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Mr_Yan
Guest
What do you do to tweak bread to be for burger buns? I kind of hope to get into sourdough again. Like I need another project right now.
Whatcha Up To???
- Thread starter Mike
- Start date
I don't tweak it at all, just cut/form 4 ounce pieces. We prefer crunchy crusts here... if you like a soft crust, just brush butter on it when you remove the buns from the oven or make Yeast Rolls , which are soft by nature.
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ErnieCopp
Guest
Yan,
I know you are always trying to grow more produce in small spaces, and willing to try new ways. I was watching the Texas Country Reporter, and he was showing some KEYHOLE GARDENS, whick was basically abouat a six foot diameter block circle with no mortar in the blocks, but the main difference was she put in a lot of wet cardboard along with the dirt and garbage. Said with the carbon from the cardboard, it turned to compost in 4 weeks. She had the plants to show that it was working well for her, so i am sure you can google Keyhole Gardens and find more information. And of course the cardboard could be used in any shape or size structure.
Ernie
I know you are always trying to grow more produce in small spaces, and willing to try new ways. I was watching the Texas Country Reporter, and he was showing some KEYHOLE GARDENS, whick was basically abouat a six foot diameter block circle with no mortar in the blocks, but the main difference was she put in a lot of wet cardboard along with the dirt and garbage. Said with the carbon from the cardboard, it turned to compost in 4 weeks. She had the plants to show that it was working well for her, so i am sure you can google Keyhole Gardens and find more information. And of course the cardboard could be used in any shape or size structure.
Ernie
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
@ErnieCopp Thanks for the thoughts. Keyholes are cool. This really only works to the raised bed layout. The thought is you can have a 6 to 8 foot circle bed where you step into the center without stepping on the soil. Think of it as having a C or G shape. The keyhole can be a convenient shape but common lumber lends itself to rectangles.
The cardboard in the soil sounds like lasagna gardens or composting in place. I do this a lot because it is just easier with my tiny space. Remember I only have a 50 x 100 foot lot which has to include my house, garage, and outdoor kid-play area. I started with straw-bales covered in a little compost. Now I have some of the best lite loose carrot type soil I have ever worked. I dig potatoes with my hands and a hand trowel.
I am a huge fan of doing raised beds. We're starting to talk about moving and if I have the space I would love to mimic one of the geometric veg garden beds from the Chateau de Villandry gardens. If you have not seen those run an image search for "Chateau de Villandry gardens".
The cardboard in the soil sounds like lasagna gardens or composting in place. I do this a lot because it is just easier with my tiny space. Remember I only have a 50 x 100 foot lot which has to include my house, garage, and outdoor kid-play area. I started with straw-bales covered in a little compost. Now I have some of the best lite loose carrot type soil I have ever worked. I dig potatoes with my hands and a hand trowel.
I am a huge fan of doing raised beds. We're starting to talk about moving and if I have the space I would love to mimic one of the geometric veg garden beds from the Chateau de Villandry gardens. If you have not seen those run an image search for "Chateau de Villandry gardens".
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ErnieCopp
Guest
The video of the property that showed the Keyhole design, actually only had one of that Keyhole shape. There were several others made from old Stock water tanks, which i assume had the bottoms removed, and other circular sidewalls. The thing that most impressed me was using the cardboard, and how rapidly it decomposed.
I personally prefer in the ground planting, since i have ample room for that, but my gardening interests are shifting, and i am getting more pleasure and satisfaction from my Trees and Vines than I am from my vegetables and annual flowers. Or, to put that another way, i like the idea of having the plants around to work with for several years, rather than just one year.
I will probably cut down to just Tomatoes and Melons next year, plus my trees and vines.
I have a row of hot peppers i am growing for my helper, and they have put out a new set of blossoms, so we will see if he gets a second crop this year. I do not use the hot peppers myself.
Ernie
I personally prefer in the ground planting, since i have ample room for that, but my gardening interests are shifting, and i am getting more pleasure and satisfaction from my Trees and Vines than I am from my vegetables and annual flowers. Or, to put that another way, i like the idea of having the plants around to work with for several years, rather than just one year.
I will probably cut down to just Tomatoes and Melons next year, plus my trees and vines.
I have a row of hot peppers i am growing for my helper, and they have put out a new set of blossoms, so we will see if he gets a second crop this year. I do not use the hot peppers myself.
Ernie
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
@ErnieCopp Yup, much like you I have been looking at other ways to get perennial food into my yard. With this I have been reading several sources each touting a different approach. GROW Biointensive (John Jeavons), permicultrure, food forests, soil-food-web type organic, Back-to-eden garden, raised bed, ground beds, companion planting (there's a bigger croc than organic), etc. There's a lot of people out there that say you have to stick to just one method but I don't see why not mix and match as you see necessary.
