Raising Chickens in Alberta
100: Hens need about this many hours of light per day to maintain winter egg production.
→ What is 14–16 hours?
100: These cold-hardy brassicas can be planted as early as late April in zone 3b.
→ What are cabbage family crops (e.g., cabbage, broccoli)?
100: Mushrooms require this environmental factor instead of sunlight to know which direction to grow.
100: Mushrooms require this environmental factor instead of sunlight to know which direction to grow.
100: This technique adds warmth to the soil using decomposing organic materials beneath raised beds.
→ What is hügelkultur?
100: This is the most common beef breed in Alberta known for its black coat.
→ What is Angus?
200: This heating device, once common, is now discouraged due to fire risk in coops.
→ What is a heat lamp?
200: Zone 3b gardeners often use these varieties of tomatoes because they ripen faster.
→ What are determinate or early-maturing varieties?
200: Sterile technique is essential indoors to prevent contamination by bacteria or this common competitor fungus.
→ What is mold?
200: Cold frames use this natural energy source to keep plants warm in shoulder seasons.
→ What is passive solar heat?
200: Calving typically occurs in late winter or early spring so calves can grow before this season.
→ What is grazing season (summer)?
300: Alberta’s regulations require this type of permit for more than a small number of backyard chickens in many municipalities.
→ What is a livestock or urban hen permit?
300: This type of perennial root vegetable, famous for its long lifespan, thrives in Alberta’s climate.
→ What is rhubarb?
300: Pasteurization of straw reduces pathogens while keeping beneficial microbes; it is usually done at around this temperature range (°C).
→ What is 60–70°C?
300: Mulching reduces weeds and retains moisture, but in zone 3b must be removed early in spring to prevent this issue.
→ What is soil staying too cold or delaying thawing?
300: Cattle are commonly vaccinated for this respiratory disease complex to prevent feedlot outbreaks.
→ What is BRD (bovine respiratory disease)?
400: This nutritional element, found in oyster shell, is essential for strong eggshell formation.
→ What is calcium?
400: Many fruit trees survive zone 3b only if grown on this type of climate-resistant base.
→ What is hardy rootstock?
400: This method involves mixing spawn into sawdust bags and cutting slits for mushroom growth.
→ What is the block or bag grow method?
400: To avoid soil nutrient depletion, gardeners often follow this method of rotating crop families annually.
→ What is crop rotation?
400: Rotational grazing increases pasture health by allowing this process to occur between grazing periods.
→ What is regrowth or recovery?
500: Ventilation in Alberta coops must balance airflow with warmth to prevent this health issue caused by ammonia buildup.
→ What is respiratory illness?
500: This technique involves using plant varieties that mature in less than 70 days due to the short growing season.
→ What is selecting short-season cultivars?
500: Outdoor mushroom logs fruit best when logs have this moisture content and are stored in shaded, humid microclimates.
→ What is a high moisture content (around 35%+) and shade-humidity balance?
500: This advanced technique extends the season by using low tunnels with plastic for passive heat capture.
→ What is season extension via low tunnel systems?
500: Alberta ranchers often use EPDs when selecting bulls; EPD stands for this genetic prediction term.
→ What are Expected Progeny Differences?