Tag: homestead

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Ölandsk Dwarf

Ölandsk Dwarf
Ölandsk Dwarf

The Ölandsk Dwarf is an amazing little bird! Originating from the islands of Öland in Sweden, their genetics are debated but the thing we do know, for sure – they are a landrace breed that has naturally reproduced only bringing forward the best, most adaptable, most utilitarian traits. Greenfire Farms graced the US by importing this breed twice over to keep genetics clean.

Ölandsk Dwarves are one of the smallest, regularly-laying breeds available which makes them ideally suited to any homestead worldwide! They average about 200 eggs a year and only take a short break between fall and winter before laying once more – without supplemental light! They are categorically “small” eggs but the Ölandsk Dwarf lays so well that you can easily use two eggs and it’s just right.

These birds are equally at-home confined to a coop and enclosed run as they are free-ranging the wide-open. They have a great ability to fly and they are all quite wary of predators – both roo and hen alike! Ölandsk Dwarves are amazing foragers, too. They do need supplemental feed, even if free-ranging, but can do well nearly sustaining off of forage. They are excellent de-buggers and their small size means less damage to the garden! Keep in mind, though, they are tenacious when they sense a snack!

Ölandsk Dwarf Broodiness

Online reports vary regarding how well the Ölandsk Dwarf mothers but my personal experience, with my flock and genetics is they are phenomenal mothers! We have a partnered pair of hens we call Thelma and Louise. They are currently raising their second clutch this year. We do not do any incubation (unless there is a medical need) and between Thelma, Louise, and Cauliflower they’ve hatched out 6 chicks this year (2024) alone. Cauliflower ran the daycare during the first round and was ultimately caring for 9 babies herself. I seem to be the in the minority experiencing the Ölandsk Dwarf being not only good at hatching, but also in mothering – but I suppose this is more reason to choose Heart & Soil genetics!

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Stinging Nettle

Much More Than a Burning Nuisance

Urtica dioica, commonly known as the stinging nettle, is a misunderstood species of perennial herb. Native to Europe and much of North America and commonly found along roadways, in empty lots, and near rivers and streams; it is well-known to many people for the small hair-like structures lining the leaves and stem, which inflict a painful sting and itchy rash when it comes into contact with skin. But this so called “nuance of a plant” that grows like a “weed” is actually one of the most nutritious, wild plants in existence. Urtica dioica has been used for centuries as a dye, to weave cloth, for its medicinal properties and as a delicious and nourishing edible green.

For a much deeper dive, please check out: https://blog.ncascades.org/naturalist-notes/two-burning-houses-a-natural-history-of-stinging-nettle/

Uses

In the Garden

  • Steeping nettle in a container of water makes a fantastic, nutrient-rich fertilizer with good levels of nitrogen, magnesium, and calcium. Additionally, those pesky hairs become a benefit providing bio-available silica. This is a great way to make use of the woody, fibrous bits that aren’t as tasty.
    • Hacking down the aggressive grower and using it as a green mulch around your gardens is another way to leverage and benefit from its substantial biomass.

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Horsetail Garden Potions

2 cups fresh horsetail (1 cup dried)
10 cups water

Bring to a rolling and vigorous boil then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. As the potion cools, it will start smelling…funky. It’s best to do all this – or at least let it cool – outdoors.

If you find your plants are lacking silica (common in tomatoes and peppers), a soil drench or foliar spray of 1 part horsetail “tea” and 4 parts water should serve you well!

Mind the silica in the horsetail. It’s very similar to fiberglass insulation and can cause irritation in those of us that are softer-skinned. It’s recommended to wear gloves when handling any variety of horsetail; especially when it’s dried!

For some more information about this topic, its multitude of uses and a plethora of other homesteading deep-dives, please check out the MOFGA resource: https://www.mofga.org/resources/health/horsetails/

To purchase organic, hand-picked horsetail dried, or fresh, please click here: https://heartandsoilstead.com/shop/organic-horsetail-dried