The season of mud

There is a time of the year that comes right after winter and just before spring. It’s that time of the year when the snow is beginning to melt, but new life has yet to emerge. It’s that time of the year when the world begins to thaw, and your boots begin to sink. I call it, the season of mud.

I’ve found this year in particular, is exceptionally muddy. I blame the ducks. I house my chickens and ducks together in the same coop. While they all get along just fine, I’m now beginning to see why this isn’t always recommended. Ducks are messy. Adorable, but messy. Along with their very own pond this year, I have a feeling they will also get their very own coop. Ducks will always be messy, but I find my idea of giving them their own area, a justifiable idea when I am sinking down into the mud every morning when I go to let my ladies out of the coop.

While we are on the topic of dirt, I have begun my annual shopping spree of buying seeds. This is one of my favorite things to do this time of year. Helps get me out of my winter slumber. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, I’ve noticed a lot of the suppliers I buy from are low on stock and have delayed shipping times. I’ve been able to find some lacinato kale, but I’ve had no luck finding any luffa gourd seeds. Despite a few setbacks, I think the gardens will be plentiful and beautiful this season.

On a side note, I have yet to bring myself to face my honeybees and their unfortunate fate. However, with the nice weather we had over the weekend, we finally got up enough courage to go and check on them. After putting my head right next to the hives, I could hear the faint sound of buzzing. While I’m not holding my breath for them to make it through completely, it was a definite sigh of relief to hear life in the hives.

Miriah Kardelis is a modern homesteader who is always looking for new ideas. Reach her at [email protected].