Rolon Hills Homestead

11/25/2024

https://www.tiktok.com/?_t=8rhQtEp6Gj8&_r=1

We've been on TikTok for a while, but haven't really posted anything. But if you are on TikTok we'd love to have you following us!!

Thanks for your support!!

10 Followers, 29 Following, 1 Likes - Watch awesome short videos created by Rolonhills

11/25/2024

Sorry we haven't been very active on the farm page! Lots of things going on health-wise, so we will post when we can. Until then, enjoy our (seasonal pics) for now. . .

Summer 2024. . .

09/27/2024

Hi All, just wanted to let you know, yes we are still here. It's been a pretty rough summer for us, health issues, losses of several friends, family and loved ones, an unexpected trip (last minute $$$), uncooperative weather, garden flooding, and many other unexpected twists and turns. This spring we had some high hopes set, but all went downhill pretty fast. We will be pulling back quite a bit here at the homestead. But we won't disappear. We will try to update at least 1x/month. But we are not going to be posting anywhere near as much as we used to. Our plans have had to change with all the craziness this summer bought. Thank you for sticking by us through this rough patch!

07/01/2024

The little have been separated from their mommas and are now in the grow out pens.

We have 10 available for new homes (or freezer camp) for anyone interested. There are 6 boys and 4 girls up for grabs. Hoping to have another round later in the year, hoping for October or November.

Let us know if you are interested in any of the hoppers!

06/28/2024

As promised, today I am going to show you a few of the benefits of Bunny Berries (rabbit manure).

Benefit #1: In these pics, where the plants look really green and lush, we put rabbit manure (Bunny Berries) before planting. They look really great, strong and growing healthy!

However, where the plants are small and pale looking, there is little to no Bunny Berries.

Good news is - this week as I was working in the garden, I noticed this. So I decided to "fertilize" the poor looking plants with the rabbit manure, so I will be posting updates in the next few weeks as to how the poor plants are doing.

Benefit #2: I can put the Bunny Berries right on top of the plant (top dress) without disturbing the already fragile roots. We can use the manure without composting it, as it is a "Cold Manure". As the rain falls or we water the garden, it will put the nutrients right into the soil as needed. PLUS - if this were currently at an edible state - we could use the produce without wait time. Generally when you apply animal fertilizer, it is highly recommended that you wait 120ish days, before using the produce.

Benefit #3: IT DOESN'T SMELL!!!

Those are just 3 benefits, there are even more benefits!

If you find that you just "GOTTA GET SOME" - feel free to contact us - or check out my friend Melanie's farm - Lazy Dirt Wildflower Farm. She has a few bags already available. She has a farm in Mexico plus she is at the Pulaski Farmer's Market every Friday with some! While there - be sure to check out her native plants that pollinators love!

Good luck with your gardens - and as always, we are here to help wherever we can!

Stay tuned for updates!!

06/26/2024

First harvest of 2024!! Several herbs, and salad greens! Going to make a sandwich with all those greens and I plan to dry the herbs for use later.

Have you gotten your first harvest of 2024 yet? Post some pics - let's see all your hard work!

06/21/2024

Can't remember when our last post was, but we had several 'visitors" on the farm, as well as several things going on!! The garden is growing well, despite the hot temps. Chickens are still laying, again despite the temps. The bunnies have been weaned! They are set for new homes. We are also selling"Bunny Berries" (Rabbit Manure). This is excellent for your garden!!! Stay tuned for more details in our awesome "Bunny Berries"

05/08/2024

Time for all of us to learn the same skills!!

Phew, it has been a couple of busy weeks here at the homestead. Haven't been able to keep up with the posts. Of course now that warmer weather, and planting season is here there probably won't be as many posts - but Ill try to put something up at least once or twice a week.

Please keep sharing our posts, inviting friends to follow our page, and commenting on our posts!

As always if at any point in time, you have any questions, or concerns, don't hesitate to message us!!

04/24/2024

What's Up Wednesday . . . Take Two

Spent some time cleaning out the "winter kill" from our perennial herbs, since we had some nice days recently. Looks like there may be a few that DID make it! I think I will be doing some splitting and replanting. I'll let you what I have; if you are interested PM me!

Honestly - I'm very surprised about the parsley, I really didn't think it would come back up, but it did!

04/24/2024

What's Up Wednesday . . .

Already getting set for our next batch of BYM Chicks (Back Yard Mix).

Clean incubator, and collecting eggs. We are hoping to have another batch ready by May 20th or so.