I have just figured out where I could sneak 6 more fruit trees on my lot. My plan was vetoed as we don't plan on being here in three years when they would start producing. Adding these six would require removing two medium Jane magnolias, greatly hacking back a mature soft maple, and removing a dying rose-of-sharon.
The keyhole allows you a different shape but you can't get more per square foot than you can from a typical raised bed. I would expect a keyhole design would be great for someone in a wheelchair though.
I like raised beds as I can get more out of them for less work than I do in the ground. I never step on the soil so it never really compacts and things are really easy to pull. There's less bending over so it's easier on the back. I don't need to own or rent a rototiller and the tools are generally smaller. And the raised bed warms up a few weeks earlier in the spring so I can plant sooner. May not mean much to you guys in the south but my last frost date is half way through May. It will cool faster in the fall but by then I am usually spent anyway.
I also have shifted from traditional compost piles to worm composting. The worm bin is a much different monster than a pile and for the high carbon parts vermicompost uses "bedding" where corrugated cardboard is typical. In an active bin the kitchen scraps and cardboard will be gone in a week to two.
One thing I have been looking into is oyster mushroom cultivation on a mix of cardboard, coffee grounds, and straw or something else to bulk it up. After the mushroom flush the spent cardboard would then go into the worm bin to be composted.
I have just figured out where I could sneak 6 more fruit trees on my lot. My plan was vetoed as we don't plan on being here in three years when they would start producing. Adding these six would require removing two medium Jane magnolias, greatly hacking back a mature soft maple, and removing a dying rose-of-sharon.
The keyhole allows you a different shape but you can't get more per square foot than you can from a typical raised bed. I would expect a keyhole design would be great for someone in a wheelchair though.
I like raised beds as I can get more out of them for less work than I do in the ground. I never step on the soil so it never really compacts and things are really easy to pull. There's less bending over so it's easier on the back. I don't need to own or rent a rototiller and the tools are generally smaller. And the raised bed warms up a few weeks earlier in the spring so I can plant sooner. May not mean much to you guys in the south but my last frost date is half way through May. It will cool faster in the fall but by then I am usually spent anyway.
I also have shifted from traditional compost piles to worm composting. The worm bin is a much different monster than a pile and for the high carbon parts vermicompost uses "bedding" where corrugated cardboard is typical. In an active bin the kitchen scraps and cardboard will be gone in a week to two.
One thing I have been looking into is oyster mushroom cultivation on a mix of cardboard, coffee grounds, and straw or something else to bulk it up. After the mushroom flush the spent cardboard would then go into the worm bin to be composted.
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ErnieCopp
Guest
Yan,
I think we both enjoy learning new things and experimenting, reading, thinking, etc. it loses some of its shine.
We only had 100 frost free days in Idaho, and i well recall the restrictions caused by that. I just had a letter today from the current owner of the Nursery i had up there, and while we are still in the middle of summer down here, he mentioned he has to blow the water out of the irrigation lines October 8th. He also has to roll up, about 30 miles of drip tube, so preparing for winter can become quite a job. I builte a big 6 wheel frame with a crank on to do that, so that is not as bad as it sounds but still is a pretty big job.
Ernie
I think we both enjoy learning new things and experimenting, reading, thinking, etc. it loses some of its shine.
We only had 100 frost free days in Idaho, and i well recall the restrictions caused by that. I just had a letter today from the current owner of the Nursery i had up there, and while we are still in the middle of summer down here, he mentioned he has to blow the water out of the irrigation lines October 8th. He also has to roll up, about 30 miles of drip tube, so preparing for winter can become quite a job. I builte a big 6 wheel frame with a crank on to do that, so that is not as bad as it sounds but still is a pretty big job.
Ernie
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
The season is changing fast around here. I could see my breath as I walked in to work yesterday morning. Today only got to about 60 or 62° F.
Veg garden is winding down.
Lawn looks like it is getting established. I do need to waste another half hour watering and mowing the thing.
Yan-kids 1 and 2 had pink eye on Monday and Tuesday. Now Yan-kid 1 and I have some virus so we were running fevers around 101° F.
Veg garden is winding down.
Lawn looks like it is getting established. I do need to waste another half hour watering and mowing the thing.
Yan-kids 1 and 2 had pink eye on Monday and Tuesday. Now Yan-kid 1 and I have some virus so we were running fevers around 101° F.
