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A Fabulous Fall in Carla’s Garden, Part 2

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December 1, 2025

A Fabulous Fall in Carla’s Garden, Part 2

Happy Monday GPODers!

As promised, we’re back in Malvern, Pennsylvania to see some more autumn beauty from Carla Zambelli Mudry. Despite the abundance of autumn interest we saw on Friday (be sure to check out Part 1 if you missed it) there is even more incredible fall color to be seen and admired, so let’s get right into it.

All of a sudden it’s November. Enjoy photos from October and the beginning of November throughout my garden.

It’s kind of the end of the growing season. Except we’ll have cooler days and then we’ll have warmer days and the plants are very confused. You will even see some azaleas bloomed again. But in spite of the drought like conditions, because everything is still very dry, even though we’ve had a little bit of rain here and there the colors of fall are beautiful.

Starting off with an another sample of the incredible foliage color that glows in Carla’s garden throughout fall. While Carla has some impressive plant collections (check out her hydrangeas, for example), she also makes a point to prioritize biodiversity. This is a great benefit to the environment as well as a great benefit to her designs as a wide range of colors and textures are always on display.

This biodiversity also lends to the year-round interest Carla achieves that simultaneously supports local wildlife throughout the year. Lots of great native plants makes this all possible, like this red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia, Zone 3–9) that produces wonderful white blooms that are great for pollinators in spring and these bright red berries in fall that birds love when other food sources are scarce.

Another multi-season stunner is the seven-son flower (Heptacodium miconioides, Zone 5–9). This native to China is extremely rare in the wild and is vulnerable to extinction. However, it is becoming more and more common to find this plant commercially cultivated, which is keeping the shrub alive in our landscapes.

A closer look at the rosy pink clusters reveal this deciduous shrub’s sneaky secret: these are sepals, not flowers. In late summer and early fall this plant covers in gorgeous white flowers that attract bees and flies in droves for pollination. Every flower that gets pollinated then goes through a transformation. The white petals and stamens fall leaving behind nothing but tiny green sepals that eventually enlarge and transition in color to continue this vibrant show well into November.

And when all else fails, a cute gourd adds an extra does of color when other plants fade. A container of greenery can feel bland in a landscape full of vibrant hues, but this striped squash gives it a bit more life without extra planting or maintenance.

Along with all of the fabulous foliage, flowers, and fruit on display in Carla’s late season garden, more subtle elements of interest like tree bark make a bolder statement in a slightly more subdued landscape. What looks like a river birch (Betula nigra, Zone 4–9) his hard to miss now that leaves have begun falling.

While it might feel like a clash against the classic fall color palette, pink is actually the perfect addition to many late season landscapes. The contrast can be very pleasing to the eye and the lighter shades that are often found this time of year don’t look garish against a sea of bright reds, yellows, and orange. This hardy begonia (Begonia grandis, Zone 6–9) in Carla’s garden is a fabulous example.

Lastly, Carla shows off one final fantastic fall bloomer: the toad lily. Based on the variegated foliage that is glowing just behind this small but mighty bloom, I would guess this is the ‘Autumn Glow’ cultivar (Tricyrtis formosana ‘Autumn Glow’, Zone 4–9).

Thank you so much for all of the beautiful fall garden photos we’ve enjoyed today and Friday, Carla! From the intense foliage colors that create a vibrant tapestry in your woodland borders to the late-season flowers that add pops of pinks, purples, and white, your garden ends out the growing season with a bang.

It’s officially December and winter is hot on our heals. We would love to send off this season by celebrating even more amazing fall gardens. Even if your garden’s autumn peak came and passed weeks ago, we’d love to see the fall color you experienced this year. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

We want to see YOUR garden!

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!

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Veradek Corten Steel Series Cube Planter

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Ho-Mi Digger – Korean Triangle Blade

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Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.

Long Battery Pedometer Watch 14 Days Battery Life, Slim Design No App/Phone Required Fitness Tracker, 50 Meters Waterproof Smart Watch, Heart Rate & Blood Oxygen Monitor Step Counter for Men Women

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December 1, 2025

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Long Battery Pedometer Watch 14 Days Battery Life, Slim Design No App/Phone Required Fitness Tracker, 50 Meters Waterproof Smart Watch, Heart Rate & Blood Oxygen Monitor Step Counter for Men Women

Price: ~~$29.99~~ - $15.99
(as of Dec 02, 2025 00:31:09 UTC – Details)

Product description

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Customers say

Customers find the smartwatch comfortable, stylish, and easy to use and set up, with good battery life that lasts a long time. They appreciate its functionality as a pedometer, and one customer notes its accurate step counting capabilities. The heart rate monitoring feature receives mixed feedback, with some finding it helpful for health tracking while others report issues with accuracy.

