Category: Winter

Poor Man’s Fertilizer: The Power of Snow

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Poor Man’s Fertilizer

The term “Poor Man’s Fertilizer” actually refers to snowfall, especially an early spring snow. 

The old farming phrase “Poor Man’s Fertilizer” refers not to rain, but to snowfall, particularly that light blanket of snow that falls in late winter or early spring. While it might look like just a pretty dusting, it’s actually delivering a quiet gift to the soil.

Here’s why snow got this nickname:

• Nitrogen Boost: As snow falls, it captures nitrogen from the atmosphere. When that snow melts, the nitrogen is released into the soil — giving plants a free, natural nutrient boost.

• Slow Release Moisture: Unlike rain, snow melts gradually, seeping moisture into the ground more evenly. This helps prevent runoff and erosion.

• Soil Insulation: Snow acts as a thermal blanket, protecting dormant plants and microbial life from harsh temperature swings and deep freezes.

• Cost-Free Fertilizer: For farmers who couldn’t afford store-bought fertilizers, a good snowfall was a welcome and valuable natural aid — hence the name.

So next time you see snow falling in March or April, don’t just grumble — it might just be doing your soil a favor. 


Recommending Reading…

Roscoe and Maple Working as Dog Team for First Time

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Roscoe and Maole pulling the Toboggan for the firt time.

I’ve never had a real Dog Sled, or Team, but always dreamed about it! I’ve been able to train Roscoe to help me pull feed and water for the animals on the toboggan. Roscoe also helps me haul and bring in Firewood. Imagine what we can do when Maple and Roscoe really get things worked out, and we can do even more!  Not sure I’ll ever run the Iditarod, which was one of my somewhat wistful dreams, but together we can accomplish great things! 

Watch this video to see what a good job they did today…

It’s also so nice to see Maple and Roscoe enjoying themselves outside. Maple has only been with us about 5 weeks. She’s come so far! When she come she suffered from separation anxiety and was super hyper. She definitely still has room for improvement, but she’s come so far! She’s settled down, a lot. She’s learning to listen, and lay down when it’s time, and respond when it’s appropriate! Looking forward to see what Maple and Roscoe do in the days to come! 


Recommended Reading from the Brain Hurlburt Bookshop: 

Book: The Fine Madness of Running the Iditarod

mmm

 

Our Goats are Looking for Your Christmas Tree-Eats

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Goats enjoy eating Christmas trees, and the trees provide a natural, nutritious treat. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to discard your Christmas tree please remember our goats. Please call Brian at 902-907-0770. 

Benefits for Goats:

1.Rich in Vitamins: needles are high in Vitamin C and other nutrients.

2.Natural Dewormer: Some types may help with parasite control.

3.Entertainment: Climbing on and nibbling the tree keeps goats engaged.

Guidelines:

•Check for Chemicals: Only untreated trees (no pesticides, paint, or fire retardants) are safe for goats.

•Remove Decorations: All ornaments, hooks, tinsel, and lights must be removed.

•Safe Tree Types: Fir, spruce, and pine are generally safe. Avoid yew, as it’s toxic.

We’re located at Briden Farm, in Bear River, Nova Scotia. Since we’re difficult to find and somewhat isolated at the time of Year, We’ve made arrangements and for Your convenience, Trees may be dropped off beside the Barn at 6907 Sissiboo Road, Bear River, Nova Scotia, B0S1B0. Or call Brian at 902-907-0770 for possible pickup. 

Would you like help finding a local farm that accepts Christmas trees? If you’re not in the Bear River area, but have trees, please let us know and we’ll try to connect you with a local homestead or farm. If You’re a Homesteader, or Farmer, who’d like Trees, please let us know. 

Thanks in Advance, Happy New Year! 


Book: Raising Goats Naturally, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Milk, Meat, and More (Revised & Expanded)
Deborah Niemann (Author)
 

It’s Going to Be a White Christmas

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22 December 2024

It’s a beautiful Winter Wonderland out there, and while it adds it’s own challenges to getting around and getting chores done, it’s still beautiful and the animals really don’t seem to mind. 

The Weather Forecast is saying it’s a 100% of a White Christmas! Which brings this ole song to mind…

I love this ole song, and I guess if we can’t change then we have to accept this white stuff! Right?

Merry Christmas


Timeless Goodness 

A Friend of the Family since 1889