Growing Chiles, Small Farms

Our First Freeze

2011-11-28T18:34:00.000-06:00

Last night , well early this morning we got our first freeze. Was 28° about day light. I was not ready for the cold. Course I never am. We have been getting a little rain again. So what a blessing that is. A little fall color, nothing like in the North East. Most of the time we go from green to brown. With the drought a lot of the trees were already brown.
Anyway I am gonna post some photos taken in front of the house coming up the drive. Now if you want to see some real fall photos check out my friends blog. He lives in Main, where they have some real color. http://hikinginmainewithkelley.blogspot.com/
East Texas Color, well I thought they were pretty. Bill

Cooler Weather

2011-11-08T09:23:00.000-06:00

Things are happening. With the cooler weather, I see changes taking place. What trees didn't die in our bad drought this summer are changing leaf color. I bet they are needing a rest. We are picking up some small showers. Although we are still under a burn band. The birds are leaving for warmer areas. mostly just the humming birds have left. But I see others coming in from the North. Most will be here all winter.
Chiles: The Chiles I have in pots will be brought in for the winter. These are some special plants I like to keep growing. Especially my Chile Pequin plants. I love those things, they can really spice up a dish or your life. Its one of those things that I don't leave home without. I also have about 20 pineapple plants. Why? I haven't a clue. They will also have to come in.Thanks Bill

Yeah, we got Rain !!!

2011-10-16T09:44:00.002-05:00

We did, we really got a shower. Nothing ground shaking but did get 1.5". Made me a very happy camper. I could just hear all the trees and plants sighing with relief. Heck, I was sighing myself and smiling from ear to ear. Saying thank you Lord for the rain.
Our drought is not broken, by any count. But its a start. We are still under a burn ban. For people living in town this is not a problem. But for us country folks, we always have something that needs burning. I compost all I can, big tree limbs are cut for the fireplace. The rest need to be disposed of (burning). Anyway my pile is getting quite large.
Farming, not going to happen this coming year. But I will have a garden. I still will be growing my Chiles. Gotta have those. I am thinking about using raised beds. To me it looks like the soil and the plants would be much easier to control. Weeds to could be keep at bay. Anyone with knowledge on raised beds, would really like to hear your thoughts. This photo is not mine, can't remember where I got it. Thanks Bill
This is what I have in mind.

Something of Interest

2011-10-03T08:48:00.000-05:00

Farm related ? yes because we all eat. And some of us cook, or someone you know cooks. Anyway, I have been a member of this cooking forum for sometime now. I have learned so much, and meet some very good people. The spammers had taken over the forum so many of the members have left. But now spam filters are in place (no more spam) So I am asking if you are interested in cooking or want to learn more about cooking check out the forum. And if you are a cook, I am interested in learning from you. Thanks y'all Bill
http://www.spiceplace.com/forums/forum.php

Nothing Growing

2011-09-12T15:34:00.000-05:00

So dry, still, and I am not sure we aren't gonna burn to the ground. Fires all over the state are doing much damage. Not only burning forest and farm land but Homes as well. News this morning over 1500 homes lost in the Bastrop, Texas fire alone. I received an email from a friend in Houston, saying that people in the North Houston area we being told to leave there homes. Our area has several fires but not as bad as some of the others. I have had ashes on my truck several mornings from the fires. I guess the wind caries them quite far. Weather news says nothing about any rain. Here are a couple of photos of the Bastrop fire near Austin. Please pray for rain.
View from Bastrop

View from Austin

It isn't Raining yet, But

2011-08-13T14:44:00.001-05:00

The good news is that the temperature has dropped below 100°. And we have been forecast for rain next 3 Days 20% chance. I know, not much chance but it sounds better than 80% no chance.
I have been watching the trees and plants dieing for lack of water. When walking on the grass it sounds like you might be walking on corn flakes. I have learned to read the signs of plant stress pretty well. Watching oak trees, of witch we are loosing many. Oaks have no tap root so they will stress faster than say a pine.
Back to what I have learned. The first sign is that the leaves will wilt down to conserve water evaporation. Next they will Begin to droop and curl. Then turn yellow then brown. This tree is now a heap of trouble if not dead. I have taken a couple of photos, just to finish my story.

Oak Trees in Trouble August 7th

Same tree August 11th only 4 days later

The green plants in the foreground are watered 3 days each week. This Scene is being repeated over our whole area.
Most being just the oaks. Some maybe 70-80 years old.

Tired of Gloom and Doom

2011-08-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

Yeah me to: I started out trying to joke about how hot and dry it is in Texas.
But let me tell you it isn't funny any more. Now I am talking East Texas 75766
Area. For over the last month and a half it has been over 100° each day, and no rain at all. Weather man says 110° today. Well we did get that 1/4" way back when. I have lived in this area for a long time and surly don't remember it ever being this hot and dry.
I am seeing a lot of very large oak and other trees dieing. I have put water out for the local wildlife and birds. They are drinking, I am having to refill daily. I really don't mind, makes me feel like I am doing something useful. Please pray for rain.
Thanks Bill In Texas
click map for larger view

Not a real Rain

2011-07-26T11:49:00.000-05:00

Well we haven't gotten a real rain, but we did however get 1/4". I ran outside just to see what it looked like. Damn it was pretty. Total rain time about 20 min.
But I can tell you I am super pleased. You would of thought it would of been cooler, but didn't happen. Just as soon as it stopped raining steam was coming from the ground.
All the farm crops are gone. I did manage to grew a few Chiles here at the house garden. The figs have also done quite well. I guess they like the heat. We have had over 100° each day for the last 30 days. We did water the garden and the figs. I have been making fig preserves and pickling and drying Chiles. I am finding that I like cooking, kinda funny isn't it. I may do a cooking Blog. I am getting to old to farm anyway, or maybe just to tired. Here are some photos of the Chiles and figs. Hope you enjoy them. Bill

Red Ripe Jalapeños.

Fig Preserves

Not much has changed

2011-07-08T09:49:00.000-05:00

Reading different blogs across Texas. I have copied this from one blog I follow regularly. http://wildedtx.blogspot.com/
Its a good site You might enjoy it.