Health Fitness Tracker, Wearable Activity Step Tracker for Men Women, All-Day Sleep/Heart Rate/ SpO2/ Stress/Blood Pressure Monitor, IP68 Multiple Sports Modes Watch, Free App for Android iPhone

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December 1, 2025

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Health Fitness Tracker, Wearable Activity Step Tracker for Men Women, All-Day Sleep/Heart Rate/ SpO2/ Stress/Blood Pressure Monitor, IP68 Multiple Sports Modes Watch, Free App for Android iPhone

Price: ~~$99.99~~ - $11.99
(as of Dec 01, 2025 12:30:29 UTC – Details)

Product description

The video showcases the product in use.The video guides you through product setup.The video compares multiple products.The video shows the product being unpacked. Health Fitness Tracker Merchant Video

1 Monitor Health

2 Measure HRV

3 Track Sleep

4 Manage Stress

5 Remind Period

1 Tell Calls/ Messages 2 More About It

How do I connect this fitness tracker to my phone?

a. Charge AKUMAKA fitness tracker to turn it on

b. Turn on your phone bluetooth and download an app JCWear

c. JCWear- Add a new device- J2208A***- Connected

If you still have questions, ask us or scan the QR codes in the package for video learning

Is it true that the accompanying app has no subscription fee? Are there other paid services?

The app JCWear is totally free to use, and we do not charge any service fees in any form. All you need to pay is the purchase price of this fitness tracker.

Why can’t I register or log in to the app?

We provide two ways to register and log in, phone number and email. If you choose phone number, please select US code 1 first.

Note: The password must be no less than 6 characters. Enter the verification code within 30 minutes after receiving it.

The product doesn’t stay connected, how can I fix it?

Keep device battery level healthy and within the Bluetooth range of your phone, and it will stay connected.

Note: The data in the App needs to be refreshed or wait for a few seconds to synchronize with the device. This is not a “disconnection”.

Will the firmware be updated?

Yes, the firmware can be updated in the app ( JCWear- Device- Device settings- Firmware update). Once there is an updateable firmware version, click Update Now.

Note: This requires manual updating, please check back regularly.

Subscription-free App: A user-friendly app is important to a fitness tracker. In order to provide customers with a better user experience, AKUMAKA promises that our supporting app will not charge any fees in any way, whether it is a subscription fee or any service fee. This app is compatible with Android and iPhone (Android 5.0 and above version, iOS 10.0 and above version)
Continuous Health Monitoring: The AKUMAKA health smartwatch has built-in triple high-precision sensors that can continuously and accurately monitor or manually measure sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen, stress, HRV, female period and other indexes throughout the day so users can better understand their overall health and wellness status
All-day Activity Tracking: As a wearable pedometer, it automatically records your daily activities, including steps, distance and calories consumed. You can also set daily activity goals, which will help you live a more regular life. As a IP68 waterproof fitness watch, there are multiple sports modes to choose from. After your workouts, the app will generate a sports report to help you understand the changes in body data during the workout
Vibration for Reminding: In addition to health monitoring and fitness tracking, this smart band also provides reminders. When Bluetooth is connected, once your phone receives calls, SMS or notifications from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media, the bracelet will vibrate to remind you. The vibration is gentle and only you can feel it, so you won’t be embarrassed by the sudden ringing in a quiet occasion
Fast Charging and Long Battery Life: Our screenless smart watch has upgraded battery capacity and endurance. A full charge only takes 1.5 hours and can last for 10 days in continuous working mode so you don’t need to worry about frequent charging and monitoring interruptions
Family Member Data Sharing: By creating a group and inviting your family members to join, you can view their health data at any time to help them live a healthier lifestyle. Therefore, this is also a most thoughtful gift for your parents or wife/ husband

Customers say

Customers find this fitness tracker reliable and user-friendly, with accurate step count and heart rate monitoring. They appreciate its amazing battery life, with one customer noting it takes only 1.5 hours to fully charge. Customers find it easy to set up and consider it good value for money, with one mentioning it works perfectly with both Android and iPhone.

More cities are seeing PFAS pollution in drinking water. Here’s what Louisville found : Shots

Health

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November 30, 2025

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More cities are seeing PFAS pollution in drinking water. Here’s what Louisville found : Shots

The George Rogers Clark Memorial bridge crosses the Ohio River to Louisville, Kentucky.

Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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Visions of America/Joseph Sohm/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

The Ohio River sends billions of gallons of water flowing past Louisville, Kentucky’s pumping station every day, where the city’s utility sucks it up to turn it into tap water.

To ensure it tastes good and is safe to drink, a small team of scientists and technicians is constantly testing the water for pH, odors, heavy metals and microbes.

But unlike many smaller municipal utilities across the U.S., the Louisville Water Company regularly checks for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

That’s a class of chemicals, used by manufacturers for decades to make things like nonstick pans, cosmetics, raincoats, food wrappers and firefighting foam.

Research studies have linked PFAS to health risks like cancer, reduced immune system functioning, high cholesterol, and developmental delays in children.

They’re also known as “forever chemicals” because they’re practically indestructible. Their strong chemical structures make them degrade incredibly slowly in the environment.

Today, they litter soil and water sources across the world and can be found in the blood of almost everyone in the U.S.

One type of PFAS that the Louisville water technicians are tracking is HFPO-DA, though it’s perhaps better known by a trade name, GenX.

