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Trial, Error and Lessons Learned

  • November 12, 2020
  • 3 comments
  • 143 views
  • Becca

On a Learning Farm, we are always trying something new. Reading an article that inspires us to give it a go. Hearing of how they did things back in the day and seeing if it would work for us today. Or looking ahead and wondering, “is there a better way?”

This year we grew some heritage beets that historically were grown to feed chickens and cows all winter long. Because they are a root vegetable and because the are huge, they could give animals nutrients during the long, cold winter.

So we grew these massive beets and I harvested them literally as snow flakes were swirling around my head. The bunnies devoured the leaves and the chickens liked the greens too. But the actual root? The chickens won’t touch it. The sheep and goats weren’t interested either. Next we’ll try the bunnies. And after that, we’ll offer them to our friends who have cows.

It was a swing and a half miss. The greens were enjoyed. The beets themselves still are looking for an eater.

This year we doubled our quantity of Apple Cider Vinegar from last year, a personal favorite of mine. I drink a teaspoon in a glass of water every morning, first thing. I love it and it seems to be a healthy thing to do. Because we increased the amount we made, we needed lots of fermenting weights. So Rory got clever and concocted a DIY fermenting lid for just a few dollars, rather than buying the expensive weights. Unfortunately, pressure built up under the lid and forced water out of the tube making a huge mess. It was inventive, I’d give it an A for effort, but in the end there will need to be some modifications.

And finally, back in May when seeds were selling out and the whole world was planting a garden we decided to order all of our canning supplies, seeing where the trajectory of seed frenzy would lead. Always wanting to try something new, we purchased some reusable canning lids. We were excited as ever to try them, especially something that could be used year over year! But in the end, we had too many of our jars lose their seal after sitting on the shelf, ruining the contents. So far, it’s maybe one in five or six jars. And let me tell you, pouring tomato sauce down the drain is a terrible sound after all that work! So we wouldn’t recommend these.

But now we know! This is the thing about trial, error, and lessons learned that keeps you humble. If you’re going to try something new, it may not work. If you’re going to swing, you may miss. But it’s okay. And I actually want my kids to see us fail so they can watch how to recover. To see us try and try again and try another time. It’s okay to learn from something that didn’t go as planned.

It means that when Elsie sewed her embroidery project right into her skirt, she didn’t give up. We just took out the stitches and eventually she had a lovely pumpkin to give to her brother on his 10th birthday.

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Becca

I am a mother of six, married to a never-saw-it-comin' aspiring farmer in Southern Minnesota. As new farmers, I write about our transition from the city to the country with hopes of sharing our joy and gratitude for all that we are learning.


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3 comments
  1. Elizabeth Johnson says:
    November 13, 2020 at 8:57 pm

    I grew Giant Mangle beets (Baker Creek) and they laid out for several hours, or maybe a day or two, but the chickens ate them all. No problem. And rest of the crop, too, that I’d grown specifically as fodder for hens. Also, I’ve been using Tattler lids for years with no problems. I ordered my next ones from Harvest Guard, which have just been sent to me. No difference. I watched their helpful video, where Brad demonstrates. Everything he said would happen, did. Good advice about reusable lids and gaskets. I really had no choice, but to get more reusables because the stores here are ALL out of metal lids, let alone jars! I’m expanding my desire to “can” by making home made foods and canning and dehydrating. Getting back to home grown, home made, and home “put-up” foods, to have better nutrition, less junk food, no BPAs and BPSs from tin can linings (only one of many sources) which are hormone disruptors; among other things. Why did you throw your tomato sauce down the drain. You could’ve re-canned it. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, again!

    Reply
    1. Avatar photo Becca says:
      November 18, 2020 at 8:30 am

      Fun to hear all of this, Elizabeth! This is all the fun of farming and producing your own food. 🙂 Always something to learn. Our tomatoes did all seal at first…it is now, as we take them off the shelf that we are finding some of the seals have been lost. Which is why we have to dump them down the drain. If they hadn’t sealed initially we surely would have recanned them or eaten the goods right away! Thanks for sharing all of your experiences. That’s the best way to learn! Joyfully, Becca

      Reply
  2. jenny cunningham says:
    November 23, 2020 at 2:15 pm

    Hello Becca- It is fun to hear about the adventures you guys are having : )
    I know it is not FDA “approved” , but I always re-use my lids. My grandmother always did and so has my mom. They have been canning for eons.
    If I was going to sell something I would use a new lid on each jar, but not for home use.
    As long as your jars are sterilized, lids and bands sterilized, you will be fine.

    The good thing about the giant beets is they will “aerate ” your soil by the big pocket’s they have left in the soil where they were growing.
    With the apple cider vinegar- could you brew it in a large stone crock (like Red WIng) ? Then decant later into the smaller jars?

    Reply

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