The entire State of Texas has just been declared a Natural Disaster. Over 1/3 of the crops in the State have failed so far and millions of acres are burned or they are so dried up they might as well have burned. The crop loss will get higher as the season progresses. We are all going to have to chip in and work hard to help our wildlife survive the coming hard times. Please be careful with fire and stay on the alert. We do not need anymore habitat burned away.

Long Time no Post

2011-07-03T15:07:00.000-05:00

OK, I am sorry I have not been updating my blog.
This has been the worst year for growing we have ever had. Need less to say there has been very little to talk about. Yeah, I could of said something and maybe cried a little. Knowing all a long that it would not help. But I know also that if you have a blog that people read you owe them something.
So what I can tell you it has been a real bitch.
Stayed cold forever, the ground temp was still 50 deg. in April. We most of the time are setting transplants in April. But it was Mid May by the time we could plant.
Our lake was very low on water, no rain and the lake is fed by rain run off water.
As of today our pump is setting on dry land. And this is a floating pump. We can pump just enough to keep the plants alive.
The well that we have, water has dropped so low the pump is sucking air. We can go no deeper with the pump.
So I can be sure this year is a total waste as far as growing our crops. Maybe next year will be better. Hope your crops have faired better
Weather, extreme drought, hight temp 103 deg. Yeah the ground did warm up,, you can bake bread on it. Thanks for hearing me rant. Bill in Texas

Warmer Weather ?

2011-03-05T12:21:00.001-06:00

Warmer weather maybe, yeah I know its coming. We have had some rather really nice days. Cooler and raining today, OK we needed a show.
After all my trouble about not wanting to replant our onions. Got my mind changed. A friend called said he had several boxes he could not plant, so I will be planting them. 7200 plants not many but might make some onions. Its a little late, but what the heck. Got some summer squash plants going in the greenhouse. Maybe early squash. Chile plants looking good. Have you folks looked at the price of seed, shocking. Later

Maybe a Do Over?

2011-02-22T08:47:00.000-06:00

Well it looks as though we may have to replant our onions. Yeah the last couple of real low temperatures didn't do them any good. I think maybe global warming has struck again. I am thinking that we have at least 60-70 % loss. If we replant it will be costly. Plants and labor, more tractor time and everything that goes with it, mostly fuel. Fuel prices are a real killer. Plus we will miss our selling window, meaning lower prices for the crop. Replanting might not be the thing to do.
As the weather is maybe getting warmer we are looking at other things. Like peas and beans, okra. The Chile plants will be fine they are still in the greenhouse. I however do not like the looks of this years Chile prices. At present all buyers want to pay less than last year. I am thinking It might be time to play something else for a while. Naw.

More Planting (Maybe)

2011-02-03T08:36:00.000-06:00

Onions are all planted, the rain has stopped. But hey, the ground is frozen. I know this last storm has hammered a lot of folks. I really hope y'all the best. Were cold but not as bad as some. Anyway stay warm.
Hoping to plant some collards soon. They sell pretty good, and besides we like them a lot. Its one of the both early and late crops that work for us.
Straight neck summer squash, another good crop. That is if you get it to mature early. I am thinking about starting plants this year in the greenhouse. We usually just direct seed. If we do transplants it would give us a jump on the market. Translated into a better price. Here is a photo of the collard variety we plant.
Collard Greens

Planting Onions

2011-01-25T09:31:00.000-06:00

The onion planting has started. We really hope to finish this week. Rain has stopped the planting for now. I am not going to gripe about the rain (much), I know we will be wishing for it soon enough. As most of you know our Texas summers can be really brutal. We have some plants started in the greenhouse, not as many as in the past. Several factors are at play here. The cost of supples, fuel, seed, fertilizer etc. Talking to our buyers they are not willing to pay any more than 2010 prices. They also blame fuel prices. As a small grower I don't see how we can keep on farming for a living. Selling direct to the consumer would might work. The only trouble with that is we live in an area with not many people. I think we all will be growing our own food before long. I feel sorry for folk that live in city's, and haven't a clue as to how grow plants. Does this sound like I am worried? Yeah, I am.
Onion Planting

A brand New Year

2011-01-04T10:06:00.000-06:00

The growing season has not started but is coming soon. I am receiving new seed catalogs almost daily. Sad thing is I am not finding lots of new things. I am talking about Chiles mostly. I still have my favorites but am always on the look out for something different. Guess I could breed my own but wont.
One Chile that I can't get seed for so far is the Naga Viper Chile This is a new one for sure. Super hot, reported to be 270 times hotter than your average Jalapeño. Don't get me wrong here, I just want to grow it not eat it. So if anybody sees any of these seed laying around Please let me know (eastexfarms at. hughes.net) I will forever be grateful. I do however have one buyer that makes hot sauce, he is interested in maybe buying the Chiles. Dang, I can't imagine anyone eating this sauce.
I will be starting some seed here in the next week or two. I don't want to miss spring.
This is not my photo credit given. Happy growing y'all.

The Naga Viper Chile

photo: wstryder/Flickr

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T08:04:00.000-06:00

I am wishing all my friends a very Merry Christmas. Being thankful that I can be present for Christ Birthday, and more blessing than I have ever deserved. Lets not forget.

The Greatest Man

The greatest man in history is named Jesus, had no servants, yet they called him Master. Had no degree, yet they called him Teacher. Had no medicines, yet they called him Healer. Had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet he conquered the world. He committed no crime, yet they crucified Him. He was buried in a tomb, yet He lives today. Jesus is the reason for the season!

Christmas Story

2010-12-11T12:49:00.002-06:00

I know this is not Chile or farming related. But Christmas is a time we should reflect on maybe what it means to each of us. We all know that it is Christ Birthday, I haven't a clue as to if the actual day or not.

