Matthew Groves's Page

Hi Matthew. Yes, this issue of the Gristmill seemed a little thicker than usual. I hope there is some good information in there for you. I don't get much out of them anymore but because I'm a life member I will always get them. Remember there will be a national meeting/swap meet in Springfield this year. No Area J meetings here otherwise. Jim Price is our only J Director now and he lives out of our area. No problem on the jar. Thanks for the honey last visit.

I don't have the space for a hugelkulture bed.  I can see the advantages of making one though. It would be a good teaching experiment for the kids, too. I've been studying this permaculture stuff lately and I see a lot of positives about it.

This has not been a good garden year for me so far. First, something got in my greenhouse and ate all of the leaves off the stuff I started and I had to do it all over again. The second go around is ready to plant. Like you my blackberries and black raspberries are coming on nicely. This is the first year for the blackberries and only about half of the plants are producing.  ???  The rest have leaves and are growing but no blossoms. The raspberries have reached a peak and this year is kind of a recovery year.  The rest of the garden that I have managed to get planted is ok but nothing to brag about.  I plan on spending the day on it tomorrow. 

No, I’ve never made sausage.  Sounds interesting.  I did perk up a bit when you mentioned the berry wine.  I gave some serious thought to making some dandelion wine this spring but didn’t.  I did do some research on it though.  I need to buy a book or two on the subject. 

You have had great success with your bees.  I was at the Farmer’s Market recently and discussed capturing bees with a lady there.  It’s doable but I don’t know where I would put a hive in my limited space. 

No chicken house yet but I’m working on the corner back there.  I actually have a couple of building projects planned for this year.  They were both on my list last year so please don’t place any bets on their completion any time soon.

I can talk forever so will shut up and let you go. 

Gary 

Matthew, thanks again I got the rasberries planted and they look good.  I soaked them before planting them and I think that they will all make it.

Thats my problem now> to much Dark Side woodworking.  I don't know if you ever saw any of the wooden canoes I used to sell but making them was HELL on the lungs

I don't domuch in the way of wood working any more.  to hard on my breathing. now when I do it is is quick and easy stuff