Hard Working Boy

Peat moss everywhere. Box knife in hand. 600 bales to open. Only a mommy and a daddy to help. At first this growing boy was reluctant... the task was so big... and there were so many other things (in particular, computer programming) to do. But we needed him to help. The truck with the plants was to arrive in only a few hours.

He worked hard. He worked fast. He worked creatively. Slice this way, slice that way. Slice six ways. Slice four ways. Collect plastic peat moss bags flying over the field. Run up and down the rows. Jump up and down with excitement.

After many, many hours, I believe this young boy learned a lot about the intrinsic value of a good days work. He had fun.

Today's Journey Joy: my son

Making of a Blueberry Field (Part II)

I last wrote about our preparations for the new blueberry field. But alas, I didn't describe the planting. When I last wrote I don't think I had even taken any photos of the process. I almost didn't get any either. Every spare minute was planting. Monday I planted 60 blueberries between rain drops. Tuesday I planted 180 plants. Wednesday another 180 plants (give or take a few). Thursday I only planted 120 plants (I had a Farmer's Market Association meeting). But on Friday both my husband and I were home in the morning. We finished planting them all. There were about 20 extra plants in the many bundles of bushes so all in all we planted about 1220 blueberry plants. On Friday, at about 11:30, I remembered that I hadn't taken a picture. So quick! Out with the camera for the "staged" planting.

First, my husband would dig a small hole and then gently place the plant in the hole while spreading out the roots.

Next, he would mound up the peat moss / soil mixture high around the planting.

Then I would come after him and deliberately, but gently, firm the soil around the plants with my boots. I would go around the plants in a little circle making sure that there were no pockets or depressions that might trap air or water.

And then, finally, it was done. All the blueberries were planted. I had to go to work for a long meeting but my wonderful husband stayed and watered all 500 that we had planted that morning.

Yesterday, it rained and rained and rained. Thankfully we will not have to water for at least a week or two. But as soon as the soil can hold up the tractor we will be mulching the soil in the rows. The mulch has been sitting in great big piles for a year or two. Should be a great cover.

Today's Journey Joy: Blueberries planted!

The Makings of a Blueberry Field

I realize I have been delinquent in writing. It's almost spring. And like many gardeners, I have been scurrying with activity. The sprouts now need hardening, the garden tilling, and the later vegetables starting. But that's not what has occupied my time (mine and the rest of the family!). We have been preparing for a blueberry field.


There is a lot of thought and preparation needed to grow blueberries. Unlike most berries and many vegetables, blueberries are quite particular about the pH of their soil. They prefer and do best in 4.5-5.5 pH. Now that's acidic soil. But to get my soil that acidic I would have had to add sulfur to the soil last fall. Needless to say life was quite busy last fall and I was unable to prepare the field. So after much research and question asking I discovered that one could actually add 1 cubic foot of peat moss to each 12 inch hole and acidify and add organic matter sufficient for blueberry growing. Pricey yes. But since I had ordered my blueberries 18 months ago and there was no return of my rather substantial 25% deposit, we had little options.


As soon as the early spring rains gave us a break we began the field. It all started out by laying the rows out. Four foot wide rows with five foot aisles. We were going to plant 1200 plants. Yes, that's right, 1200. So after doing the math and checking out our field we determined that we needed 20 rows of 240 feet long. We carefully layed out the stakes and measured and marked each row. Then my husband pulled some wire for a guide. I rototilled each row. It looked great. Then late into the night he rototilled them again. Four days later I rototilled again. And two days after that yet again. Then it was time to drill the holes.



I don't know if the thought of digging out 1200 holes 16 inches across and 12 inches deep seems daunting to you... it sure did to me. But.... wonderful husband to the rescue again. He attached the post hole digger / auger to the backhoe and proceeded to do the hard hole digging the smart way. But first we had to lay out the pattern. So we once again got out the tape measure and measured four foot marks along the grass. I would drive the tractor and when the front tire just crossed the painted mark, my husband would then drill the hole. This went on for 1200 holes. (7 hours later....)


Next was the peat moss delivery. Then the moving of the peat moss bales (all 600 of them). Then the opening of the peat moss and dumping into the holes. Then the mixing.... well, that stopped after 25 holes. We tried initially to stir them up by hand. After an hour we realized that it wasn't going to work. Rototiller to the rescue again. We tilled the peat moss in. That technique worked well. And we didn't have a heart attack in the process.





Then the delivery of the plants.

And now, finally, the planting. ...We are still not done with that part. (nor have I taken any pictures) The rains came again. We have five rows done. It takes about 30-40 minutes/row to plant. Hopefully we will be done before the end of the week.

It is all very exciting. I have so many thoughts to share...they will have to wait for future posts. Suffice to say that my son learned (and enjoyed!) hard work. And I discovered within myself a blossoming new respect and love for my husband (as if it could be possible to love anyone any more... no wonder he's the best husband in the world!) More on those subjects later.

Gardening is physically taxing at times.... My body is still in recovery. I am very thankful for ibuprofen, water, and rest... oh yes.... and a hot shower.

I should be in great shape in no time!

Today's Journey Joy: The beginning of a blueberry farm