I haven't felt very well the last couple of weeks & haven't done much of anything, although I'm starting to feel better... spent most of my time sitting around thinking about how far behind I'm falling.
I have been able to order some stuff for various project that I would like to get done. One of the projects is to replace all lights (inside & out) with LEDs. I've done the lamps (Cree 100w, 5000K) & have ordered the first installment of floodlights (5 of 35) that will be installed in the kitchen/pantry. Also been researching bulk rolls of high output LED tape for underneath the cabinets to replace the halogens that are currently in place (they are starting to become a problem).
Ordered the proper color sealant for the bath tubs/showers.
I still need to finish the garden this coming week...
I have been able to order some stuff for various project that I would like to get done. One of the projects is to replace all lights (inside & out) with LEDs. I've done the lamps (Cree 100w, 5000K) & have ordered the first installment of floodlights (5 of 35) that will be installed in the kitchen/pantry. Also been researching bulk rolls of high output LED tape for underneath the cabinets to replace the halogens that are currently in place (they are starting to become a problem).
Ordered the proper color sealant for the bath tubs/showers.
I still need to finish the garden this coming week...
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ErnieCopp
Guest
Welcome back Sam, we have missed you.
We are getting the first seasonal rain this morning. Now with Floods so much in fashion, we will have to start hoping we do not get too much.
Ernie
We are getting the first seasonal rain this morning. Now with Floods so much in fashion, we will have to start hoping we do not get too much.
Ernie
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
Just trying to stay on top of things here. Getting cool out and windy / misty today. Call it 50° F right now.
Talked to my mom in southern-coastal South Carolina and it's constant driving rain. She said it didn't look too bad locally but they weren't leaving home.
Last night I started to refurbish a #2 smoothing plane. I've done a 4, 5 (Stanley Handyman hybrid thing), 6 and started a #7 in the past. This #2 needs a lot of work and I'll have to carve a new tote for it but it was my Grandfathers. From what I can guess this thing was made after WW2. It has no branding on it. The only marking on it is a "2" that is under the back tote.
What do you guys suggest for a lite tool oil for these old woodworking hand tools? Right now I have a bottle of Singer branded sewing machine oil so that is what I've been using.
Talked to my mom in southern-coastal South Carolina and it's constant driving rain. She said it didn't look too bad locally but they weren't leaving home.
Last night I started to refurbish a #2 smoothing plane. I've done a 4, 5 (Stanley Handyman hybrid thing), 6 and started a #7 in the past. This #2 needs a lot of work and I'll have to carve a new tote for it but it was my Grandfathers. From what I can guess this thing was made after WW2. It has no branding on it. The only marking on it is a "2" that is under the back tote.
What do you guys suggest for a lite tool oil for these old woodworking hand tools? Right now I have a bottle of Singer branded sewing machine oil so that is what I've been using.
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ErnieCopp
Guest
Yan,
I have some of my Father's Carpenter tools, that he used before and during WW2, and I can tell you now, that the oils we had to use back then do not do nearly as good a job protecting the tools as the modern products do. I do not recall any that did not gum up and dry out and leave a nasty looking residue. I have not lived in the humid parts of the country since i have been an adult, but i assume the humidity problems would be better handled by choosing modern Marine type protectants.
A prime example is some of Dad's handsaws that are still covered with dried parraffine [sp?] that he melted and spread on to protect them, in the late 1950's. The protective products i recall from that era was " 3 in !", oil, that was mostly used for sewing machines, Neatsfoot oil, and what we called homemade pentetrating oil that was made from moter oil thinned with kerosene.
I mostly just use WD40, but Boeing makes a very good product for Marine uses, and i had other varieties on the boat that i do not exactly recall the names of. We would use oily rags with special gun oil on our guns, but i do not recall any names, and it was applied sparingly and replaced often.
I hope this helps,
Ernie
I have some of my Father's Carpenter tools, that he used before and during WW2, and I can tell you now, that the oils we had to use back then do not do nearly as good a job protecting the tools as the modern products do. I do not recall any that did not gum up and dry out and leave a nasty looking residue. I have not lived in the humid parts of the country since i have been an adult, but i assume the humidity problems would be better handled by choosing modern Marine type protectants.
A prime example is some of Dad's handsaws that are still covered with dried parraffine [sp?] that he melted and spread on to protect them, in the late 1950's. The protective products i recall from that era was " 3 in !", oil, that was mostly used for sewing machines, Neatsfoot oil, and what we called homemade pentetrating oil that was made from moter oil thinned with kerosene.
