GenAcres Homestead

  Chicken feed isn't cheep! Luckily, there are some ways you can reduce your bagged chicken feed bill. Feeding your hens food scraps from your leftover meals is certainly one. But for putting a bigger dent in that feed bill, grow some healthy feed alternatives right there in your backyard or homestead. Herbs are a wonderful choice to grow for your chickens. Not only do chickens like to eat many different herbs, but most herbs have some other uses you may want to try in the chicken coop and run.                  Why Feed Chickens Basil? Basil is a nutritionally-dense herb that is high in plant protein. Basil has antibacterial properties and a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and immune system boosting antioxidants. Basil supports a strong immune system and aids in improving digestion, which is very important for chicken health. Basil promotes mucus membrane and respiratory system health. This is important for chickens because they are particularly susceptible to respiratory issue

Growing Bell Peppers Seed to Table The biggest reason that I take the time to grow my bell peppers from seed is, well, money.  

   Summer Care for Hosta Plants Summer, especially late summer, can be tough on hostas.  Their fresh spring appearance starts to fade under the hotter sun.  There are some things you can do, though, to keep your hostas looking beautiful and fresh longer into the summer season.

Signs Your Hosta Plant is Water Stressed Hostas are well known as easy-care perennials.  The fact that they come in such a variety of sizes, colors and leaf shapes is just one more reason why hostas remain one of the most popular perennials for shady and part sunny gardens. One of the most important ways, if not THE most important way, of keeping your hostas healthy and beautiful is simple -- water.  

  Parsley is a tender herb with soft stems and leaves.  It is popular for many reasons including its variety of uses, vitamin content and its ability to grow and give you a flavorful harvest even after a light snowfall.  Parsley has a light, peppery flavor that complements other seasonings. Great Herb to grow for your Hens! Parsley is the perfect addition to your chickens diet as it is rich in vitamins, promotes circulatory system development, and is a strong stimulate for laying.  While they may not take to it at first, there are a few different ways you can incorporate parsley into your girls diet. Adding it fresh and chopped up to their layer feed is the best and easiest option (they will hardly even tell!) or you can try leaving a pot in the run for them to peck at the leaves, or scattered around the coop-it’s all down to your chickens preference! Parsley is high in nutrients and vitamins and can help with blood vessel development.  You can feed chickens parsley fresh or add it to

Use of Epsom Salt on Hostas! Hostas continue to be one of the most popular perennials in shady and party shady gardens. It's no wonder. Hostas are easy to grow and care for, they don't require a lot of special attention and they come in a vast array of sizes, shapes, and great leaf colors.

Spring Care for Hosta Plants After a long, dreary winter, Springtime in the hosta garden seems like a magical time.  The hostas are sprouting their gorgeous green tips signaling the beginning of another great gardening season! Keep your hostas looking happy and healthy with these seasonal reminders and care tips for Spring!