The Battle Continues

I have never had to fight so hard for a crop. Between moths, rabbits, squirrels, chickens and disease it has been a real fight. I have probably lost more than I harvested. And as God is my witness I WILL get tomatoes, corn and pumpkin.

The corn in a cage is doing well. Very well. It was the third try. Same with pumpkins. Now on the third go 'round. I built a special box for it that allows it to climb because lord knows if the pumpkins are along the ground they won't have a chance.

For this I am using tulle, moth balls, cayenne and chicken wire. Wish me luck.

 The chickens are hell on squashes. They do not seem interested in the tomato plants but LOVE squash. After I put up the box and before I filled it, the chickens all jumped up on it and used it as a perch. Hence the chicken wire. I am hoping it will discourage squirrels too. I read that moth balls keep squirrels away but I don't know if they read the same thing.

 Lap chicken

 

Chickens facing off. Blacky wins. Always.

Best chicken picture ever. 

This one was taken by Don Boomer, who is a pro so there you are.

If I had a gun and knew how to use it I would happily sit quietly and pick off squirrels as sport. Today one came into the paddock while I was sitting quietly. I let it get to the chicken scratch and then I jumped up and growled loudly. Have not seen them since.

The tack room now smells of moth balls which harkens me back to my grandmother Matthews' home. Love the smell. Hope the squirrels don't.

 

Hoping to have beans (also third try) and squash climb over the arches.

 

An example of the scorched earth method the wildlife leaves behind. 

And this is but a small sample