Koyote Hill: The upcoming Flu, The Wolf Peach and Ancient Garlic

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As August moves forward, there is a growing concern in all of Pennsylvania about the Avian Bird Flu. It is generally believed that the influenza, which is fatal to chickens, ducks, turkeys, quail, is carried by migratory wild waterfowl birds. Mid to late August, begins the great waterfowl migration as the birds move southward for the winter months. Some experts claim it is only a matter of time before the deadly influenza reachesPennsylvania. In fact, the one of the latest confirmations of the bird flu was in Macomb County, Michigan which is a mere 150 miles from Erie, Pennsylvania. (http://www.pennlive.com/food/index.ssf/2015/06/avian_flu_pennsylvania.html) and

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/macomb-county/2015/06/08/bird-flu-confirmed-michigan/28698997/

There are several common sense steps for owners of small flocks to take to help protect their birds from the deadly disease. One frequently mentioned step is to restict access to the chicken house. Visitors can carry the disease if they have been to another farm or even have been taking a nature walk and unknowingly picked up the disease on shoes, boots or clothing.

It is also advisable to limit the flocks contact with wild birds particularly if the chickens are pastured. Take particular caution if there are nearbt wetlands, ponds or creeks. Keep the coops clean and be sure to wash shoes and boots and wear clean clothing when entering the chicken coop.

For more information, see the PADepartment of Agriculture.

The First Ripe Tomato

Tomatoes, once a wild, unknown weed just a few centuries ago, are perhaps the most popular garden vegetable (or fruit...whatever) in countless home gardens. The tomatoe was discovered during the colonialization days in Centeral America around the year 1520.

The tomato pictured above is the first in the garden this year and will likely be picked this weekend. So far, the tomato crop looks plentiful this year. The official Latin name for the tomato translates into "Wolf Peach".

Discover more about the tomato, Wild Thing, You Make My Stomach Growl

The Garlic Harvest

The garlic was ready to harvest this week. It was also a good crop and next year there are plans to grow even more. We saved some of the scapes as always and plant them in mid to late October. Scapes, are flavorful in many dishes and I need to remember to save some for planting. Pictured below are scapes cut and drying for October planting.

A closer look. Each individual "bulb" will eventually grow into a garlic clove ready to use.

Discover more about Amazing Garlic

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