Definite shift in weather and DIY stuff

 It is considerably warmer and drier today and looking at the weather forecast we are due cloudy weather starting on the weekend and having midweek rain. Just in time for Valentine's Day. I knew the wind had shifted and was blowing well because the wind chimes were going off like crazy.

Still nothing coming up in the garden of course. I did dump the scrap bucket but forgot to get pictures, not like that's really exciting right?

I suppose if I wanted instant satisfaction with plants I should have bought some starts instead of using the seeds but that takes some of the challenge away. I actually saved out a container from some mushrooms I bought and am going to try and scavenge some soil to do some tomato seedlings. Finding the soil and a spot where they aren't disturbed is the other issue.

Here's an idea, take some of that mulch and try to grind it up with the shovel... add a little of the native dirt.... 

Saw another video from that Aussie guy and he had a neat little set up with a tumbling sieve clamped onto a wheelbarrow. That is such a brilliant idea! Doing research and this apparently is a thing called a compost sifter. I knew about the square ones that you can build or buy but had no idea about this one.

There are plenty of DIY versions of it both standing and like this. If I had the money, space and need I would so be doing one. Technically could use it right now for the ground beds but honestly this isn't my career and have no money to spare. Sifts out the rocks and larger particles of compost and leaves finely sifted soil. I can see issues on this particular model that if it isn't clamped onto the sides it's going ot slide around. Maybe there's clamps on the other side but there should be at least one on opposite corners to anchor it.

Pretty nifty idea really, I like it! When I get my small garden farm I'll let you know how it really works! Speaking of DIY, don't you love when someone shows them making something and then they have the caption, 'get my (whatever) at my etsy shop!' or 'instructions at my website'.  Um, you just showed me how to make what you're selling.

I swear these guys are doubling in size every other day. Close to it really, they'll be fledged and leave the nest before the end of the month for sure. The one at the back was actually trying to do some grooming it seemed, tucking in feathers or something. They'll be out of the nest and standing on a branch in the next day or two.

Yay for spring babies!