As a boy growing up Christmas was very special to me. I am 74 years old and was raised by my grand parents. So the up bringing I got was really from way back, I can tell you right now I enjoyed every minute of it. We were poor as snakes but I didn't know it. I am thinking it was because so was everybody else.
When it came time for a Christmas tree, we headed for the woods. Lots of pine grew in our area, we looked for a small tree or maybe a tree top would catch our eye. After the tree was set up it was time to trim the tree. That what we called putting on the decorations. I am sure we didn't have more than 3 or 4 store bought ornaments. Dogwood, holly and yaupon berries were gathered when we cut the tree. The berries being red were strung with thread and hung on the tree.
My grandmother would save all the tin foil (aluminum foil) from anything she found. She would do this all year, being so careful to flatten it out smooth. This foil was wrapped around pine cones or sweet gum tree balls, and hung from the tree. Sometimes popcorn was used, as garland witch was also strung on a thread. We did grow corn with always some stalks of popcorn. We had a picture of an angel, It might of come from a calender I am not sure. It was rolled into a cone and placed on the tree top.
Nope no lights, we didn't have any electric power. But boy, I thought that was the most wonderful thing in the world. It was magical. No presents were placed under the tree, but Christmas morning there they were.
One special Christmas I remember. I received an apple and an orange, a pair of red pajamas ( I am sure my grand Mother made them) And a small cast iron truck. The truck was about 4" long no moving parts, just iron. I gotta tell you, I wore that truck out pushing it in the dirt. Wish I had it today, I might still give it a push. Very happy time in my life. Wish I had some photos to post but don't.
MERRY CHRISTMAS Y'ALL

Pequin Chiles

2010-11-19T18:56:00.001-06:00

Its getting colder, so I have moved some of my Chile plants inside. My Chile Pequin plants among them. I have several that are in there fourth year. I love this Chile, its as hot as heck but sure is tasty. I picked what few fruit was left on the plant. Ran them through the dehydrator, destemed and ground them in my spice grinder. I am now set for the winter. I keep a shaker bottle sitting on the table, use it on most everything. Try it Ya gonna like it.

Desteming Chiles

Finished Product

Fall In Texas

2010-11-14T13:02:00.000-06:00

I just could not resist. Most of the time our fall color is from green to brown. Well for some strange reason this year things look different. Not much different, but I like it.
I know farther East the fall color is really nice. Might be also in the North West, haven't been there in the fall.
Anyway I thought our fall color was worth posting. So took some photos these last couple of days. Thought y'all might enjoy them.

Driveway coming to our house.

The road to the drive

Looking Forward

2010-11-12T14:31:00.000-06:00

I am looking forward to new things this coming year. I am becoming interested in new Chiles, and different vegetables. I am thinking also about some livestock. Maybe some chickens and rabbits. We already have plenty of wild hogs.
I think rabbits and chickens would be just right for me. I would not want many. Just enough to have some fresh eggs and some rabbit meat. No pet rabbits.
I am finding that I have more time here at home now that I am farming less.
Just saying!! If y'all have any comments I would like to hear them. Thanks.

What to do with all those Chiles

2010-10-25T14:47:00.000-05:00

I am sure we have all seen chiles either in recipes or at the markets. You know, the ones we don't know what to do with or what they might be used for. Well I have found this list that might be helpful to us all. I hope you find it useful, I did.

Know what will work best for your Chili Pepper Recipe.

Anaheim or California green Chile:

Named after the California city. Slender green chili about 6 to 8 inches long with rounded tip; mild flavor. Also known as New Mexican chilies. Substitute: canned green chilies. This is the peppers I use for chili relleno.

Ancho Chile

Dried form of Poblano chili. Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder for each ancho chili. Used in sauces, it is an essential ingredient in mole. Also my favorite for tamales.

Chipotle

Dried, smoked large jalapeño pepper. Dark brown and wrinkled. Smoky with a sweet, slight chocolate flavor. Use in salsas, sauce and soups. Pickled and canned in adobo sauce.

Habañero

Lantern-shaped chilies ranging in color from light green to orange, then red when fully ripe. Very hot. Used in seafood marinades, salsa, sauce and chutney.

Hungarian Wax

Also called "banana chili." Large - 3 to 5 inches long, up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Yellow chilies with a waxy appearance. Originated in Hungary. Slightly sweet, waxy flavor, mild to moderately hot.

Jalapeño Pepper

Small green or red cigar-shaped chili about 2 1/2 inches long; very hot. Known as chipotles when dried. Substitute: pickled jalapeños.

Poblano Chile

Large, dark green chili that resembles an elongated bell pepper plentiful in Texas and Southwestern states; ranges from mild to hot. Reddish-brown when ripe. Known as anchos when dried. Stuffed with cheese for chilies rellenos. Never eaten raw. Substitute: sweet green bell pepper.

Serrano Chile

If you are looking to make your chili pepper recipe hot this one will do the trick. Dark green to red chili 1 to 11/2 inches long; hot to very hot. Substitute: jalapeño pepper.

Thai Chile

Tiny - 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, 1/4 inch in diameter -and thin. Ranges in color from green to red when fully ripe. Extremely hot, lingering heat. Very popular in Southeast Asian dishes.

Lets Talk Chiles

2010-09-21T11:54:00.002-05:00

I have stated before that I love Chiles. Some better than others, some hot and some sweet. For me it depends on what I am doing with the Chiles and who will be eating them. When small children or some grown folks that can't take the heat, I tone it down some. Don't get me wrong here, I like the heat but don't like pain. Y'all know what I mean. Here are some photos of a couple that I really like. I will say that I eat Jalapeños but there is better Chiles out there.

This photo was taken by my friend John F. who lives in Maine. This Chile is a sweet Chile, much better than any Bell you have ever eaten.
Criolla de Cocina

This Chile is native to Nicaragua

This photo was taken by myself. It is a small hot Chile Called "Chile Pequin". I like to dry and the grind them. I use the Chile powder as a table condiment. It's good on most everything. They are also mighty good fresh off the plant.
Sometimes in Texas, this Chile is known as the Texas Bird Chile. It also grows wild in Texas and Mexico.
Chile Pequin

Remembering 9-11

2010-09-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

I for one remember the day we were attacked, and by whom. How can we forget.
I Honor those who died and those who worked so hard to save who could be saved. The Enemy is still among us, and they are breeding. Be ever vigilant. Keep your eyes open and your Guns loaded. Never Forget.

