Post by Mr. Guinea on Nov 15, 2012 17:44:05 GMT -5
Cotton Growth is a topic of great interest to Sundance, by which we hope to secure and sustain a small, low-key spinning/weaving operation. The primary endeavor is thus to grow enough cotton to test the project, in the hopes of future development. My thought would be to grow a plot of 1-2 acres on the north side of the creek, perhaps near the northmost border of the property (up near the road on the West side of the house. There is a plot thereabout that will receive 70-90% daily sunlight, which--I believe--provides optimal growing conditions.
In accordance with this plan, we would need to plant the cotton between March-April, allowing us to harvest the crop in September. Rotary hoes are said to be effective weed control, however, the issue remains keeping the plants pest free. Enter the Guineas:
When pests/insects begin to accumulate, we will guide the guineas (by whatever means necessary) over to the plot. Once the discover the abundance of insect protein (which they are genetically engineered to prefer over any other nutritional element), they will likely remain in the plot until they have either exhausted the insect supply or are ready for bed. In either case, they will most certainly affect the bug population.
Key researchers, I will need some general information on one of several topics:
1) soil types/water needs for growth
2) insect threats (species, characteristics, etc) and how to mitigate those threats
3) organic practices and tips for sustaining growth
4) organic solutions for weed control and fertilization
5) if you stumble across any tributary topics, please make note
(ie, if you find that a growth will be inhibited by certain soil conditions or management practices, etc--anything that may affect or benefit our management efforts)
Take note, and remember, enjoy yourself--"little is done by those who have neither the will nor the want to do greatly"
In accordance with this plan, we would need to plant the cotton between March-April, allowing us to harvest the crop in September. Rotary hoes are said to be effective weed control, however, the issue remains keeping the plants pest free. Enter the Guineas:
When pests/insects begin to accumulate, we will guide the guineas (by whatever means necessary) over to the plot. Once the discover the abundance of insect protein (which they are genetically engineered to prefer over any other nutritional element), they will likely remain in the plot until they have either exhausted the insect supply or are ready for bed. In either case, they will most certainly affect the bug population.
Key researchers, I will need some general information on one of several topics:
1) soil types/water needs for growth
2) insect threats (species, characteristics, etc) and how to mitigate those threats
3) organic practices and tips for sustaining growth
4) organic solutions for weed control and fertilization
5) if you stumble across any tributary topics, please make note
(ie, if you find that a growth will be inhibited by certain soil conditions or management practices, etc--anything that may affect or benefit our management efforts)
Take note, and remember, enjoy yourself--"little is done by those who have neither the will nor the want to do greatly"
"Judge each day not by the harvest that you reap but by the seeds you plant" -Robert Lewis Stevenson