Our BYM consist of Americana/Easter Egger and Australorp (roosters) combined with any of the following (hens): Copper Maran, Isa Brown, White S*x Link,, Barred Rock, White Rock, Wyandotte, Australorp, Barnevelder.

Yes they are available! However - before asking how much - remember batch of 6 is required!!

PM for more info.

04/23/2024

How to . . .

Get your brooder set for your new babies (chicks that is!).

1. Make sure you have a waterproof, predator proof box (we use an 18 gallon tote for the first two weeks, and then increase size as needed).

2. Be sure to have a heat source. Recently some people have been concerned with using heat lamps (understandable - they do get hot and can be dangerous if you haven't used them before). Some stores offer a heat plate, we haven't used one yet, but we may end of getting one so we can do a review and let your know our thoughts.

3. Make sure your brooder is between 85-90 degrees before putting your chicks in. For the first two weeks, they need to be kept warm until their "fluff" becomes feathers.

4. Make sure you put proper bedding into the brooder (we use flake shavings - because the chicks wont eat them). A clean waterer and feeder (obviously feed as well).

5. If you chose to do so, make sure you have a riser for the waterer. We use just a bucket lid for the indoor brooder, and later a small landscaping brick for the outside brooder. We choose to use a riser so they don't get the pine shavings in their water as much. Chicks instinctively start scratching within a few day of hatching.

6. Once the brooder is warm, the bedding is in, and the feeder and waterer are filled, then you can place the chicks in the brooder. *** Be sure to dip their beaks in the waterer - GENTLY - so they know #1 how to drink, and #2 where the water is, If you like you can do the same with the food, but they will smell that.

7. Be sure to check on the chicks daily and give them fresh water and food everyday!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns - please don't hesitate to message us. We are always happy to help!

04/22/2024

We could all use some extra for sure right about now!!

04/20/2024

GAME DAY!!

We are going to play a mind game today! 🙃 I will post a word, and you post the first thing that comes to mind. Here goes . . .

1. farm

2. animal

3. egg

4. dinner

5. flower

6. garden

7. fruit

8. meat

9. rabbit

10. chicken

I numbered them to make it easier for you to answer.

Are you enjoying my daily posts? Which posts are you liking the most? I love seeing the interaction, it's really neat to see how you all respond!

Don't forget to share our page and posts with your friends & family!

Also - I know there aren't any new videos, but check out our YouTube page (Rolon Hills Homestead). I am thinking about doing more videos again - what do you think,
should I? Of course that would mean better video equipment and editing software. HMMM . . . lots to think about! 🤔🤔🤔

Well, until next week, have a great rest of the weekend! See you for MEME MONDAY!!

04/19/2024

Fan Friday!!!! Time to focus on you!

Our seedlings are doing well! I need to transplant them to bigger containers soon! We usually plant our seedlings into the ground Memorial Day weekend.

So tell us . . .

Are you planning a garden this year? When do you start your seedlings? When do you transplant? When do you plant your garden?

Tells us your garden story!

04/18/2024

Caption this . . .
(this is Phantom, one of our two dogs, sitting next to the incubator)

04/17/2024

In case you missed last week's post, here is a recap.

This year we will be at the Pulaski Famer's Market - each Friday, we will offer a few "specialty" items, as well as offering bread, biscuits and muffins. We look forward to seeing YOU!!

😋

04/16/2024

Have you ever tried sprouts?

“Sprouts carry essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and are a great source of antioxidants,”

I used to love having them on my salads a few years back. I stepped away from them for a while, but now with trying to eat bit healthier, I'm coming back to them. Here at RHH we are trying switch to more organic products for ourselves as well as our customers.

I never knew how easy these babies are to grow! Here's how . . .

1. Take a glass jar, add 1 Tbsp. of sprout seeds (I use High Mowing Organic Seeds, purchased at Homegrown in Oswego, NY), then add 2 cups of cold water, let them soak for about 8 hours with a lid on them (You could probably use paper towel or coffee filters rubber-banded to the jar, I use the sprout lid - again from High Mowing).

2. After 8 hours, drain the water.
2a. Then rinse again (with cold water), and drain the majority of the water off. Tip
the jar upside down at an angle so the water can drain but not dry out totally.
Repeat this every 8-12 hours.

3. Repeat step 2a for 3-5 days. Then put the jar in indirect sunlight to allow the sprouts to green up.

GUESS WHAT - that's it, now store them in the refrigerator to stay cool.

Easy-Peasy, Lemon-Squeezy!