On a Michiana Homestead

  Back Field: I plan to use the relatively clean sandy loam from the garlic/onions for growing some of our new 'test' grains.   North of the Barn: Plan to put another plot of Sangaste Rye, Sardinian Barley (or some other brewing barley) and an awned wheat.  This area is easy pickings for rabbits, so, I'll have to set up a chicken wire fence.   Silo Garden is the first section to be planted: September 21 Rain, or I could have finished the last bit At this point, we've hand planted 6000 feet of row length... relaxing...   September 20...

Not all big-schnozzed creatures come in peace. Gonzo and Alf? Friends. Grain Weevil? Eliminate! Just like potato bugs, Japanese beetles, slugs, and aphids, grain weevils are a common threat to those who grow without chemical intervention. The challenge with grain weevils is that the lil boogers are rarely detected until there are visible signs of post harvest grain damage. Despair not though for there is a simple measure to thwart these big-schnozzed but tiny menaces - freeze your grains. After harvest when your grains are cured and threshed, it is recommended they cycle through the freezer for 7-10 days. Even...

This blog is for reference from the 2021 growing season only - not all links may work. Threshing of all planted grains is finished...some spring planted left to do, but, that can happen in November when life slows down.  Aug 31st Last of the primary Tartary Buckwheat was cut.   Been harvesting for about 3 weeks, whenever I see stalks getting to the point that the leaves are turning and the seeds looking finished.    Same with the Multi-Hue Quinoa, cut the straggly remains.   I want to plant fall grains in this plot, so I needed to 'move them along'.  ...