Chiles, its what's for Dinner

2010-08-31T14:54:00.000-05:00

I think when we mention eating Chile's, most people think of the Jalapeño. I do think it is the most popular Chile here in the United States. But guy's there are thousands of Chile's to choose from. Granted you may have to grow them yourself or maybe get them from a local grower. You don't have to like hot pepper to enjoy something different. There are so many sweet variety's, and I am not just talking Bell pepper either. I can tell you, for me Bell and Jalapeño Chile's taste real grassy after eating some of the other Chile's. I do like both hot Chile's and sweet Chile's. I like the jalapeño but don't do the bells. Bell's are OK if they are red and roasted, green and raw are just nasty. By the way a green Chile is one that is not ripe yet. So don't be afraid to venture out and enjoy good a Chile.
I will post some of my favorite Chile photos soon.

Something New

2010-08-24T09:39:00.003-05:00

Not really, just new to me. We bought this pineapple from the market. Me being me thought why not plant this thing. So with an INTERNET search, and now knowing more about pineapple than I ever wanted to know. I planted this pineapple top and it started to grow. That was four years ago. It really never did anything but look like a very large pineapple top. I was getting kinda tired dragging it in each winter and putting it back out in the spring. That plant has now taken on a new life, yep its blooming. I do think I may get a pineapple, maybe not. But it sure is pretty right now. Hope you think so to.

Pineapple plant with bloom.

Short Update

2010-08-09T10:46:00.003-05:00

I know some people are having floods and surly don't need rain. But as usual I am not happy with the weather. We need rain really bad. I had said in my last post that I was just working around the yard. Well I still am, I do like our yard, I do love plants. But just trying to keep things growing (green) with it being so dry is tough. Course it will start raining then I will have to complain about it being too wet. Oh Well. Here is a photo of part of what I am doing.

This photo is looking out our front door.

Slow in posting "sorry"

2010-07-24T18:17:00.004-05:00

Guy's sure sorry about being so slow in posting. Some days the news isn't worth talking about.
This has been a very depressing year. It may be my last for planting commercial crops. Yeah, its been a bad growing season. I still have plenty to be thankful for, and believe me I am.
Maybe I am just getting old, I know I get tired easy.
I have been working around the house, doing yard work. I do love growing plants. We have 3.5 acres of yard so there is plenty to do. My wife does most of the mowing, she loves to mow. I think she would fight you for the mower. We do however have a large riding mower.
About 3 weeks ago lighting struck a large pine here in the yard, so had to get it cut. I happen to be standing in the garage watching it rain when the lighting struck. I was about 70' away, the boom and flash scared the heck out of me. I never want to be that close again. Later with yard photos. Bill

Onions

2010-05-22T11:56:00.002-05:00

Onions are finished for 2010, what a year so far. We have golf ball and tennis ball size onions.(not good). Oh, they will taste good but not sell good. Most people like a larger onion, me I just like onions. These are very sweet really good for fresh eating. Anyway its over. The onions have been dug and are now curing in the field.
Can you believe with the country flooding we still haven't had any rain. The last storms came right up to us then split and went around. Now that sucks. Even my rain dance didn't work. Maybe next time.

Well, misinformed again.

2010-05-08T18:31:00.002-05:00

Well, the weather dude said rain. And I guess it did but not here.

I truly am sorry about all the people getting flooded out. Some of my farmer friends have lost everything. Crops, greenhouses, barns, animals, equipment I mean have lost it all. You and your family's are on our prayer list.

I have always found it strange about the weather. We are still super dry here. Just finished putting out drip tape on our Chile plants. Still waiting on rain, before we plant more Chiles. Our ground is like a dust bowl, if we planted the plants now they would die before we could get water on them. Later Bill

Planting Chiles

2010-04-30T09:01:00.004-05:00

Folks this has been one of the strangest springs. It has been really cool and super dry.
Anyway we started planting Chiles yesterday. We planted 3300 plants , but quite because it was so dry. The weather dude says rain coming, so we are holding off a couple of days. We are about 2 weeks late as it is, so a couple more day wont make much difference. I know a lot of y'all are to wet to plant but we are gonna do our rain dance. Might have to do it nude to make it work. (now thats scary)
Onions, well we have started to harvest a few fresh onions. Thats the ones with tops, different from greed onions. We call them spring onions. Sure feels good to be harvesting something. I don't have any photos to post but will get some soon.
Wishing you a great season.

Last freeze

2010-04-13T11:28:00.003-05:00

I truly hope our last freeze is over. I have however seen a killing frost on the 15 th of April.

The ground temp is 65-70 ° this is a good thing.

All our fruit trees are bloomed out and looking really good.

I am thinking we might have a bumper crop of blueberries. But we all know what happens sometime when we start thinking own our own.

Our little Chile plants are still in the greenhouse, so they are doing good. They need to be in the ground. But just not ready yet.

The onions are growing finally. They did not respond too well to the snow and cold and lots of rain. I think I might have a photo somewhere I can post. Just a little behind from this time last year. I wish you all a great growing season, Bill

What the Heck

2010-03-23T08:55:00.004-05:00

Well I keep saying spring is coming. And I am sure it is, I just don't know when. Can you believe we had snow (AGAIN) only two days ago. Not much but it did snow, and was 34 °
Puts a dampener on my wanting to plant anything. You know you get all excited on the warm sunny days. Then the next morning you are looking for your coat again. Oh Well.
Our baby Chiles in the green house are doing great. I hope we can go to the field with them by April.
On another note we have had mucho rain (that means lots) we will be needing it about June and July. I gets some kinda dry about then. So in thinking about it rain is not a bad thing.
Just was out checking the ground temp. It is now 55° to 60° wont be long now. I am about to plant some red potato's. Man I sure like those, I really didn't buy seed just got some from the store. Any way I am only going to plant a short row here at the house.

Spring has not sprung

2010-02-16T10:03:00.006-06:00

Spring is not here yet, but its time to get ready. If you haven't started you seed, better get with it. Its difficult to think about planting when its still freezing each night.

Oh, by the way we did have snow.

Its pretty but I could do with out it.

We have our Chile seed in the greenhouse. Got little plants growing. We are not going to grow as many as we usually do. The market killed us last year along with labor cost. Of course being farmers we always say maybe this year will be better. I guess thats what makes us farmers (because we like it) Not because were getting rich. But hey, Obama gonna take care of us. "In your dreams." Oh Oh got to be careful here don't want to get on my soap box.

Baby plants getting ready, don't they look happy.

Climate Warming, Yeah when?

