And unfortunately, have been reduced to genetically modified animal fodder and wasteful ethanol.
I grow three varieties, choses for use, flavor, and appearance. I'll make no lie, I do factor aesthetics into my farming to an extent. As a painter and al-around creative type, I want beauty and lovely things in my life (not that I only chose for appearance though, varieties need some substance if they're to be chosen to be grown here).
Mandan Red Clay is a parching/ meal/ flour corn which dries to a beautiful ochre-red. Due to an experiment I did regarding seeding, the plants are a bit stressed now as adults, and I don't think living up to their fullest potential. Some of the pollen tops from the side shoots grow kernels as well and right now they're a lovely mix of pinks and red.
Hopi Pink, a flour corn was direct seeded, and suffered some crow-nomming but the plants that survived had space to really spread and are now MASSIVE. I have never seen corn so large. Each has 2-4 side shoots I can barely touch my thumb and index finger when gripping it. It's not tall, less than six feet, but wide with leaves that dwarf any others in the field. They've only just started sending out pollen stalks, so I really hope they ear-up and dry in time.
The largest section of corn is Roys Calais. This variety I have grown before in California and loved for its vibrant red and orange and yellow ears and magnificent taste in corn bread and polenta. These plants are tall, most between seven and eight feet height with massive ears and plenty of side shoots. They are the happiest of my corn and I can't wait to see what the harvest is like!
After a period in June/July where I had absolutely no energy despite eating enough food and getting enough rest (I would crawl right into my hammock or bed after getting off work, and never got out on Sundays or Tuesdays, my days off), I've since changed my farming habits to make time to take care of myself properly and try not to stress about everything so much.
Since then I have noticed quite a difference and feel much more resilient and energetic, even if sometimes I still have no energy. I have restarted my youtube channel again and am posting every Sunday or Tuesday, and plan on sharing about farming here more frequently as well. There are plenty of plans in the works for creative projects, new herbal products as well as starting a formal website and online shop.
Remember to be kind to each other, Sabrina
Coming up:
- Self care for farmers
- Herbal product spotlights
- Favorite herbs
Fun Finds:
- A Witches Resistance and Action List
-The magic of La Abejas medicines
-Album "The Code of Flowers" by Ayla Nereo
