It was great to be back in the fields this spring, stirring some dirt and sowing some crops. We planted all our conventional crops first and then turned to organic.
Organic can still be in hibernation for another 30 days longer than the traditional crop guys. The reason we wait is to let the ground warm up and let the first flush of weeds germinate. This allows a clean seed bed in mid-May and an average soil and air temperature that will allow corn to germinate and come up much quicker than earlier planted crops.
Because we don’t believe in and aren’t allowed herbicides to control weeds, we must give the plant as many advantages as possible. Warm temps, plenty of sunshine, and middle May corn planting are PERFECT for a start on organic corn.
The soybeans were not planted until the end of May based on last year’s yields. We then immediately turned our attention to the weeds. A rotary hoe or tine weeder is needed 2 or 3 days after planting to scratch the surface of the dirt and knock out any weeds that may try emerging before the crop does. Then shortly thereafter, we get the cultivator running slowly in the fields.
Rainfall thus far this growing season has been below average, which has allowed us to get weeds controlled in a timely manner and not dry the fields out because of our access to irrigation. The weather pattern is now turning wetter, which will be wonderful for the organic corn, but a challenge for the organic beans.
Curious about organic farming? Discover all the reasons to transition to organic.
