Preventing Erosion

Since we cleared almost 30 acres of our land, erosion has been a major concern. In the last 3 years, although the fields are not in great condition, they are much better this year with more growth. The areas that we are concentrating on are around the driveway, which are mostly winding and steep areas, prone to soil erosion. This spring I have been planting grass (contractor's mix), granulated lime (for slow release) and then either mulch or straw on top. Straw has been very difficult to find, since the drought last summer caused a short growing season. Cattle operations had to begin feeding hay early fall and this lead to a shortage.

Grass that I planted in the last three is weeks is coming up sparingly. If we can encourage some growth this spring, it will give us something to build on in the fall. At that time I will add fertilizer designed to boost root growth during the winter. This photo is taken close to our house at the flatest spot on the driveway.

The Drought

Not much to report on the farm in September. The drought has really hurt our pumpkin crop and now the fields are not growing either. Our creek has never stopped running, but it certainly has slowed down. We had planned to plant grass seed this month, but with no rain on the horizon, we'll have to postpone until October.

I did manage to pick a few pumpkins, however the dogs decided that they did not like them on the porch and have scattered them all over the front yard. It looks like a Halloween pumpkin/egg hunt.