than to try taking a picture of my garden to explain this year's efforts out there. My gardens and Dresden look pretty much the same right now. Bombed out! Between my travels, the weather, my attitude and 'other stuff' it hasn't been the best garden year.

This is the real garden, for those who 'need to know.' See, I told you - it ain't pretty.

Here's part of the reason: It has been hot; as Meredith Wilson would have said, Iowa 'By God' hot, and humid. This is a pic taken from my office window one afternoon. Normally, we can see Walnut Creek down there in the distance and it is all bright and sparkly. Smoke from Canada and good old fashioned Iowa 'corn sweat' are making it miserable this year.

I did get the broccoli and cauliflower mulched pretty well. They produced, but it was so hot the broccoli is bitter and the cauliflower bolted too soon.

The Tarp Garden has been totally dedicated to growing Dahlias this year. The tarp ground cover helps, but the weeds are persistent. I found a new weeding disc that goes onto the end of my weed whip. It really helps keep the grow boxes clean. Stay tuned for beautiful dahlias yet this fall!

My 'maters are growing between two cattle panels this year. From the success I'm having so far, this will be my new permanent way to grow tomatoes. Zero work, and the maters love it.

One week later! Look how the plants have filled in. I have not helped train them at all. 

And one more week after that. This 'two panel' system seems like the way to go.

This was supposed to be a popcorn patch. That didn't pan out, so I used the Dresden System and converted it to something else. Oh Well....

Mice in my cherry tree! One good thing this year is the cherry tree. This one is Danube; a 'hybrid' cross between Bing- a sweet cherry, and Balaton - a conventional tart pie cherry. Balaton is so sweet I sometimes eat a dish of 'em in the winter by just thawing them a little and adding a touch of sugar.

Big, sweet cleaned Danube cherries. What to do with them?

This year, we went straight to the pie filling recipe. They're all canned up with the thickener already in 'em just waiting to become winter pies or tarts.

My view of the haze and smoke and corn sweat looking off towards the south west. At least I don't have to worry about my music being too loud to bother the neighbors.

Then I caught a little movement in the corner of my eye.

So...Was Bambie watching me, or was I watching Bambie?  Or does it make a difference?

Living in the country means we get to see wild life up close and on a first hand basis not always possible when you live in town. Mostly, I like it.

This gizmo fits on a rotisserie spit in my Weber or my smoker. These drumsticks turned out great. You'll just have to take my word for it.

These chuck roasts are in the process of turning into Pastrami - headed to the smoker after 21 days in the curing brine under vacuum. Rubin sandwiches are my favorites.

Emmie, the old 1947 Farmall M tractor, got a new shoe.

Boom Boom Thompson got some new suspender buttons and leather braces for his Rodeo Clown Pants.

And my 2025 chicken project got a major setback. I had started out with 1 little Barred Rock cockerel, and 3 Black Star pullets. Not anymore. Racoons broke in - by tearing out the plywood wall! and killed them all. Dang it!!! (Which is not actually what I said.) Oh well....

"Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play."

Cheers from Oakdale Farm from me and Annie. Miss Kitty say, 'Hi,' too.

Cooler weather and a new season are on the way.