Though we’re still a week or two before our typical start date, we are at the point that we hope we’re ready enough to plant when conditions are fit. Weather conditions may be tempting the first half of next week, but ground conditions may not be. Fields are still soaking wet after rains the last couple of weeks. Limited fieldwork started this week.
- We started planting Christmas trees. (I was late ordering, so they didn’t come during spring break as I planned).
- I will also plant a few rows of sweet corn this weekend — because that’s pretty much the only shot we have for enjoying fresh corn for the 4th of July holiday.
- We may also tinker in some other vegetable crops this year. That in part depends on how willing the kids are to help and make a little money for their college fund.
Time to replace tile
We hooked up the tile plow this week. We don’t plan to do a lot as time is short. However, we need to replace some clay tile that have broken down over the last couple years. Deep ripping this particular field may have contributed to the deterioration. But honestly, if drainage tile is that shallow (11 to 13 inches), it’s probably not a good situation anyway. They’re going to get broken at some point. The condition and depth of the tile made it most logical to replace rather than try to repair. Dad cleaned the ditch last week in hopes of getting us a better outlet. The ditch downstream also needs to be cleaned, but that won’t happen until fall or winter.
Recalling the early days
Nostalgia hit as we were working Thursday. We were ditching just a few hundred feet away in the field that produced my introductory Between the Fencerows blog back in 2013 or 2014! I can hardly believe it has been that long. I enjoy writing the blog and appreciate everyone who clicks in and keeps up with us!