2010-02-10T10:29:00.006-06:00

I am sure a lot of folks are wondering the same thing. The weather dude says we may have some snow coming. We just had a nice rain. Washed up some of the onion plants but nothing so far we can't overcome.

I really feel sorry about all the snow troubles people are having. We don't have that much snow here where we live, but I have been there and done that and don't like it at all.

Photo of me being cold Alaska in 1957.

Here is a photo of our poor little onions.
We are plowing them to dry the soil some. After plowing the wind will dry the soil.
Just received our collard seed, yes, we are going to try collards this year. If they don't sell good at least we will have plenty to eat. I do like greens and collards are the best (my opinion) But you got to have smoked pork jowl and cornbread with them.
Can you tell this is a Southern Blog????

Sweet Onions

2010-01-30T15:02:00.002-06:00

The weather finally let up. We got our onions planted. Just in time to. It has turned cold and started to rain. I like a shower just after planting. I think it settles the soil around the plants.
We haven't started the other plants yet (greenhouse) but need to. I am holding off as long as I can. It cost a lot of money to heat a green house. We maybe a little late this year but our funds are kinda short, I know you can relate to that. This last year was a bummer as far as making any money. But there is always another year. That is what makes us farmers. Photos later.

Amy Smith: Simple designs that could save millions of childrens' lives

2010-01-14T10:38:00.001-06:00

New Year is on its way

2009-12-29T19:25:00.002-06:00

Looks like the New Year is upon us. Wasn't it wonderful to celebrate Christ Birthday. I am not sure if I am ready or not for the New Year. (coming anyway) Been cold and wet, some ice but not as cold as where some of you folks are located. When its cold sure is hard thinking about planting any thing. Its been so wet we haven't even got our onions planted yet. Just can't get into the fields. I haven't bought the onion plants yet either. I am sure happy about that, I hate to hold them very long after they are dug. I did have a few special Chile plants, planted in pots. I brought these inside where its warm, they are still making Chiles. I enjoy fresh peppers with my meal. And its super nice to see something growing.
It sure would be nice to hear what other growers are planting. I am always on the look out for new Chiles to grow. Dang, I don't even have a nice photo to post. Later, ChileFarmer

December 7th 1941

2009-12-06T18:45:00.004-06:00

The attack on Pearl Harbor is most likely not remembered by most readers . I know I was very young when it happen. I remember being scared, listing to the old folks talk about the bombs and the ships that had been sunk, and all the men and women that had died. I am also scared today for our great country, America wakeup pay attention to whats happening to our country.
Do not forget who we are and what we stand for.
A lot of men and women have paid with there lives for the freedom we have, lets not lose it.

It can happen It did happen December 7th 1941. This is Gods country, a Christian nation. I don't care what Obama says.

Giving Thanks

2009-11-23T19:17:00.008-06:00

It's that special time of year again. Time to give thanks for all our blessings over the past year. Yeah, I know we have had some rough times. Seems like America and the world are in quite an upheaval. But I am still grateful to be living in the greatest country in the world. Lets just hope they don't change it. I Really don't want to go there.

I do take time each day just to say "Thank You Lord For This Day and All My Blessings"
I find the photo posted below to be very fitting for "Thanksgiving" hope you do also. Bill

The name of this photo is Grace, it has quite a story that goes with it. You might want to read about it.

Citrus Fruit

2009-11-18T13:47:00.007-06:00

Cool weather in Texas always brings Rio Grand Valley Citrus Fruit. Although we live in the Eastern part of the state. Valley citrus vendors begin to start showing up on the road sides. I love road side vendors. One never knows what you might find, Could be vegetables, fruit, sausage or Bar-B-Que, or some home made baked goods. And most of the time some really great deals.

With the economy the way it is I think we will see more and more roadside sales.

Anyway this is citrus season in Texas. Here is a photo of one of the vendors

Roadside vending is not something new here is a vendor from long ago. I love this photo.

I forgot to tell you that we have an orange tree, its small but sure has made the oranges this year. It is a Satsuma orange. They are easy peel and very sweet.

Thanks

2009-11-11T09:01:00.003-06:00

How do you say thank you when written in a post, and convey your true feelings?

Thanks to all the veterans that have served to keep us safe and free.

And thanks to all that continue to serve for the same reason. I am very grateful. Bill

Fall is Here

2009-10-24T09:25:00.005-05:00

Ounce again fall is here in East Texas. I always have mixed feelings this time of year. Good feeling is that, some relief from the Texas heat. And what crops we had are harvested. The bad feeling, or maybe I should say sad feelings. Trees are going dormant, no more green. But they too have had a hard year (being dry and all) Now it is a time of rest. The flowers will all die back waiting on spring. Lots of the birds have also left for winter.

And I hate cold weather. The fruit trees need some cold so they will produce next year. I guess there is some good comes from being cold. Up to a point anyway. We have some bad ice storms some years (not good). The pine trees suffer the most, they collect so much ice it brakes off the limbs. More rain coming tomorrow. I can tell you for sure though any day I can get up will be a blessed day.

After this boring post maybe I should post a nice fall photo.

Fall Has Arrived

Rain, Rain and more Rain

2009-10-14T13:10:00.004-05:00

Where the heck was all this water when we needed it. You know back in the summer when it was so dry. Central Texas was about to dry up completely. Us here in the Eastern part of the state got dry but not like other parts of the state.

Anyway it has been raining for about two weeks now (Eastern Part) over 6" so far and more coming, maybe it will store some water for summer. Our farm pond is full, bet the fish like that. I was afraid that it might dry up. It didn't, I was super pleased because of the fish. My Grand Kids like fishing in the pond, so do I. OK, so for now don't do any more rain dances on our behalf. But I may be calling on Y'all later so keep in practice. ChileFarmer

The Farm Pond

Well another growing season bites the dust.

