Building a Hobby Farm- from woods to eggs

[scgargoyle]

It's surprising how much your place looks like Tony's, although the mountains (and snow!) are a bit smaller. Beautiful!

 

[tony123]

tuolumne, your place is gorgeous! Like gargoyle said, our places do have similarities. The slopes are similar, setting of the house below the road, trees, mountains behind the house. Thanks for the photo.

 

[Tororider]

Tony,
Have you tried using the post hole digger yet? I have thought about trying to find one used and will be interested to see how useful you find it.

Thought about chickens yet?

 

[tony123]

We got out as a family yesterday and planted our first vegetables. We put out Spinach, Beets and Carrots from seed, and white, yellow and purple onions from buttons. We've got 16' of spinach, 8' of beets, 32' of carrots and 16' of each of the three onions.

We divided the width of the bed into two mounds about 24" apart. Then most things are in a double row on each mound.

We also pinned the soaker hose across all the mounds. This is after running for about a half hour. I stuck my finger in and it was soaked down at least 6" and my guess is 12" or so.

Also notice my rodent security system is in full operation!

 

[tony123]

We also started to work on the fence. Didn't get far though....on my first hole, I goofed up and let the bit sink itself all the down (3')! It got stuck and I had to unhook from the tractor.

Now I've got a bit stuck in the ground. Any suggestions on how to get it out? I had a metal rod that fit in the holes and I thought I might could spin it out backwards....the rod just bent. I'm afraid I'm going to have to dig it out with a shovel...

 

[3RRL]

Tony,
Some guys use a giant pipe wrench for that.
Otherwise, digging it out will work for sure. It's best to dig a little at a time and lift up the 3pt to clear the dirt, then dig deeper.

I was just checking your thread from the beginning and am amazed at the progress you've made during that time.
Great thread!

 

[tony123]

Thanks Rob, but I don't feel like I'm making much progress. I suppose its satisfactory for having the little rug rats around and working through the winter. The pace should quicken here with spring upon us.

I don't have a large pipe wrench. Why don't they put a reverse gear on the PTO?

I dug around at it briefly this evening. It is wrapped up in two good roots about 2" diameter a piece. I'll saw those out and then dig a bit....I think she'll slide out then.

When people say they know what the proper proceedures for things, it is usually due to experience. I'm getting mine. I will not let the bit pull itself in again. I'll keep the hydraulics high enough that it can't pull itself in like that, and just bump it down slowly, only when I can clearly tell that it is a clean hole.

 

[easygo]

Tony,
I think you are making progress for sure. That garden is going to look pretty good in a couple of months and then it's really going to feel like progress.

Thank you for posting about the misshap with the PHD. I'm in the justify it phase of a future digger purchase. I hear about them getting stuck in roots or rocks. What happened to you though, that is something I have not read about. I mean, that it can sink itself into the soft ground just like a screw goes into wood. No pun or funny reference intended with the wood part.
I learn something new every day here.

 

[UpstateSC_Papi]

Tony! WOW!!

First off - sorry to hear about all of you down with the flu. All better now I hope!

PHD - I have no words of wisdom as I've only used mine for 50+ holes for trees and that was in open land so had no issues. Hate that it happened to you, but it taught me something! Good luck getting it out, we know you will!

Garden - Wow! I hope to have a little place planted when we get settled, probably try it in '09. Your place - wow! I guess this means coffee AND dinner!!

Quote - "I stuck my finger in and it was soaked down at least 6"..."

DUDE! How big are your hands?!?!?!

Lastly - Your family is beautiful! And so helpful! Hmmm... what am I doing wrong? HA!

Michael

 

[tony123]

Easygo, I think you're right. When I start seeing some GREEN, that will go a long ways to making me feel like I've done something. And yes, it went in just like a screw into wood....and fast!

Michael, it always pumps me up to hear kind words about my family. Photos make them seem quieter and well behaved. You need to see them in full motion. They aren't nearly as cooperative as they seem. But hey, they're only 3, so 10 minutes of focus is alot to expect.

I'm a bit concerned about the PHD, as the whole area was trees just 6 months ago, and the holes are all going to present challenges with roots.

Hahahaha...my hands aren't that big, but since you asked I went and measured them. If I stick my hand in the soil up to the middle of my palm, it is 6". So its more than a finger. Before you get scared off.....there will be no more body part measurements on this thread.