GenAcres Homestead

  The perennial shrub, Thyme, certainly deserves a place in every herb garden.  Not only is it one of the most useful plants in the kitchen, but it also has attractive foliage, long-lasting flowers and it's an easy-to-care-for compact plant.  English Thyme is used most often in cooking. Types of culinary Thyme include Thymus Vulgaris, also referred to as Common Thyme, and include summer, winter, and French Thyme.  Why Feed Thyme to your Chickens Thyme is one of the best herbs to add to your chicken feed for aiding in the respiratory health of your chickens. Thyme also has antibiotic and antibacterial properties, along with being a natural system to boost their immune system. You can provide it to your flock with Thyme by giving it to them fresh so they can eat it when they choose, or you can add the dried herb to their feed. Another great way to use Thyme is in their dust baths where they can benefit from the essential oils in the plants. Starting Thyme From Seed Thyme seeds are di

    WINTER SOWING 101 What is it and Why is it So Popular? In a nutshell, winter sowing, or winter seed sowing, is sowing seeds indoors in the winter in mini greenhouse-like containers, like milk jugs or other recycled containers, and setting the containers outside in the winter elements until Mother Nature germinates the seeds in the spring.  That basically is the winter sowing method.

GROWING ARUGULA FOR CHICKENS! Chicken feed isn't cheep!  Luckily, there are some ways that 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. Most greens are a wonderful choice to grow for your chickens.  Why Feed Arugula to Chickens? Arugula is quite good for chickens.  In fact, it is superior to many other leafy vegetables thanks to its abundance of vitamins and minerals all of which can help chickens thrive. Arugula is commonly classified as a superfood among other leafy vegetables and is packed with a ton of nutrition, both in  vitamin and mineral form. Arugula contains a phenomenal amount of vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, vitamin A equivalent, and beta-carotene, and it still contains a respectable amount of vitamins B2, B6, and vitamin E. The leaves of Arugula will grow a rosette about

  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.