4/21/15

Got a load of hay in today.

Put Brownie, Blackie, and Sniffy out in the sunning pen. Iris, Bob, and Bill are in the goat lot. We left Emily Elizabeth, Peep, and Jack in the barn, but left a door open for fresh air.

Remember the soil texture test that I started? Here are the results:

89% sand
.07% silt
.04% clay

So, we have sandy loam. We actually have more organic matter in our soil than we have clay or silt.

4/13/15

Unloaded the hay from the trailer today.

Moved the Bob and Bill (13 day old goat kids) out into the goat pen with their mom for the day. Checked on them mid-day and they seemed to be doing fine. Certainly enjoying the additional room for romping and frolicking! Locked them in the barn this evening so that we can continue "milk sharing". I am taking almost a quart off of the doe in the mornings. We certainly won't be making cheese anytime soon at that rate, but it is nice to have milk for the table...

Did a soil texture test today. Did this test on the soil naturally found on our property. Followed this test format:

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/214.html

Still waiting for the last of the sediment to settle out. The results so far indicate heavy sand percentage. Will post actual results upon completion.

Did a simplistic pH test as well. Did this test on the soil in our raised garden beds (purchased top soil and home-composted materials (straw, hay leavings, and manure). Followed this test format:

http://preparednessmama.com/testing-your-soil-ph-without-a-kit/

The results were not surprising...we have alkali soil! :)