“What can chickens eat?” is one of the first things to know about raising healthy backyard chickens. Raising chickens in your backyard can be a fulfilling experience, not only for the fresh eggs but also for the joy they bring as pets. Whether you are raising Rhode Island Reds, Lavender Orpingtons, or Leghorns, you need to know what to feed them. That's because one of the key aspects of keeping chickens happy and healthy is offering them a balanced diet. But what exactly can chickens eat? If you're a backyard chicken keeper, this guide is for you. The Basics of What Chickens Can Eat: Commercial Chicken Feed Start with a foundation of commercial chicken feed. This feed is designed to offer a complete and balanced diet, including all essential nutrients for layers or broilers. There are three basic types of chicken feed, based upon the age of the bird. Starter Feed for Chicks Baby chicks need a food with a higher protein content for growth. These starter feeds provide … [Read more...] about What Can Chickens Eat?
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How to Grow Swiss Chard
Grow Swiss chard in your garden and enjoy fresh greens throughout the summer. Swiss chard is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be grown easily in a home garden. With its colorful stems and large, tender leaves, Swiss chard is a delicious and beautiful addition to any garden. This versatile plant can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and stir-fries. Here are some tips on how to grow Swiss chard, along with descriptions of some popular varieties. Grow Swiss Chard: Introduction Swiss chard can be grown in most regions and is best planted in the spring or fall. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Swiss chard can be grown in full sun or partial shade, but it does best with at least six hours of sunlight per day. To plant Swiss chard, sow seeds directly into the soil, about ½ inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water gently. Swiss chard seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days, depending on … [Read more...] about How to Grow Swiss Chard
How to Grow Sunflowers
How to Grow Sunflowers: Classic Sunflowers and Popular Varieties. Sunflowers are well-loved flowers that bloom all summer. Their cheerful faces brighten the garden. They come in different colors from traditional sunny yellow to dark shades of ruby and claret red. And other varieties can also come in orange, gold, and brownish tones. Sunflowers are drought tolerant, resistant to pests, and attractive to pollinators and birds. Their large flowers make beautiful bouquets, and their seeds are a great source of food for birds and people. So, if you have considered growing sunflowers in your garden, we have growing and care tips that will keep your sunflowers healthy and strong. Types of Sunflowers The classic sunflower goes by the botanical name of Helianthus annuus. The petals are bright yellow, and the large circular center (where the seeds form) is dark brown. There are many varieties (or cultivars) of this classic sunflower. These include mammoth sunflower, Helianthus … [Read more...] about How to Grow Sunflowers
7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
Do you have plants for winter interest in your yard? If not, your landscape suffers from the winter blahs. When the cold season arrives and leaves drop from the trees and bushes, there is no winter interest. There’s simply nothing to catch your eye during winter season. “Most homeowners buy plants that are full of life and color in the spring and summer,” said Jeff Dinslage, president of Nature Hills Nursery. “But these plants go dormant and look lifeless in the colder months.” Dinslage points out that many attractive plants look great during the growing season. Plus, they add much-needed color and winter interest during the coldest months of the year. Here are 7 of his favorite plants for adding color and texture to the landscape during winter. Home Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) for sales generated from the links in this story. Thanks so much for supporting this website! Trees Can Be Plants for Winter Interest Evergreen conifers … [Read more...] about 7 Plants for Winter Interest and Year-Long Appeal