Almost a year ago, workers noticed an unexpected spike in the level of GenX detected in a sample of the raw, untreated water drawn from the Ohio River for filtering and processing.

In water, PFAS concentration is measured in parts per trillion. The GenX levels they found last December were 15 times higher than the previous month: 52 parts per trillion versus 3.4 parts per trillion.

“A part per trillion is like one second in 32,800 years. Put your head around that, right?” said Peter Goodmann, the city utility’s director of water quality and research.

Another way to think of it: One part per trillion would be a single drop within 20 Olympic swimming pools.

So the increased levels were still pretty low, he said.

A Louisville Water Co. drinking fountain, with a pump house in the distance.

Morgan Watkins/Louisville Public Media

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Morgan Watkins/Louisville Public Media

But Goodman’s team was curious about what was going on. They traced the chemical up the Ohio River, past Cincinnati and through Appalachian forests, all the way to a West Virginia factory about 400 miles upstream.

There, the Chemours Co. uses GenX to make fluoropolymers, a special plastic critical to the semiconductors that power our phones.

Its Washington Works facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia, also has a notorious history of PFAS pollution.

A lawyer, Robert Bilott, fought the plant’s previous owner, DuPont, in court and ultimately revealed the company knew that a type of PFAS it was using, called PFOA, was toxic but didn’t disclose that information.

DuPont went on to settle various lawsuits claiming it contaminated local environments with forever chemicals, although the company repeatedly has denied wrongdoing.

Chemours was spun off from DuPont in 2015.

What Louisville’s sudden spike means

At the Louisville Water Co., the team’s calculations eventually showed that the December 2024 spike in GenX levels corresponded to publicly-available data from Chemours, about its chemical discharges into the Ohio River.

Still, Goodman told NPR he wasn’t worried about local customers’ safety — even with last year’s spike.

That’s because risks posed by low PFAS concentrations are measured over a lifetime of exposure, he said. And recent data from Louisville show the PFAS levels in city drinking water fell within planned federal safety limits.

Plus, water is just one way people can be exposed to PFAS, Goodman added. “Because you get a lot more of these pollutants from packaging, from prefixed food, cake mixes, weird things, you know, popcorn boxes,” he said.

Chemours did not return a request for comment NPR.

But in Chemours’ responses to a lawsuit filed by a West Virginia environmental group, the company denied their discharges are connected to Louisville’s GenX spike. (Louisville is not a party in the lawsuit.)

The company also contended that sampling data showed levels of GenX in the river and in downstream utilities’ treated drinking water are “indisputably safe.”

Louisville Water’s data showed the water sample it drew in December 2024 had elevated GenX levels, compared to previous months.

But after the water underwent typical treatment and filtering, the level fell under the new federal safety limit, which isn’t scheduled to kick in until 2029.

The federal government has long regulated the levels of certain contaminants in drinking water, like arsenic, E. coli and lead.

But the EPA didn’t issue regulations regarding PFAS until 2024, during the final year of the Biden administration.

The new limits apply to six types of PFAS in drinking water. Starting in 2029, utilities which exceed the limits would be required to treat the water to reduce the contamination.

After Trump’s re-election, his new EPA administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency will keep the rules for only two types of PFAS, called PFOA and PFOS, but drop the restrictions on the other four types, including GenX.

Close-up of a man turning a tap on in a kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water into a transparent drinking glass.

In addition, the EPA announced it will give water utilities two additional years, until 2031, to comply with the remaining rules, in part because of the financial burden on rural water plants.

Many utilities, large and small, probably will need to invest in infrastructure to remove PFAS.

A federal study estimated about 45% of U.S. tap water contains at least one type of PFAS.

When it announced the final PFAS limits, the Biden administration anticipated that up to 10% of the estimated 66,000 U.S. public drinking water systems affected by these regulations might have PFAS levels high enough to require them to take action to reduce the contamination.

PFAS removal will challenge water utilities

Under current federal environmental regulations, Chemours can release some chemicals into the Ohio River. But it has exceeded the legal limits repeatedly over several years, according to court filings and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

That’s why the West Virginia Rivers Coalition filed its lawsuit in 2024.

The EPA took enforcement action in 2023, when it said it found Chemours’ West Virginia factory had repeatedly exceeded permit limits for two types of forever chemicals, GenX and PFOA.

But West Virginia Rivers Coalition said in a court filing that the EPA’s consent order for Chemours “is not being diligently prosecuted.”

Chemours declined to answer questions from NPR, citing ongoing litigation, except to point out that Louisville’s “finished drinking water is safe for consumption” because the PFAS levels are below the EPA’s regulatory limits, as stated on Louisville Water’s own website, and in the annual water quality report of Cincinnati, which also draws from the Ohio River.

As research into the health effects of PFAS exposure continues, environmental advocates say it’s imperative for companies to meet the limitations set by government permits.

“Environmental regulatory permitting is a license to pollute,” said Nick Hart, water policy director for the Kentucky Waterways Alliance.

