Fertilized Naturally

We have a lot of trees all over the farm. Everytime we rest a range, that is when we are able to appreciate an area and walk all over, as there are no chicken fences to keep us off :(

It is then that we get to see the development of the trees in that area. Look at how robust and healthy they are!

Guess what fertilized them? The ranging Sunshines' droppings :)

My Dampa

Who hasn't been to Dampa? The strips of wetmarket, where you point to what you want and it is cooked for you.

Better for me...it is pointed while still in the plant, picked off fresh, and steamed for a few minutes. Even our drinking water! It is taken from the well and boiled. By the time we are done with breakfast, we are able to drink warm water to wash it down.

We went home to Isabela, amidst reports of calamity area because of the drought. True it is soooo hot here. But, because of natural farming and open housing and free ranging chickens...we are OK!

More so that we encourage everyone to grow your own food. You can do it in containers in your backyard, frontyard, rooftops or hang containers in walls. That way, whatever flood, power outages or whatever comes our way...you may atl east feed yourselves.

Go back to basics :)

FarmVille On Real

For those with Facebook accounts, am sure you know what Farmville is. Everyone is at it...ok...almost everyone.

For us FBers who are real farmers, we watch with awe. If the zeal and passion you guys have in planting, harvesting and helping your cyber neighbors are translated into the real world...WOW, we will not be hungry and we will not need the imports.

Agriculture is what we should fall back on. Food is basic. No, we are not saying that we should ALL go into farming....we need a balance. But as of now, agriculture is looked down on and that maybe the reason that a lot of people may have the passion for it, but are discouraged by society. Tsk tsk tsk

When tending to Sunshines, we get a lot of feedback that it brings bonding to family members.

Hahahhahahha...same with Farmville. I know of some couples who are hardly on speaking terms, moreso not on one another's Facebook account as friends. But because of Farmville, the need to have neighbors to stay up on the game...they included one another and now help each other tend their plots.

It even made me peep at Farmville for the first time today. Cute, colorful, enticing....I didn't want to start on this now. I have heard how some people do wake up at dawn to harvest their crops in cyberland. I have a real farm that keeps us busy! Take the trip with us :)

As my FB status earlier said " Go eat Healthy! Grow your own food...or buy from us :)"

Planting Trees

Five (5) yrs ago, we developed an area of 1hectare. First we did was dig half of the property to elevate the other half. It used to be a ricefield and the area was soggy. So to get dry land fast, we made the property higher. The soil we got from the dug up area went to the half that we planted with trees. We were prepared to be patient as the the soil was wasted and overused. We agreed to let the land rejuvenate on its own.

The holes were made into fishponds. We also plan to build poultry buildings on top so we can have more sustainability. Waste from the poultry can feed the fishes.

Now at 5yrs old, we have productive fruit trees. We harvest vegetables. Fish is fresh. Our table is almost filled by our farm.

No spraying of chemicals here. Our mango trees have started to flower...and we will keep it that way til fruiting....naturally. Grow your own food!

Expansion

Made a quick trip to Isabela to assess movements of ranging areas in farm.

Our present location of 1 hectare for chickens is now old and has to be left for a while to rest....we mean really rest. Not just rest for 2months but like deep massage and laser treatments :) With all the fertilizers that the Sunshines have scattered there for about 2yrs now, our caretaker is raking and allowing the land to aerate and breathe.... uuhhmmmmmmm....

We are acquiring a similar area right beside us. Since we have shades and trees in our present location, we can build houses and ranges asap, like a back to back to our present set up.

Today, another 3 hectares have been acquired about two (2) stones throw away. Near but far, perfect. This will take time and planning as we want to build canals around and within...to make small fishponds and default barriers amongst ranges. Planting live fence all around for wind breakers. Installing the combat wire we have taken down from Fairview. When the combat wires are laid on the perimeter, soon after grass will grow around it, and not even cattle can push it down.

Meantime, planning and developing takes time....just like why we like our chickens...slow developed and full bodied taste. Planting materials to be gathered for live fence, and fruit trees that will keep us busy as we get older. Of course, vegetable plots for the food we grow ourselves.

Does It Pester?

We grow our own food. Much like the majority, we don't have greenhouses to protect them from insects. Chemicals are a booboo...so we get great vegetables. It takes care to produce anything worth your while.

Complete with some dimples, incidental insects and pests....they are washables and ready to eat raw.

The ones you don't care to wash nor partake of....your Sunshines will be hovering around you to give to them!

Be wary of perfect looking ones...they may have been dipped in pesticides even as buds :( Try playing with worms around the veggies. Instinct tells the worms to run the other way, to save themselves from the chemicals.

Know What You Are Eating

Dinner last night was so good...why?

1) Sweetest and juiciest Atis. Those large, eyes.

2) The Guayabano was firm when sliced. Picked with a fork to eat and they gush out with the perfect sweet sour blend. They come up with the fork, with no resistance, yet firm and not smudgy.

3) How can you not know that you will get your needed fill of fiber in this Pechay? This is just a one bunch, or do I say a plant or a whole Pechay? You hold it in your hand like a bouquet..its that pretty because fresh and succulent wehehehehh. I just wishy washied it under tap water, more like a shower for dust in my hands. Tenderly tore it into like 5 pcs from stalk to tip of leaf. You can hear it crunchilyy tear...that fresh. Used my microwaveable dish and set it on high for 2mins. Voila, perfectly steamed Pechay! I had to steam another whole plant as the moment the 1st one peeped out of the door, you knew it was a goner.


So why is it the best? We grew it. In our own farm. No pesticides, no chemicals. You can't compare. Picked off the tree, plants or soil...you get the sweetness of freshness...and the juice...ohhhhhhhh

I hope to get another harvest for tonight.

Clear The Way

New batches required new ranging areas. Also, segregation areas are in order because we have to separate sizes for Sunny and the vacuum packed dressed chickens.

Areas nearer to the entrance had to be cleared. Easier to shove them in crates and to carry them to the truck, even when parked by the roadside.

Life has to be easier for caretaker, driver...so clear the way for new netted plots that will act as holding areas. Accessible for me too, rather than walk all the way just to check on tomorrow's harvest.

Cleaning and clearing. You have an image of open space....allowing the grass, soil, insects and even the worms to breathe fresher air. Hidden in the ground are treasures. No chemicals, just good everything....I repeat...grow your own food :)

See what we found!

All young, short trees, giving us fruits. No commercial fertilizers used. Bear in mind, we do range rotations and so our areas are fertile from the compost rice hull and chicken manure.

Chokonan Mangoes....best when eaten green


Sweet Santol
Delicately flavored Atis....sarap
Because of these, I asked help to clean, clear and discard from cupboards and rarely used cabinets at home. I might just find some treasures....stowed and forgotten.

But then, things kept and forgotten are not that essential for you. Better to be given to someone who needs it

YM About Growing In The City

Someone messaged me yesterday, inquiring about raising Sunshines in the city.

Presuming you live in a residential area....I will say "Yes", if you were to grow your own food. Meaning, if your family consumes about 15 chickens a month, then ok, raise them in the city.

Not that they have foul odor, but do you have a large ranging area in your urban home? Presuming again no area. Supplementing with grains, you may give them your fruit and vegetable trimmings. Your neighbors might be happy that you will rid them of garbage too, if you got their kitchen trimmings.

Before long, your neighborhood might be envious and will want to grow their own food. Then, it may be a cooperative effort on a nearby empty plot.

Good luck..this may even turn to a business venture in the block.