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    Free 2013 Bird Calendar from USDA

    I don't believe it - I ordered these calendars last Sunday, and they came in the mail today! And, I ended up getting 4 altogether. The first time I tried ordering, I didn't get a confirmation so I thought it didn't work - so, I ordered again using a different name but same address and got the...
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    Free 2013 Bird Calendar from USDA

    Hmm, didn't get that message - don't know how to help. That site sure seems difficult to work with. And it's our taxes funding it.
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    Free 2013 Bird Calendar from USDA

    Anyone else have any luck in getting calendars ordered?
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    Free 2013 Bird Calendar from USDA

    The USDA is again offering it's free bird calendar called Backyard Biosecurity: Keeping Your Birds Healthy and it's filled with beautiful color photographs of birds. I found it somewhat difficult to get it ordered though, so I've posted instructions here...
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    My Best Weeding Investment - Torch

    :lau :gig :lau :lau
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    My Best Weeding Investment - Torch

    Gardentoad, it seems like it would keep the weeds down a lot longer along fence lines - I just used it for that yesterday. Using it between pavers and the driveway as lesa suggests is a good idea too, hadn't even thought of that one yet.
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    My Best Weeding Investment - Torch

    I found the torch shown below at Harbor Freight, and I think it's the best weeding investment I've ever made. I was able to torch the weeds on a good size bank in under an hour and plant Ivy immediately afterwards. There's a little more on that story here...
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    2012 Spring Seed Starting & Planting Schedule

    I've updated our annual spring seed starting and planting schedule, and put a downloadable template that can be modified here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2012/02/26/making-2012s-seed-starting-planting-schedule-wdownloadable-template/ The one I do is for zone 5B, but the template can...
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    anyone else get their first catalog of the season?

    Our Baker Creek catalog came today :thumbsup I really love their catalog!
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    How long can I keep carrots in the garden?

    Not only will they stay fresh a lot longer stored in the ground, many will develop a sweeter flavor if overwintered in the ground.
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    anyone else get their first catalog of the season?

    That means my Baker Creek catalog can't be far behind :clap
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    anyone else get their first catalog of the season?

    In case anyone feels the need to sign up for a few new catalogs, I just posted links to my favorites here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2011/11/30/free-garden-seed-catalogs/ They're all GMO-free, mostly open-pollinated seed supply places and the Baker Creek catalog is always beautiful. :clap
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    soil blocks for seed starting?

    I did a pretty long blog post on what they were and the benefits of using them here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2011/03/20/soil-blocks-for-starting-transplants/ Hopefully, that will answer any questions but if not, ask away.............:)
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    Vanilla Extract...

    I used the Madagascar beans, they're supposed to be superior for making vanilla extract. I referenced a bulk supplier in the post link above, I believe it was Beanilla for bulk buying of vanilla beans. Not sure if it's the best place to buy the beans but you might want to check it out. :)
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    soil blocks for seed starting?

    The blocks hold up amazingly well, even after watering - it's really surprising how well they hold together. It may have something to do with the soil mix......The recipe for the soil mix(es) for use with the soil blocks is here...
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    soil blocks for seed starting?

    I did use them last year and had the best tomato, pepper, eggplant, etc., etc. transplants that I've ever had in my life! They grew very quickly, were super stocky (not spindly), and there was no root girdling. I'm definitely going to be using them again this coming year. One thing I did...
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    Vanilla Extract...

    There are instructions for making vanilla extract posted at my website if anyone wants more detailed information: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2010/04/15/vanilla-extract/ It is pretty easy to do though and does make a great gift for any bakers on your gift list this season :thumbsup
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    Rotation??

    I think it's very important to rotate if possible, both because of nutrients and bugs/disease. There's a description of the simple system I use here: http://www.betterhensandgardens.com/2010/04/04/garden-crop-rotation-a-simple-system/ I find it really important not to have the nightshades...
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