Mavis Answers Your Burning Questions

One of my favorite things about this blog is all of the comments people leave and the sense of community we have. I really believe I have some of the most amazing readers out there. But somehow I’ve tricked you into thinking I’m totally smarter than I am. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been around the block a time or two so I know a bit about gardening and a thing or two about frugal living and becoming more self-reliant. But all that knowledge was gained because of some serious trial and error, so I try to share as much as I can to keep you guys from having to go through it yourselves. Essentially I’m Mavis the Guinea Pig. You’re welcome.

Recently, I spotted a few comments on the One Hundred Dollars a Month Facebook page as well as my Mavis Hotline. I’m going to attempt to answer them, but I’m also asking all my lovely readers to take a look at the questions and chime in. I can guarantee the readers that asked these questions would appreciate all you smarty pants out there taking a shot at them. I mean if two heads are better than one, than hundreds of heads will probably churn out some genius answers. No pressure. And go…

Mavis, I thought maybe you or your readers might be able to help. I’m trying to find some gardening gloves for my toddler. She’s almost two, and everything we’ve found that says “toddler” would fit a 10 year old! Do you know of anywhere that sells them?

~Tara

It’s been a long time since I’ve had toddlers helping me in the garden, so I asked around. I have a friend who said these Wonder Grip Nicely Nimble gloves are great for toddlers because they come in x-small and xx-small. Hope that helps!

Hi Mavis, I just discovered your blog and I am very interested in growing food for my family. I started a garden this year, about 80 square feet and so far I have lots of healthy tomatoes, peppers, carrots and beans. I would be very interested to hear more about your daily routine in your garden so that I can gauge just how much time it would take to grow so much food. Thanks for sharing!

~Olivia

This is such a hard question because I’ve been all over the map. I’ve had years {like when I was trying to grow 2 tons of food!} when I spent at least a few hours a day in my garden. It can consume you and run your life if you let it. But if it’s something you love, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It’s just about striking a balance, which I’ve done this year. I have a great garden, but it doesn’t feel like a full-time job.

I spend about 5-6 hours a week in the garden. That also changes depending on the season. Sometimes it will require a full day of weeding, planting, hauling, etc., and other times I’ll go a week or two without stepping foot in my garden. Then, of course, you’ll have the occasional weekend project where I’ll spend all weekend getting a project done, but those are few and far between.

How much time it requires obviously depends on how much you want to grow. The more plants and the more variety, the more time your garden will take. Seriously though, it’s the most rewarding work. So keep at it!

Howdy! I’m wondering how you merge your new chicks with older flock. I have a 15 week old Dark Brahma that is in a 6×8 dog kennel retro chicken pen. Also have separate in a chicken tractor about 4-6 feet away, 6 Rhode Island Reds that are 7 weeks. We will be finished with my new chicken coop (8×8 shed with 300 sq ft fenced in pen). Should I merge them together at the same time since they would have technically an even playing field neither have been to yet. What’s you thoughts.

~Terri

Would there be anyway you could put them in the new pen but separate them by chicken wire or something for the first week {or maybe they are close enough to see each other now?}. Allowing chickens to see each other and grow accustomed to each other without allowing them to attack would really help the integration process. If not, you’d probably still be okay throwing them in together into the new coop. I suspect the timing would be great because they’ll all be so distracted by their new surroundings, they’ll be less focused on finding a new pecking order!

Mavis, have you ever made your own liquid dish soap? I’m looking for a recipe that works really well and is inexpensive to make.

~Coleen

That is one I haven’t tried, but I’m certainly hoping one of my awesome readers has and can share an amazing recipe that puts Dawn to shame. Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

I would like to buy your blog. How much will you sell it to me for? 

~Omar

Oh dear, sweet Omar. This blog, these readers, and the community we built here is not for sale. Unless of course you’re offering like 50 million dollars or something. In which case, where do I sign?

I was wondering if you could help me with this. I found some Hens & chicks in my garden, I also re-potted them and was wondering how to take care of them over the winter time?

~Lisa

Hens and chicks are some of the hardiest plants out there. They can survive pretty harsh winters and snowfall {unlike me}. I think anything zone 3 or higher and you can keep them outside. The two things I know will kill them is too much moisture and not enough sunlight.

And now it’s your turn. If you know the answers to these burning questions, or of you have some insider information, please share. Sharing is caring. Also, you guys are the best!

Peace Out Girl Scouts,

Mavis