“You’re permitting someone to put something into the atmosphere, into water, into soil that would not be there otherwise. And so when we talk about the safe levels … stop using the word ‘safe,’ right? This is the maximum allowable limit.”

It is possible to remove PFAS from drinking water. For example, Louisville’s utility is spending about $23 million to redesign its powdered activated carbon system, which is one method used to take out PFAS.

John Brundahl (left) production superintendent, Todd Colvin, chief water systems operator, and Mark Toy, general manager, run the nation's largest resin PFAS water treatment plant at the Yorba Linda Water District in Orange County, Calif. The three men stand in front of large filtration tanks at the treatment plant.

But PFAS removal can get expensive, especially for small, rural towns, Hart said. Preventing contaminants like PFAS from getting into a community’s drinking water supply is easier and less costly, compared to removing it on the back end, he added.

In Chemours’ responses to the lawsuit, the company acknowledged that it’s violating its current permit but noted it’s working with government regulators on an eventual fix.

Still, the federal judge in the case, Joseph Goodwin, decided that wasn’t fast enough.

In August, he ordered Chemours to immediately stop over-polluting. The company quickly filed an appeal.

The West Virginia Rivers Coalition, which filed the lawsuit, declined to speak with NPR but did point to its August news release on the judge’s ruling.

“This is a victory for public health and the Ohio River,” Autumn Crowe, the organization’s deputy director, said in a statement. “The Court recognized what communities have known for years: Chemours has been polluting our water and ignoring its legal obligations.”

In a court filing for the case, Goodmann said that elevated levels of GenX could make it more challenging for water utilities like Louisville’s to comply with federal rules for safe drinking water.

In regards to Chemours specifically, Goodmann told NPR that when government regulators issue the company’s next permit, he wants them to take into account the water treatment plants downstream.

“So what we do is manage risk, and we start that at the river,” he said. “It sounds weird, but source water protection – keeping the stuff out of the river – is a big deal.”

This story comes from NPR’s health reporting partnership with Louisville Public Media and KFF Health News.

How to Heat Chicken Coop without Electricity?

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November 30, 2025

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How to Heat Chicken Coop without Electricity?

You don’t have to get heaters or fire-risk heat lamps to keep the chicken coop warm.

Even with simple methods listed below, you can insulate chicken coop from cold drafts.

Many chicken keepers—especially in cold northern climates—use natural, low-tech methods that work incredibly well.

Techniques like deep litter method and proper insulating chicken coop don’t rely on electricity and instead focus on harnessing insulation, passive heat, smart design, and the natural warmth produced by your flock.

Not only do these approaches save money, but they also make your coop safer, more sustainable, and more resilient during harsh winters.

With the right combination of strategies, you can maintain a comfortable winter environment where your chickens stay warm, dry, and healthy all season long.

1. Deep Litter Method

The deep litter method is one of the oldest and most reliable ways to naturally heat a chicken coop.

It works by using controlled composting to generate small amounts of steady heat inside the coop—typically 2–4°F above ambient temperature.

While this might not sound like much, the additional warmth combined with the chickens’ body heat can significantly improve winter comfort.

How It Works

Start with a clean coop floor and lay down a 4-inch base of dry, carbon-rich material such as:

Pine shavings
Straw
Hemp bedding
Dried leaves
Shredded paper (sparingly)

Every week, instead of cleaning out the bedding, add a fresh 1-inch layer. By peak winter, your bedding depth should reach 8–12 inches.

As the chickens scratch and mix manure into the bedding, beneficial microorganisms break down the organic matter. The decomposition process gently releases heat, similar to the warmth you feel when you dig into a garden compost pile.

Why It Works Well

Stable winter warmth: Decomposition continues even in cold weather.
Dry environment: The layered bedding absorbs moisture and manure, keeping the coop cleaner and reducing ammonia smells.
Healthier flock: Dry bedding lowers the risk of respiratory problems—one of the most common winter hazards.
Less labor: You clean the coop only once or twice a year.

The deep litter method shines in cold, dry climates where bedding stays frozen on the surface during the coldest months. Even when the top layer freezes, the deeper layers continue composting.

Tips for Best Results

Stir the bedding occasionally to promote even decomposition.
Keep bedding material dry—wetness slows down microbial activity.
Make sure your coop has proper ventilation (more on that later).
Avoid cedar shavings—they contain aromatic oils that can irritate chickens’ respiratory systems.

Also Read: How to Build Chicken Coop Out of Pallets?

2. Proper Insulation and Draft Prevention

One of the biggest mistakes new chicken keepers make is sealing the coop too tightly. Chickens need insulation, but they also need ventilation.

The goal is: block drafts at bird level while allowing warm, moist air to escape above their heads.

Why Insulation Matters

Chickens generate a surprising amount of warmth—each adult hen produces roughly 10 BTUs per hour just by existing. Good insulation captures this natural heat and keeps it inside the coop.

Where to Insulate

Walls: Add foam boards, reflective insulation, or even thick cardboard.
Windows: Use weather stripping to block gaps.
Doors: Install draft stoppers or door sweeps.
Corners and seams: Seal with caulking or exterior-safe filler.

