bbfarmky
Member

I realize 2027 has yet to arrive but the growing season for 2027 starts now in Fall preparations.
Converting 5,000 sq ft of pollinator habit into a grow plot. Don't worry, this only slightly over 4% of the 2.7 acres of pollinator habit so there is still plenty left for them. The surrounding pollinator habit also provides habitat for beneficial/predatory insects that will help keep troubles in check. This strategy has worked flawlessly for my other growing adventures but those details are for another conversation.
Wanted to plow early September and then disc/seed mid/late September but the weather would not permit. We were dry then and I had to wait on rain. We finally got that rain on October 15th, so a day of drying back out slightly and off to plowing I went. Let that sit for a couple days and then disc/seeded. Finally got everything done yesterday, October 19th.
Cover Crop:
Winter Oats - 12 lbs
Austrian Pea - 6 lbs
Crimson Clover - 3 lbs
The cover crops may or may not winter kill. Does not matter; the microbiology around the roots and the soil being covered will take place either way. The only difference it will make is the tasks required come Spring of 2027.
Gathered soil today for a soil test submission. I will be testing for Macro & Micro Nutrients, PH, and current state of Organic Matter. I am certain lime will have to be applied as nearly all Kentucky soils are acidic but I will wait on the actual PH to determine the quantity. Should be in a couple weeks or so (depending on the lab to turn the test around in the normal timeframe). Still plenty of time for the chemistry between the lime and the soil to take place.
Two 100' rows reserved for tobacco. Below are the varieties I purchased but I do not know yet what the distribution of plants will be. Still contemplating that portion and open to suggestions. I believe @deluxestogie recommended at least 4 of each which at this level will be a given.
- Virginia
- Cherry Red
- Costello
- GL939
- Burley
- Harrow Velvet
- TN90
- Oriental
- Basma
- Izmir Ozbis
- Cigar/Pipe
- Little Dutch
Looking forward to growing some leaf of my own, recording details of the venture, and sharing the information with you all.