Using dill

Can I use the flowering heads of dill in the pickle recipes? I have lots of that, but none has yet gone to seed? This year’s Hope Pale Grey crop is “running” all over the place. It’s been suggested that I cut off the runners. My father-in-law always gave his tomatoes a “haircut” in the late summer to prevent the plants from putting energy into green fruit that would never ripen by the killing frost; I can’t bring myself to do that, either. Do I trim or let things be?

Vala Johnson
Harlem, Montana

Yes, you can use the dill before it sets seed. Just use a little more and it’ll work just fine.

I just let my squash run till they’re done. You can trim the vine ends if you wish but I really haven’t seen that make much of a difference in the ripening of the squash. — Jackie

Breeding chickens

I have a question about chicken genetics and breeding. I probably could find an answer through an online search, but I’d like to have your perspective based on your experience. I’m trying to breed Welsummers, Black Minorcas, and true Ameraucanas because they are good layers of dark brown, white and blue eggs, and they tend to do fairly well in our 115+ heat here in the Phoenix area (although I did lose two older Minorcas on a 120-degree day and a 118-degree day this year). After that spiel here is my question–and it has nothing to do with temperature, sorry. Would it be better to breed the hens with their brothers/half brothers, or back to their fathers? I know getting roosters from another flock for genetic diversity is ideal, but if I am stuck with only related roosters, would brothers or fathers be better mates for my layers in terms of reducing potential genetic problems?

Dallen Timothy
Gilbert, Arizona

Personally, I’d go with the half-brothers rather than brother or father. With chickens, it takes more than one generation of inbreeding to see genetic problems. Just choose a good rooster — one with straight, not crooked toes and bill, a nicely built body and good disposition. Maybe in a year or so you can trade unrelated roosters with a homesteading neighbor to cross back on your new hens. — Jackie