2009-10-08T13:58:00.003-05:00

Yep, its over. I am happy and sad at the same time. Now that makes no since at all does it?
This has been the worst growing season we have ever had. Nothing worked out like it was supposed to. But as Farmers we always say well maybe next year. Maybe deer season will perk thinks up, at least the deer should be good and fat. They have been eating our crops all year. Now its payback time.My grandson says "Pawpaw" you aren't going to shoot Bambi are you, Nope, but his daddy and mama are up for grabs. Time for some back strap and deer sausage.
Later Y'all

Shell Beans

2009-09-01T08:24:00.002-05:00

Some things just happen, And we just managed to catch a nice shower. Sure hope we can do it again soon.
Planted beans today. It will be pushing it for them to make before frost. They should mature about mid November. But nothing planted nothing to harvest. But with the raising cost of seed it does require some thought. 50 pounds of bean seed right now $165.00 ($1.65 pound) They are cheaper than that at the market. (Maybe that is where I need to buy my seed.) Thats up $20.00 per 50 pounds from spring price.
Anyway they are in the ground and the ground is damp. They should be up in a few days. I may even have some photos to post. And maybe the deer wont find them, Oh well, I like deer meat.

Texas Is a very Big State

2009-08-24T14:15:00.004-05:00

I chose the Title because what happens in one place may not be happening in another at all.

Y'all, it is super dry in my area, and not too far from us the rain has been in the 3"-4" range. We have been wanting to plant some fall beans but without a shower it isn't gonna happen.

The Habanero Chiles are doing OK, we have managed to keep them watered, the deer are loving that. They are eating them like candy. I told the guys, when we harvest a deer this fall, it wont have to be seasoned with all the Chiles they have been eating. Anyway praying for rain, our country and our troops.

Habanero Chiles.

The passing of a Great Friend

2009-08-09T20:35:00.005-05:00

How do you say good by to someone that was your best friend? I really don't know, I am not sure I can or want to.

Bill Moran, He was that kind of guy, you know the kind that you share everything with. Over the years I don't think there was anything we did not talk about.

I really miss his morning emails. Bill always got up earlier than I did, so an email was always waiting for me first thing each morning. Then we would start our day, the weather, what we might have for dinner or supper. We were both freaks for a good chicken fried steak. But of coarse it had to have lots of cream gravy. We took photos of some of ours meals and sent them to each other. Then we would comment on what we like or didn't like about them.

Our daily travels where we went the things we saw that we thought were of interest. Maybe even taking more photos to share.

Plants, what was growing and what wasn't. Living in different areas of the state we grew things that were some times quite different this was fun. Bill sent me some plants and seeds from his planting and I did the same.

Bill, I miss you Man.

My Friend Bill and his elephant ear plant.

Sorry About that.

2009-08-04T08:12:00.003-05:00

Sorry about not posting sooner. We have been so busy. I think every piece of equipment we have has broken down in the last 3 weeks. But you know what they say when it rains it pours.

Or something like that, any way you know what I mean.

Pea crop did not do as well as expected, even after the rain showers we have had. But one just sucks it up and keeps on plugging.

The yellow squash has saved us it has done real well. We will plant another crop in the next few days. Might also try another crop of peas. I think we have time for them to make before frost.

Who knows, the way the weather has been we may not even have frost this winter. (but I would not bet on it)

Here is a photo of one of the squash patches.

The Weather Is So Fickle

2009-07-14T10:25:00.003-05:00

The rain has come and gone, but it sure was nice while it lasted. It did save some of the pea crop. Might happy about that. Now if we could just get another small shower. Yeah, I know Farmers are never happy. (Not True) I am one happy farmer, sometime just happier than at other times.
Now if I could just find a way to keep the deer from eating our Chile plants I would be really pleased. We have never had this trouble before, but this year It is really bad.

RAIN !!!!

2009-07-06T08:15:00.003-05:00

Its raining on my part of Texas. How wonderful it is to see water falling from the sky.
And it is so much cooler this morning, Maybe the 100° temps. will be gone for a few days.
Our pea crop was just about done in for lack of rain, this shower may save some of them. Only time will tell. But I am happy this morning because of the rain.

Dry In My World

2009-06-30T08:14:00.006-05:00

I am not going to complain, Yeah I am. Guys and Gals we need rain really bad. I know some places are wishing it would dry out. But not in my world.

You know the peas I have been bragging about, well they are just about dried up. Sad part is they were looking so good. The first ones planted, might get a picking, the last ones I don't think will make at all.

And the blueberries are drying on the plants even with water. We just can't pump enough water to keep them going.

Chiles, we have not harvested a single pepper, we do water them but its just not the same. Although with irrigation they are growing, now if we could just keep the deer from eating them all would be OK. Here are a few photos of what looks best, I would not want you to see the bad ones. It might make you not want to plant your crops.

First Planted Peas.

Habanero Chiles.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2009-06-12T20:02:00.003-05:00

But boy, are we having fun (not) it is hard work. But anything worthwhile is work, but not so bad if you enjoy what you do.

Anyway I got a photo of the first peas planted they are looking great. Old bean fields all plowed and replanted with peas. Planted one day (super dry) and it rained that night. Now how BLESSED can one farmer get? And they are coming up after two days. I was so excited I just had to post.

Peas (southern)

Beans, Chiles, Blueberries and Rain

2009-06-05T08:15:00.002-05:00

We have completed the bean harvest. And the good news is that they have all been sold. I don't have a total count on what was harvested but will have by this afternoon. Mowing down the bean fields has begun readying the fields for more pea seed. The peas that were planted are doing really good. They were getting pretty dry but (we got rain) what a blessing that was. Now to get the new seed planted before the new fields dry out.
The Chile plants are also looking good, I just hope we can keep the weeds down. Sometime there isn't enough time to go around. But you do the best you can.
"Blueberries are ready" Picking has started in full swing most of our regular pickers have showed up this year "another good thing" So all in all life is good. Now the selling starts.

Bean Harvest

2009-06-01T07:49:00.003-05:00

The shell beans are ready to pick, we started picking this last Friday. Still have about half of them that are not ready yet.

We planted peas (southern) they are up and coming along. We will replant the bean fields with peas also.

The Blueberries are starting to get ripe so will be picking them starting today.

Beans.

Onion Harvest

2009-05-23T20:31:00.005-05:00

The onion harvest is here and over. Got them all cured and put into the barn. Now comes the boxing and selling. I am hoping we can get a good price for them. These are sweet onions, they don't keep real well but sell for more than regular storage onions. Anyway here is a photo of the harvested crop. Bean will be the next crop to harvest. Oh, and we did get all the Chile plants planted, more photos later.

How we do it.

