Almost time to plant.........

Tom & I picked up a big rototiller that runs off the 3 point hitch behind the tractor this morning as well as a broadcaster that spreads lime and grass seed. We disconnected the york rake, attached the rototiller and I tilled the new pasture. It was a little heavy as we've recently had rain but not so wet I couldn't till. This is great soil. It smells so good! Tomorrow I'll drag it with the york rake and pick up any remaining sticks and roots and then I'll spread lime with the broadcaster. Once that's done, I'll rototill one more time and then broadcast the grass seed on the piece. We use a hayfield mix with lots of timothy, ladino and alsike clover (which the bees absolutely love), orchard grass, red top, etc. If we have done everything right, we could be grazing this in 6 to 8 weeks.

There are three vegetable gardens to be tilled. I did the south garden first. It will be a week or so before we can plant many vegetables but I like to keep them weed free for a spell before planting.

That's rhubarb in the bottom right corner. This is our squash, gourd, vine garden. The guineas and chickens immediately started picking through the fresh turned soil. The fence keeps them out when the gate is closed. We should have all the gardens ready for planting by the time the weekend is over. I have to return the equipment on Monday. I would love to have my own tiller but they are expensive. We are putting up a new pole barn for hay storage this year so a tiller is out of the question just yet.

I had quite an audience this afternoon. The new pasture is right next to where the cows are pastured now. These ladies are very interested in everything that goes on around here especially if it involves food. I finished just before chore time - they were standing at the gate, waiting quite impatiently!

This is our audience in the barn during chores. A warm milk treat for my hardworking "mousers".

We are hoping for dry weather tomorrow. It would be great to get in another productive day on the farm.