Even simple, inexpensive materials like bubble wrap insulation or recycled carpet squares can make a noticeable difference.

Draft Control

Drafts at floor level quickly rob chickens of heat and contribute to frostbite. To prevent this:

Seal any gap wider than a pencil.
Add flap covers made of feed bags or heavy fabric over doors.
Create a double-door entry or windbreak wall inside pop doors.

Chickens tolerate cold very well, but wind paired with moisture is what causes comb and wattle frostbite.

Ventilation: The Non-Negotiable Factor

Insulation alone is not enough—you must maintain ventilation to prevent moisture build-up.

Warm air from chicken respiration rises and meets cold surfaces like the roof, forming condensation. Without ventilation, this drip moisture can chill chickens, increase ammonia levels, and create frostbite conditions.

Place vents:

On the upper third of the coop
Away from roosts
Ideally on opposite walls to promote cross-ventilation

Many keepers add hardware cloth-covered openings near the roof that stay open year-round.

Also Read: How to Clean and Disinfect the Chicken Coop?

3. Thermal Mass Heating

Thermal mass involves storing heat during the day and slowly releasing it at night. This method works best in sunny winter climates, where even a few hours of daylight can provide usable warmth.

Common Thermal Mass Materials

Bricks
Concrete blocks
Large stones or river rocks
Black barrels filled with water
Dark paving stones

These objects absorb solar heat through south-facing windows or when placed in sunny spots inside the coop.

Amish Technique: Heated Stones

A traditional method used by Amish farmers involves heating stones outdoors by a fire, wrapping them in burlap, and placing them inside coops to radiate warmth overnight.

While this takes more effort, it’s an electricity-free method that provides immediate heat during dangerously cold nights.

Heat Wall Setup

To create a permanent thermal mass feature:

Position a wall of dark-colored stones or bricks along the south side of the coop.
Ensure it receives direct sunlight through a window or clear panel.
Use 200–300 pounds of stone for noticeable results.

The stones slowly warm during the daylight hours and release heat all night long, helping to stabilize temperature swings.

Benefits of Thermal Mass

Zero electricity costs
Fire-safe
Works even on partially cloudy days
Helps reduce nighttime chill without creating a “hot spot” that can stress chickens

4. Passive Solar Design

Passive solar heating is one of the most effective long-term solutions for naturally warming a chicken coop.

By capturing free sunlight and retaining it inside the coop, you add hours of gentle warmth daily without lifting a finger.

How to Use Passive Solar Heating?

South-Facing Windows

A large window or clear polycarbonate panel on the south wall lets sunlight flood into the coop. Plastic sheeting, old greenhouse panels, and even repurposed glass doors can work.

In winter, the sun sits lower in the sky, allowing more direct rays into the coop, helping heat the interior naturally.

Removable Straw Panels

These are thick, insulating “curtains” made from straw-packed frames.

Open them during the daytime to let sunlight in.
Close them at night to prevent heat loss.

They can reduce nighttime heat loss by up to 60%.

Eaves and Overhangs

Designing roof overhangs prevents overheating in summer but allows winter sun to reach deep inside the coop.

This simple architectural trick keeps your coop cool in summer and warm in winter without any active input.

Additional Passive Solar Strategies

Paint dark interiors on sunny sides to absorb more heat.
Use light-colored reflective surfaces on the north side to keep cold air out.
Add a small greenhouse attachment on the south wall to create a warm buffer zone.

Also Read: What to Feed Chickens in Winter to Keep them Warm?

5. Other Natural Heating Tips That Make a Big Difference

Raise the Roosts

Warm air rises. Placing roosts higher in the coop keeps chickens in the warmest layer of air. Ensure there’s enough headroom for birds to roost comfortably without touching the ceiling.

Use a Windbreak

Place hay bales, plywood sheets, or fencing panels on the coop’s north and west sides to block winter winds. This alone can raise coop temperature by several degrees.

Keep the Coop Dry

Moisture = cold. A damp coop feels dramatically colder than a dry one. Maintain dryness by:

Fixing roof leaks
Using absorbent bedding
Cleaning waterers daily
Positioning water outside the coop if possible

Add More Chickens

A larger flock generates more shared warmth. In winter, a flock of 10–12 hens can generate enough natural heat to keep a well-insulated coop comfortable.

6. What NOT to Do When Heating a Coop Without Electricity

Avoid these common mistakes:

Don’t Use Thick Plastic Without Ventilation
Wrapping the whole coop in plastic traps moisture and creates frostbite conditions.
Don’t Over-Insulate
Chickens still need airflow—even in subzero temperatures.
Don’t Make Coops Airtight
Airtight coops are the quickest way to cause respiratory illness.
Don’t Use Unsafe DIY Heat Sources

Candles, kerosene lamps, and chemical warmers are extremely dangerous in coops.

Also Read: How Cold Is Too Cold For Chickens?

Conclusion

Apart from being cost effective, keeping your chicken coop warm without electricity can be safest option for your flocks.