2009-05-10T13:33:00.004-05:00

Just thought it might be interesting to show how we plant Chiles. We use a mechanical transplanter. It is much faster than planting by hand. I also think it does a much better job.

The photo shows that we are planting, installing drip tape and applying fertilizer all at the same time. We are applying about 1/2 pint of water soluble fertilizer per plant. Using 9-45-15 at the 510 PPM rate. Way too high for potted plants but works just fine in the field.

Planting Chiles

2009-05-08T20:19:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? We are really planting Chiles. I am so happy, I am sure the Chile plants are too. The weather Dude is still saying more rain. But you can be assured that we will be back at it again in the morning.Of course if its not raining.

The wind blew like crazy today and was pretty warm, but all in all a wonderful day.

This photo is proof that it really is happing. More later.

Rain, no rain, Rain

2009-05-07T20:20:00.002-05:00

We are having the crazy-est weather. Just about the time the fields dry some, More Rain. This has been going on for weeks. We have however been pulling and selling onions (Fresh). They are about ready for the tops to fall over. This will be the sign to pull and let cure. This also the time you really don't want rain.
BEANS, they are doing good, some bug trouble but nothing unusual. They are planted on some sandy land so have been able to work the after the rains. They are blooming, now if they will just set some beans we Will be in great shape.
CHILE PLANTING, will start in the morning if no rain falls tonight. Not bad only about 3 weeks behind. I will be so pleased to get those little buggers planted. I was begining to think we might have to harvest them in the flats. I hope to take some photos of us planting.

Rain Again Today

2009-04-25T20:37:00.002-05:00

More rain, we will be late getting our Chiles planted, matter of fact we are already late.
Got most of the plants hauled to the field. Sure did want to start Monday but I am sure its not gonna happen.
We did how ever sell some fresh onions. Another sale or two and we will be in the clear on them.

What's been Going On?

2009-04-22T09:08:00.009-05:00

Well Folks, after the frost scare, we have had rain and more rain. So needless to say it is really wet. But I am happy(Y'all know I am always happy) Why not, it makes everybody wonder what you been up to.

Anyway, The onions are doing great, and so are the Beans. Chile plants are being hauled to the field as we speak. Planting them will come next. Going to plow the onions again this morning.

Pictures are much better than words so here are the photos. Please feel free to comment.

Mighty long Rows

When walking with a hoe.

Sure wish you had some They are really good.Young Bean plants

Jack Frost

2009-04-07T11:42:00.004-05:00

It surly looks like we dodged the bullet on the frost or freeze. Low temp was 35° there was a little frost here and there.

The good news the beans look OK so far. Corn got bit some but it may recover.

We covered the wife's garden and all the plants here at the house, I told them it was to early to plant flowers. But Hey, what do I know about flowers (nothing) only that I like them. This is a photo of the cover job. I think we used all the sheets, towels and blankets we had. Dang, I hope we don't have to do that again.

Weather

2009-04-04T09:38:00.002-05:00

The weather dude, says we will have some cold temps. I am so not ready for this. Our beans are braking ground, I truly hope we don't get a frost. They are saying mid to low 30° mark and clear. Sure doesn't sound good.

Beans

2009-04-01T09:02:00.002-05:00

We have our beans planted, they are just breaking the ground good. Coming up kinda yellow, but we have had rain, cloudy days and cool nights. So with some warm days and sunshine I am sure they will perk up. Soon as they are photo ready I will post some photos. I would not want to show you anything that did not look good. Later!!

Onion Update

2009-04-01T08:42:00.004-05:00

Just an update on the onions, doing very well after a rocky start. Weather wise was not

very good. We are starting to pull a few bunches. We will save most of them for dry onions. I can only tell you these fresh onions with the tops are super good grilled. Sure wish ya'll had some.

Chile Plants

2009-04-01T08:28:00.003-05:00

The plants are growing really good, course they are still in the greenhouse. Maybe in about 2 weeks we will be going to the field with them. Our weather has been so screwed up. You know, cold then hot back and forth. You don't know weather to wear shorts or an overcoat.

Happens each year, I just forget from one year to the next. I can't believe I just admitted that.

Anyway lets all hope we don't get a late freeze after we start planting. That is why I don't plant until after April 15th. So here is a photo of what our plants look like now.

Are they ready?

Baby Chiles

2009-02-27T14:36:00.006-06:00

Got some baby's growing, wont be long before planting time. well maybe April 15th that is our target date each year. We plant a little later than most in our area, but can't take a chance on late frost, as you might know Chiles don't like cold. But heck I don't either. Our weather has been just right for me mid 70° range. The weather dude says Statuary night will be cold again in the upper 20's (not good)

Onion update, they are looking good don't have any ready to pull yet but maybe soon.

It will be time to plant some beans soon too, they take the cold better that other crops, like peas they like it hot. ANYWAY here are some photos of the baby Chiles.

These are the Habanero Chiles.

This photo is of the other varietys.

Onion Photos

2009-01-09T18:56:00.003-06:00

I have been waiting for some really clear days, I wanted some good photos. Weather Dude says rain tomorrow and we have not had any real sunny days. So I took a shot today, not real good but a photo never the less.

At least you can tell we really did plant onions. They are growing, got fertilizer today, may get to put it out in a few days. They are not hurting right now, we disc in our summer and cover crop.So they still have plenty to eat. I hope soon we will have plenty of onions.

No Photos Yet

2008-12-31T21:10:00.002-06:00

I know, I know I promised some photos of the new onion crop. But with all the activity around our house these last few weeks, just haven't gotten there yet. First we had Thanksgiving, then we celebrated Jesus Birthday (Christmas) And then I had a Birthday. Not to even think about the cold and wet weather, you know what I mean dark and Drury kind of weather. Anyway I just haven't done it yet. But I will.
I wish all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR !!! I think we gonna need it. Don't forget those Blackeyed Peas for luck, and some cabbage would not hurt.

We Did It !!!!!

2008-12-08T19:10:00.008-06:00

We got all the onions planted, and rain coming tonight. Now you tell me, how blessed can one get.

I do hope it is a slow gentle rain and not one of our famous down pours. I did take a few photos. So here they are. In a few days when the plants start to grow I will get photos of them.This is my Son, tilling plant residue and cover crop.

