Monthly Archives: April 2015

Tips for Keeping a Clean Coop

Chickens are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases. There are many ways to help prevent diseases from spreading through your flock, such as avoiding adding new birds frequently, and keeping other birds away from the flock. You can also prevent illness by following these simple coop-cleaning tips.

Before using a disinfectant, clean all surfaces with a detergent. Disinfectants work best on already cleaned surfaces. Using a detergent by itself, however, does not ensure that any diseases have been killed.

Disinfectants need at least half an hour to destroy the organisms that cause diseases. Allow everything to dry before using them, and then allow the product enough time to do its work.

The disinfectant solution should be warm when used, to help break up residue on the surfaces.

Follow any instructions included with the disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide, iodine and chlorine are common disinfectants.

Also remember to keep a close eye on the flock. At any signs of disease, quarantine infected birds, and disinfect the coop.

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Protect Your Japanese Maples

Beautiful additions to any landscape, Japanese Maples will look their best when given some protection during our hot, dry summers. As the weather becomes hotter and drier, your Japanese Maples may show signs of heat stress with the development of crispy leaf edges and/or leaf drop.When planting a Japanese Maple, choose a location that receives morning sun only and has some protection from strong winds. Full afternoon sun and windy conditions will quickly stress plants and reduce leaf color.

Mulching will help to retain moisture and cool root zones. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch under your Japanese Maples, extending out to the drip line. Be sure to keep the mulch several inches away from the tree’s trunk to avoid fungus problems and crown rot.

Another way to keep your Japanese Maples looking their best is to use Bonide Wilt Stop to help minimize moisture loss from leaves. The best time to apply Bonide Wilt Stop is in early summer when Japanese Maples are in peak condition, before they start showing signs of suffering from heat stress. Make your applications early in the day or on an overcast day to avoid leaf burn. Apply monthly through the hottest part of the year and your beautiful trees will look gorgeous heading into the fall season.

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BERRY HEALTH

Is there anything more delicious than a bowl of fresh, sweet, ripe berries? Did you know that berries are one of nature’s most perfect foods? They are low in fat and calories, high in fiber and vitamins and loaded with powerful disease fighting antioxidants!

Antioxidants are compounds that repair damage sustained by our body’s cells. They help to slow down the ageing process. They keep us healthier! Some antioxidants treat infections, while others have anti-cancer properties. Cardiovascular diseases and stroke are the leading causes of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Fresh berries can significantly reduce the buildup of LDL, bad cholesterol, the culprit that contributes to heart disease, stroke and arteriosclerosis. Studies show that just one cup of berries provide all the disease fighting antioxidants that one person needs in a single day.

Berries are available year round from the grocery store and may be eaten fresh, frozen or dried to receive their health benefits. Fresh berries are, however, more expensive when they are not in season. Growing your own berries is easy and fun. Home grown berries will ensure quality and freshness. What a sweet way to stay healthy!

GROWING BERRIES
Blueberries – grow in full sun or part shade in acidic soil (pH 4.5 – 5.5) amended with plenty of peat moss. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture. Prune after fruiting. Fertilize with a fertilizer recommended for acid loving plants.

Blackberries – grow best in full sun in very well drained soil with a pH of 6.0 – 7.0. Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and to control weeds. Proper pruning is critical for this plant to fruit, research and follow instructions. Harvest tender fruit in the morning while it is still cool, refrigerate fruit immediately or freeze.

Raspberries – adaptable to a wide range of soil types but grow best in well drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.6 to 6.2. Keep soil moist and protect plants from strong winds.

Strawberries – may be grown in containers or in a garden bed in moist soil in full sun. Prune off all runners that develop the first season so that all of the plants energy will go toward fruit production. Fertilize often as strawberries are greedy feeders. Mulch strawberry patch with straw to retain soil moisture, keep roots cool and fruit clean.

Note: cover all berry crops in netting, when in fruit, to protect from the birds.