The deep litter method creates steady compost-generated warmth, while proper insulation and draft control help your flock retain the heat they naturally produce.

Adding thermal mass materials stabilizes temperature swings, and passive solar design brings in free sunlight every day.

These methods, when used together, create a safe, dry, and warm environment throughout winter—without high energy bills or fire risks from heat lamps.

By focusing on natural heat retention and smart coop design, you can keep your chickens comfortable and healthy all season long while enjoying the peace of mind that comes with a safer, simpler, and more sustainable system.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting

Resistance Bands,Long Exercise Bands for Men & Women Home Gym – Premium Training Bands Perfect for Pull Ups, Stretching and Full-Body Workouts

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Resistance Bands,Long Exercise Bands for Men & Women Home Gym – Premium Training Bands Perfect for Pull Ups, Stretching and Full-Body Workouts

Price: ~~$19.99~~ - $15.79
(as of Dec 01, 2025 00:17:28 UTC – Details)

From the brand

NOEAIKE PROFESSIONAL HAND TOOL

NOEAIKE focuses on the hardware tool industry and is committed to providing consumers with inexpensive and high-quality tool products

NOEAIKE, although it is a young brand, but the entrepreneurial team behind it are the leaders in the hardware tool industry, the brand is not loud, but our pursuit of high-quality products never stop, to provide consumers with inexpensive tools products is our belief and pursuit

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【Versatile Fitness Solution】: Elevate your fitness routine with the Resistance Bands Set, designed to meet all your workout needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete,these premium exercise bands offer a diverse range of exercises,from pull ups and stretching to full-body strength training sessions.
【High-Quality Construction】: Exercise bands with superior natural latex materials, our resistance bands ensure durability and comfort which provides a safe workout option that is gentle on the skin, making them suitable for all fitness enthusiasts looking to enhance their training regimen.
【Portable and Easy to Store】: The resistance bands Set is the perfect travel companion for fitness enthusiasts. You can easily pack these bands for on-the-go workouts, ensuring you never miss a training session, no matter where you are.
【Multifunctional Resistance Bands】: Exercise bands are perfect for both men and women to tone their arm and chest muscles, shape their hips and belly lines, and improve flexibility and strength. Our stretching bands also perform well in terms of fat loss and rehabilitation training.
【Customer Service】: We attach great importance to customer after-sales service,if you have any questions about our products,please feel free email to us,we will reply to you with 24H.

Customers say

Customers find the resistance bands to be of excellent quality and durable. They work well for home gym workouts, with one customer mentioning they’re great for exercises like squats, bicep curls, and overhead presses. Customers also appreciate the value for money and the size of the bands.

Despite SNAP’s return, indigenous Americans still struggle with food insecurity : Shots

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November 30, 2025

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Despite SNAP’s return, indigenous Americans still struggle with food insecurity : Shots

MPSharwood/WikiCommons

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MPSharwood/WikiCommons

Flathead Nation, MT - bilingual English/Salish road signs

The snowcapped mountains surrounding northwest Montana’s Flathead Reservation are a sign winter is coming.

Mary Lefthand pulls her truck up to a warehouse in the valley below.

She’s driven over the town of St. Ignatius, to pick up free food from the commodity program run by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Tribal commodity food programs are federally funded, but weren’t impacted by the federal government shutdown.

Mary Lefthand watches as workers at the commodity warehouse load food into her truck in St. Ignatius, Montana.

Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

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Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

Unlike SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which was very much under threat.

During the government shutdown, SNAP’s 41 million recipients didn’t know if they would receive benefits for November.

Lefthand receives SNAP. She prefers it to the commodities program, because with SNAP she can go to the grocery store and pick out her own items.

But during the shutdown, she became increasingly anxious amid the uncertainty over SNAP payments.

She decided to switch to the tribal commodity program.

“Because I have three growing grandkids that eat a lot,” she explained.

Lefthand relies on food aid for her entire grocery budget. But often it still isn’t enough for her and her three grandchildren.

“Toward the end of the month, I feed them plain rice and whatever I can find,” Lefthand says.

When the Trump administration said it wouldn’t send SNAP payments for November, tribes scrambled to fill the gap. Any disruption to food aid can hit American Indian communities particularly hard.

“More than 60% of Native people rely solely on that source of food as their primary source of food,” says Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, professor of medicine and rural health at Oklahoma State University.

Research indicates that forty-six percent of Indigenous Americans struggle with food insecurity every year, compared to about 10% of the general U.S. population.

Fall produce available at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ commodity warehouse.

Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

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Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

SNAP has resumed regular payments, but tribes and their members may continue to see financial strain from the disruption to the program.

For some tribes, the commodity food programs provided a partial backstop. Tribal members who live on reservations are allowed to enroll in a commodities program, or SNAP, but not both.

A lot of people on the Flathead Reservation, like Lefthand, couldn’t wait to see how SNAP payments would play out, said Nicholas White, who manages the Salish and Kootenai Tribes Commodity Program.

“I got a pretty good stack of individuals,” he says, flicking through a thick stack of applications. “That’s the number of people that are coming over to our program.”

