I had some success germinating the trial sowing of Maris Widgeon grain that I made after the total failure of the crop in the field. It was safely stored in my Dad's greenhouse, away from mice but cold enough to be encouraged to sprout. It became a healthy tray of lush green, but when it started to yellow I knew it was time to put it in the ground.
I had just the right sized gap under one of the net archways. As I released the wheat from the tray I discovered that the roots had been so impeded by the newspaper lining that they were heavily entangled, and that's why the wheat was yellowing. I transferred it to the bed without splitting it because I was a bit concerned about disturbing the roots. It soon greened up, but I know I need to replant it with more space between the plants. It's the next job on my list. It seems I am being encouraged to prove my determination to be the guardian of this wheat. I am starting with a tiny fairy size crop, but next year I hope it will be a whole bed instead of a small slice of one. I've learnt my lesson though - I will have to grow it in netted beds. The romantic dream of a field waving in the breeze and dotted with wild flowers seems very much a dream at present.
No comments:
Post a Comment