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1st Peek at the New Pasture
Our new pasture is finally beginning to grow!
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| Pasture grasses, legumes, & herbs just beginning to sprout. The goat & chicken shed is in the background. |
I planted it on October 22nd, right after we finished remineralizing our soil. Then it was three weeks before we got any rain, and that was less than an inch. I admit I was concerned about the seed during that time. Even though I’ve been able to keep the chickens out, we had a flock of mourning doves visiting regularly, helping themselves! In anticipation of losing some to birds, I sowed heavily. We were supposed to use 25 pounds for our half acre, but I scattered two, 50 pound bags of grass and clover pasture seed mix, plus a few extras: wheat, oats, annual rye, orchard grass, chicory, radishes, Swiss chard, thyme, yarrow, hairy vetch, buckwheat, Austrian winter peas, and a handful of old alfalfa seeds meant for sprouting. Finally it’s beginning to grow.
We haven’t gotten any more rain since then, which is a concern. Delayed rain in the beginning didn’t worry me as much as the birds, because I knew the seed would hold tight until conditions were good for sprouting. Now that tiny root systems are being established, they need continued moisture or they’ll dry up. Cooler weather helps though. During summer, even after a good rain our soil can dry quickly because sun and heat evaporate the moisture right out of it. That was one reason we postponed planting until fall. Like so many other things in the homesteading life however, this is something that is not within our control. Still, when I look across the field and see it frosted with fresh green, I can’t help but be thankful. Very thankful indeed.
Related Posts:
Pasture Improvement Phase 1
Pasture Improvement Phase 2: Remineralizing Our Soil
2012-12-01 04:09:50
Source: http://www.5acresandadream.com/2012/12/1st-peek-at-new-pasture.html
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