I mostly just use WD40, but Boeing makes a very good product for Marine uses, and i had other varieties on the boat that i do not exactly recall the names of. We would use oily rags with special gun oil on our guns, but i do not recall any names, and it was applied sparingly and replaced often.
I hope this helps,
Ernie
You can use any oil formulated for guns or fishing reels. They will penetrate/protect the metal & resist turning 'gummy'.
Cut the grass & sprayed RoundUp around the house & yard.
Start shredding the front pasture.
Fed the cattle.
Fed the cattle.
Finished shredding the front pasture.
Made bread.
Made bread.
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
Harvested 1.25 pounds of greens for a side to burgers tonight.
The first installment of the LED floodlights (5 of 35) were delivered last night, so I installed them in the kitchen/pantry this morning. All I can say is "WOW!!! The kitchen/pantry are now lit like the backyard at nigh noon!!! Each bulb puts out 2170 lumins vs the old bulb's 1310 lumins. Energy saving should be good too (from the original 500 watts to 125 watts now). The more of these LEDs I install, the better I like them!!! I ordered 5 more of these bulbs for the hallway.
Also cleaned the ceiling fan in the kitchen & replace the 2 bulbs in it with Cree 60 watt LEDs (I thought I was going to have to do some mods, however that was not the case). Each bulb puts out 800 lumins vs the old bulb's 325 lumins. Energy saving should be good on these too (from the original 120 watts to 18 watts now). This was the 1st ceiling fan... We have 6 more to go so I ordered 12 more of these bulbs.
Made a pork roast in the oven (seasoned with garlic, cracked pepper & rosemary) for tonight's supper. I'll probably toss in some potatoes, onions, carrots & celery later. I got a few more things to do on Mrs. Ranch's 'honey do' list before I can relax...
Also cleaned the ceiling fan in the kitchen & replace the 2 bulbs in it with Cree 60 watt LEDs (I thought I was going to have to do some mods, however that was not the case). Each bulb puts out 800 lumins vs the old bulb's 325 lumins. Energy saving should be good on these too (from the original 120 watts to 18 watts now). This was the 1st ceiling fan... We have 6 more to go so I ordered 12 more of these bulbs.
Made a pork roast in the oven (seasoned with garlic, cracked pepper & rosemary) for tonight's supper. I'll probably toss in some potatoes, onions, carrots & celery later. I got a few more things to do on Mrs. Ranch's 'honey do' list before I can relax...
Weed & fertilized the garden. I'm planning on planting everything this coming week as the transplants are getting big enough.
Watered the hanging baskets & everything in the back/side yards. I'll water the front tomorrow.
Made bread.
Fed cattle.
Watered the hanging baskets & everything in the back/side yards. I'll water the front tomorrow.
Made bread.
Fed cattle.
E
ErnieCopp
Guest
I picked another quart of late season sun dried figs. I have been eating three a day for breakfast., and the one tree has just been producing enough to keep up. They are smaller and sweeter than the regular crop, There are still more figs on the tree but if the weather cools they will probably stop curing. Yesterday was 97 or 98 degrees, and today is hot from the Santa Ana winds,
I am not planting any fall garden or onions this winter.
Ernie
I am not planting any fall garden or onions this winter.
Ernie
M
Mr_Yan
Guest
Yesterday I cleaned up some of the front yard. Emptied the worm compost bin. Sifted the compost.
Today we rebuilt the worm bins to compost new material. Spread all the chopped yard waste from yesterday onto my larger garden bed and covered that with the remaining partially finished worm bin contents. That was then covered with about 15 gallons of finished worm compost. Everything should mostly compost down by planting time next year.
Today we rebuilt the worm bins to compost new material. Spread all the chopped yard waste from yesterday onto my larger garden bed and covered that with the remaining partially finished worm bin contents. That was then covered with about 15 gallons of finished worm compost. Everything should mostly compost down by planting time next year.
Still to hot to plant here (mid-90s) although it is suppose to start cooling off on Friday...
We ate off the pork roast I made for 3 days, so this morning we vacuum packed 3 more meals & then turned the remainder of it into a hearty vegetable soup that we will also vacuum pack for later use.
Cleaned the aerators on all the faucets.
We ate off the pork roast I made for 3 days, so this morning we vacuum packed 3 more meals & then turned the remainder of it into a hearty vegetable soup that we will also vacuum pack for later use.
Cleaned the aerators on all the faucets.
Watered everything, including the garden.
Fed cattle.
Refilled the hummingbird feeders (looks like another mini wave is coming in).
Trimmed the trees in the front.
Fed cattle.
Refilled the hummingbird feeders (looks like another mini wave is coming in).
Trimmed the trees in the front.