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Buckwheat - the Fruit
The buckwheat planted on August 16th began to bloom 24 days later on September 9th.
Buckwheat, which is related to rhubarb (also amazing), has it's long ago origins in China. Buckwheat is actually classified as a fruit.
The buckwheat was planted when I harvested garlic this summer in early August. Buckwheat is a great cover crop adding many nutrients back into the soil. Sometime in early October, it will be turned over and the garlic will be re-planted and then covered with the last of the year grass clippings to wait out winter.
I might even get a small amount of buckwheat which can be used for home use. Buckwheat pancakes are a favorite around here. This ancient fruit, buckwheat, is also a very healthy food.
There are other winter crops which can be planted now to improve soil fertility, protect the soil from harsh winter conditions, and improve the lives of millions of microbes and bacteria, hidden from view, which make for good garden soil for next year in the spring.
For many, the growing season was dismal and pathetic. But now is not the time to give up. A vegetable garden is health care, both physical and emotional, and does save money. Fall is an opportunity to feed the soil, to make it better. Cover crops, like buckwheat, oats, winter wheat or rye, are all good choice to get a head start on next year.
Buy a Book
Support your independent bookstore and local authors. Buy a book. Click the link for the nearest seller.
Nature Watch
Autumn brings a lot of opportunities. The all important wildflowers are exceptional this time of year and rival the soon to be leaves. The other day, the red squirrels were busy store pine cones they pick from the trees. The red squirrels store the cones on the ground, sometimes it gets to be a huge pile called a catche, so they have plenty to eat during the winter months.
The catche makes it pretty easy for anyone collecting the cones for decorations, fire starters or seed saving. Often there will be seeds inside the pine cone which can be planted in the spring. Protected from hungry birds and other critters, the small seeds will sprout into a tiny evergreen seedling in about three weeks.
Acorns are plentiful and a good choice to collect for starting your own tree. Collect the acorn, push into the soil and wait till spring. It's best to use a pot or container and leave it covered with a screen, outside. Acorns like and need the winter weather. The screen is important. Birds and other critters get mighty hungry during the dead of winter and their scent of smell is something phenomenal.
It's a great family project; collect the cones, plant the seeds, grow your own tree, help the environment. And some year, a once upon a time child, will see that tree and recall a once upon a time family walk in the autumn woods. It's a great gift.
H1N1 Info
Wash your hands frequently, eat veggies and fruits, get plenty of sleep and click the link below to keep updated. There is a lot of uncertainty about this bug, it may be just a common pain or could develop into something more serious.
Clean Water Festival
September 12 at the Woodcock Nature Center. If your local or are in the area traveling stop in at the Woodcock Nature Center. It's always a great time. More info at festival@crawfordconservation.com of call Brian Pilarcik at 814-763-5269.
Some Really Great Blogs and Additional Reading.
Vincent di Fondi- Vincent just published his first novel, Blessed Abduction, available through the Buy a Book link above. Or check his blog to learn more about the novel and his new home in Costa Rica.
On Your Way to the Top – Kathleen always has good insights
New York's Southern Tier – A travel destination in nearby New York by Richardson
Urban Veggie Blog – Dan is located in nearby Ontario and is a good gardener.
Simply Snickers- by Linda Nickerson, some great poetry and links
Other articles I have written for Helium can be found by clicking the title; others can be found below in the box at HubPages.
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Great picture of the buckwheat, Greg. Another great post.
ReplyDeleteI have some kind of feelings when I read your article today; it’s not only informative but poetic as well, I mean there is some kind of flow in your sentences, a rhythm I guess. On the other hand, I felt like it’s a kind of novel where characters are insects and birds, crops and buck wheat, microbes and bacteria, where in their inhabitant squirrels do their daily tasks. Nonetheless, times are the season along with characters come and grow till the next story begins in next season and author’s love for the nature is the essence of this article.
ReplyDeleteSadeep Tulachan