Tribal communities who don’t participate in the commodities program were left scrambling to prevent families from going hungry.

The Blackfeet Nation in northwest Montana declared a state of emergency, and slaughtered 18 buffalo from its herd. Tribes across the West also killed more bison than they otherwise would have.

However, many tribes are in the early stages of growing their herds. Any animals they kill now can significantly slow down that growth.

The tribal commodity food program served as a backstop for residents of the Flathead reservation when SNAP payments were delayed by the federal government shutdown.

Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

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Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

Tescha Hawley runs the Day Eagle Hope Project, a nonprofit on the Ft. Belknap Reservation in northeastern Montana.

She was able to divert some grant funding to help buy up cattle, and sent that meat to temporary food banks throughout the reservation, home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes.

The grant money was originally meant to help tribal farmers and ranchers sell their food locally. Many tribal communities are food deserts, so tribes and nonprofits who work with them have been trying to increase access to local food sources.

During the shutdown, many tribes also increased the amount of food they handed out through their self-funded food aid programs as well.

The commodity food warehouse of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ in St. Ignatius, Montana.

Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

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Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

Tribes and nonprofits won’t get reimbursed for the extra money and resources they expended, says Yadira Rivera, director of Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investment at the First Nations Development Institute.

“That’s going to leave them with a future problem,” she says.

Some tribal food programs will continue to be stretched thin through the holiday season, traditionally their busiest time of the year, Rivera says.

Tribal families may still be feeling a cascade of financial impacts after the disruption, even though the SNAP program eventually received a full year of funding in the deal that ended the shutdown.

Canned goods available through the commodities program on the Flathead Reservation in St. Ignatius, Montana.

Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

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Aaron Bolton/Montana Public Radio

During the weeks of uncertainty, families may have skipped rent or another bill to put food on the table, Rivera points out.

Studies have shown when people lose access to food assistance, they suffer other financial consequences.

“There are a lot of people who get evicted when they lose food aid, because they spend their money on food, you got to eat,” said Georgetown Law Professor David Super, who studies welfare law.

Another example: Losing SNAP can force people to choose between buying their medications or food, according to Super.

Lefthand was grateful she was able to switch quickly to her tribes’ commodity program. That prevented her from getting behind on bills, she says.

“I am going to stay on commodities for a while. When they do get the food stamps back on, I’ll probably get back on that,” she says.

But there’s a bureaucratic hurdle she’ll have to navigate first.

To enroll again in SNAP, Lefthand will have to drop off the tribal commodities food program for at least a month, in order to qualify.

This story comes from NPR’s health reporting partnership with Montana Public Radio and KFF Health News.

How to Grow and Care for Panda Plants

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November 30, 2025

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How to Grow

In the wild, K. tomentosa thrives in full sun to part shade. The soil is rocky, comprised primarily of granite, with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.0.

A close up horizontal image of a panda plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) growing in a pot indoors showing the fuzzy blue-green foliage with brown edging.

Indoors, this species thrives in bright indirect sunlight with a room temperature of between 65 and 75°F.

Avoid drafts and wide temperature fluctuations that may cause stress to the plant and stunt its growth.

Replicate the well-draining, gritty soil of its natural habitat with a quality cactus and succulent potting medium.

I use Tank’s-Pro Cactus and Succulent Mix. With coconut husk chips, horticultural pumice, and organic compost, it has the exceptional drainage required for successful succulent cultivation.

Tank’s-Pro Cactus and Succulent Mix

Tank’s-Pro Cactus and Succulent Mix is available from Tank’s Green Stuff via Amazon in 16-quart bags.

For best results, choose a porous pot made of a material like clay. It should be one inch wider than the foliage to allow room for a watering can spout.

There should be one or more drainage holes in the bottom and you will need a drip-catching dish or saucer to place underneath.

To transplant offsets, rooted cuttings, or nursery starts, set them at the same depth as in the original container and backfill with potting medium for a firm hold.

Water using the “dry and soak” method, waiting until the pot is completely dry before giving the soil a thorough soaking.

Allow excess water to drain out before returning the pot to its dish to avoid standing water that may lead to fungal infection and rotting.

Use a moisture meter as your guide and reduce watering during winter dormancy.

Over time, potted flora depletes the soil of its nutrients. Restore them by fertilizing once in the spring and once in the summer with a liquid cactus and succulent food diluted to half strength.

Cultivars to Select

The species K. tomentosa bears the same traits as its wild ancestors. Blue-green elliptical foliage with reddish-brown margins are its signature features.

Panda Plant, K. tomentosa

Species pandas are available from CTS Air Plants via Amazon in four-inch starter pots.

In addition to the species plant, there are a few named cultivated varieties with unique features you may like.

Here are a couple of options to consider:

Chocolate Soldier

K. tomentosa ‘Chocolate Soldier’ is a cultivated variety, which features more pointed leaf tips and dark brown, almost black edging.

‘Chocolate Soldier’

‘Chocolate Soldier’ is available via Amazon in two- and four-inch starter pots and two- and four-inch clay pots.

