Time to do Something About the Kudzu

At the end of our fig season last month, I got a good view of how badly the kudzu had been taking over the area behind our carport.

From the ground it looked like this.

How do things get this out of control? Firstly because kudzu grows at an almost alarming rate. Secondly, because I’ve been so busy with picking and preserving, that there hasn’t been time for much else. Also Dan had a pile of barn building materials blocking the path to the garden so it’s been “out of sight, out of mind.” The thing to set up the electric netting and let the goats have at it!

I pulled out the vines along the path and laid them out to dry on a tarp. These were added to the hay pile for a winter treat.

Then Dan mowed a path and helped me set up the fence so we could let in the goats.

They will gradually work their way through the kudzu and other goodies growing in this area.

Eventually we plan to do something about this area on a more permanent basis, but since we have the goats for control, it isn’t very high on the priority list. For now we look on the positive side and consider it more free food for the goats.

Kudzu contains protein, calcium, iron, B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium.

That means it’s not only free, but also is quite nutritious. And I notice that when the goats get their fill on kudzu, milk production goes up! A very good goat food indeed.