Golden Girl

K. tomentosa ‘Golden Girl’ warms up the foliage, taking it from a cool blue-green to a warm yellow-green, while preserving the classic reddish-brown margins and elliptical leaves.

Maintenance

Resistance Bands, Set of 5 Bands – 5 Different Resistance Levels, Exercise Guide, eBook, Carry Bag – 5X Booty Loop Band for Butt and Legs Women – Fitness Stretch Band for Workout Men

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Resistance Bands, Set of 5 Bands – 5 Different Resistance Levels, Exercise Guide, eBook, Carry Bag – 5X Booty Loop Band for Butt and Legs Women – Fitness Stretch Band for Workout Men

Price: $9.99
(as of Nov 30, 2025 12:16:37 UTC – Details)

PRINTED MANUAL – Your loop band set includes a photo-illustrated workout chart so you can start your training on the spot. Contains 16 essential exercises for the lower and the upper body, for a full-body workout.
MOST COMPLETE EBOOK – Expand your training with our 55+ pages eBook, full of illustrated exercises, training programs and lots of useful information. Also available in Spanish. Use the QR code or weblink in your manual to get your copy.
HIGH END & DURABLE – Length: 12 inches, width: 2 inches. Made from natural latex these bands are ultra durable – your best bet for fitness, cardio, calisthenics, crossfit, rehabilitation, strength training or pilates.
SKIN FRIENDLY NATURAL LATEX – Some bands cause a burning sensation on the wrists or ankles when stretched. Our bands feel smooth as silk and are very comfortable even after long workouts.
COMPLETE PACKAGE with CARRY POUCH – Your 5 bands come with a manual, ebook AND a handy carry bag, so you can take your fitness bands anywhere with ease.

Customers say

Customers find these resistance bands to be of great quality and effective for workouts, particularly for physical therapy and toning muscles. They come in different resistance strengths, are simple to use, and offer good value for money. Customers appreciate their storage capacity, noting they’re perfect for home or on-the-go usage. Durability receives mixed feedback – while some say they last a long time, others report they break after some use.

Health Fitness Tracker, Wearable Smart Bracelet for Men Women, Continuous Sleep/Heart Rate/Stress/Blood Pressure Monitor, IP68 Waterproof 120+Sports Modes, 2 Pack Bands, Free App for Android iPhone

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November 29, 2025

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Health Fitness Tracker, Wearable Smart Bracelet for Men Women, Continuous Sleep/Heart Rate/Stress/Blood Pressure Monitor, IP68 Waterproof 120+Sports Modes, 2 Pack Bands, Free App for Android iPhone

Price: ~~$79.99~~ - $9.99
(as of Nov 29, 2025 23:23:46 UTC – Details)

Product description

【No Subscriptions, Free App + 1-Year Warranty】The Leeyalan smart bracelet comes with a truly free companion app – no subscriptions, no hidden fees, just a great user experience. Enjoy easy tracking on Android (5.0+) and iPhone (iOS 10.0+). Backed by a 1-year worry-free warranty – contact us first for any issues, if any issues arise, we’ll replace your device with a new one at no cost (no repairs).
【24/7 Health Monitoring】Equipped with triple high-precision sensors, the Leeyalan smart health wristband tracks key indicators 24/7: sleep, heart rate, blood pressure, stress, HRV, and female menstrual cycle tracking. Gain a deeper understanding of your overall health.
【All-day Activity Tracking】The Leeyalan health tracker watch is designed for athletes and supports more than 120 professional modes, covering sports such as rugby, basketball, football, baseball, yoga, swimming, and hiking. It also provides three GPS functions (walking/running/cycling) to enhance outdoor training and help you accurately track sports data.
【Smart Sleep Tracker & Stress Management】Your 24/7 sleep guardian analyzes every sleep stage (deep/light/REM/awake) and daytime naps, providing personalized reports with actionable tips. When stress strikes, guided breathing exercises and smart alerts help you recharge.
【Long Battery Life & 1ATM Waterproof】 Our minimalist halo fitness banddelivers 45-60 days of battery life and features 1ATM waterproof protection, safely enduring sweat, rain, and daily activities like handwashing.
【15g Lightweight ＆ 2PCS Bands】This ultra-lightweight 15g screenless fitness tracker features a minimalist design with durable ABS casing and comfortable silicone/fabric interchangeable straps, offering an ergonomic curved shape that ensures all-day comfort for men during workouts and daily activities.
【Multiple Practical Functions】Stay connected and health-conscious with this feature-packed smart band, offering call/message vibration alerts, women’s health tracking, sedentary reminders, smart alarms, DND mode, device locator, camera remote control, and seamless Apple Health integration – all in a lightweight, comfortable design.

Customers say

Customers find the fitness tracker easy to use, comfortable, and worth the price, with good battery life that charges quickly. They appreciate its functionality, with one customer noting it’s simple yet versatile, and its trackability, particularly its ability to monitor heart rate and other health metrics. The accuracy receives mixed reviews, with some finding it accurate while others report issues with step counting.