And this is yours truly, plowing rows for the onions and being cold.

This is the girls planting the onions, they are so good and super fast.

This next photo was taken this morning just before I left for the farm. I think it is just too wonderful not to post for all to see.

Onward Through The Fog

2008-12-06T14:20:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving day is now over but giving thanks is not. Be Thankful each day.
Christmas in looming near. I am happy to be part of Christ Birthday.
Our weather has turned cold and wet, but is still mild compared to you Northern folks.
But now is the time to plant onions in our area. I picked up the plants yesterday Approx. 29,400 plants. Not a lot but about what we plant most years. These are the Texas Sweet Onions. Really good and mild, you know fresh eating onions. Not those Strong make you cry type. Any way the field is ready to plant, so my son and I will be making rows and planting in the morning. I have 3 girls that plant each year for us. They are real fast and make no mistakes.
I really hope we can finish before rain starts in. Weather man says rain is possible. I will post a photo after we finish planting. Although when first planted they are hard to see, onion plants are small and have no tops.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T08:16:00.002-06:00

Giving Thanks is what its all about, I have so much to be grateful for I haven't a clue where to start. I would think that if we all reflect on our past and daily lives you would find more blessing that you could ever imagine.
Yeah, I know we all have some down days but we also know that there are better times ahead.
I look back on my past childhood and find such wonderful memories (good and bad) but they are all part of what we are and what we have become. I posted this photo of a wild turkey because it is the symbol of thanksgiving. Growing up we always had a roasted chicken hen, turkeys cost too much and we didn't raise turkeys. But what a feast we had with all the family, it was truly a thankful day. One of the things I remember most was having iced tea, (sounds strange huh) Not really when you realize we didn't have any ice most of the time. Growing up in the country we had no electric power, ice had to be brought from town. Every kid got a small chip of ice wrapped in newspaper, we would all run around playing in the yard and sucking on our ice chip. I think living and growing up in the rural south has a lot to do with who I am today. And I am happy knowing who I am.
Each morning when I get up I walk outside to look at the world, And say thank you Jesus for this day, thank you for all my blessing for they are great. Happy Thanksgiving !!

Are we ready for 2009 crop year

2008-11-08T11:14:00.002-06:00

Naw, we are not ready, but we are working on it. Maybe pick what peas we have left next week.
It is almost time to plant onions again, time surly flies when you are having fun. All of our Chiles are gone for the year. The seed people are sending out the catalogs and some are calling on the phone. Wonder what new things they might have this year. I always look forward to the new catalogs, you know just to ponder what might be good.
I am a little spooked on what seed and fertilizer might cost this coming season. And the irrigation supplies. Who knows it may be cheaper this year than last year, well we can dream can't we.
The fields have been mostly all mowed, starting to disc and maybe plant a winter cover crop. It is a little late to plant cover. It never too late for weeds, they are better than nothing, they hold the soil from washing during winter rains.
Got the blueberry field all clean of weed and stuff. maybe a good crop this coming year. Later ya'll

Sneaking By

2008-10-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

We did sneak by with the pea crop, well some of it anyway. Frost did not get them all. The poly spray helped a lot.
As did the weather, Remember this is Texas the temp today is 76 degrees. The plants that did make it through the freeze are perking up, they like this warm sunshine. Matter of fact so do I.

Well It finally Happen

2008-10-28T09:03:00.002-05:00

Yep, freeze it happen this morning 30.1 deg. I am not ready for cold weather. But what the heck this is Texas it might be 90 deg. next week.
We did however have one more picking of Habanero Chiles still in the field, and several fields of peas. I am pretty sure they have gone by the way side, but one can hope not. When the sun comes out we will know for sure. We did spray yesterday the pea fields with a poly coating in hope that it would hold back the frost.
I am hoping that this coming year will be better economically not just for us but the whole country. Everybody talking about change, we already have the greatest country in the world we just need to take care of what we have.

2008 Winding Down

2008-10-08T09:06:00.003-05:00

We have had a pretty good year crop wise. I haven't kept up with the blog like I should have, Sorry.
I have had some health issues but am over coming them.
I am looking forward to this coming year and maybe growing some new things, Things that I haven't grown before might be a fun thing. I truly like growing plants of all kinds, I also like for them to make a profit if I can. Who knows what might be out there, I am open for any thoughts you might have.
I was in hopes that this Blog would generate some different ideas other than my own, so speak up don't be afraid you are among friends.

Happenings as of today

2008-08-19T07:39:00.003-05:00

We have been very busy with the Chile crop. Production has been very good and the wholesale prices have been steady. We did however loose some Jalapeño production due to the Salmonella
scare. All the buyers stopper buying Jalapeños. Just like they did tomatoes.
Managed to kill most of the tomato growers and did put a hurt on the Chile growers as well. Being we a re a small farm didn't hurt us too bad. We did loose several pickings. Mind you there was nothing wrong with the Chiles, just could not sell them.
Oh well we have over come all that (I think).
Our second planting of peas didn't do much, lack of rain was the reason. It has been super dry, but is getting better, rained yesterday and may rain again today.
That means we will try and plant more peas, as soon as it drys enough to get in the field.
Our Habanero crop of Chiles has done great and the price has been super. Looks like we might loose our pickers, they are Moms and school is about to start. Maybe not I hope they can stay they have been really good, Best we have ever had.
We did loose our cooler unit, it burnt up had to get a new one. Cooler man said $6000.00 to replace, so of course I went into sticker shock. You have to sell lot of pepper to pay for that.
I toured the net looking for a better deal of which I didn't find. My monetary rate is still running back in the 50's somewhere. After about 4 days I called the cooler man and said just fix it. And he did, so we are up and running once again. Thanks Ralph.

Chile picking

2008-07-15T09:48:00.002-05:00

Well, sorry about that, posting that is.
The Chile harvest has started and have been supper busy. Seems like the older I get it doesn't take much to make me super busy.
Any way, I haven't taken any new photos but I will. ( I promise) I know photos make the blog more interesting, It does for me any way I like to see photos. A blog with photos is kinda bland.
We did harvest Banana and Cubanelle Chiles yesterday about 2000 pounds. Was able to sell them, a happy thing. I do however have 900 pounds of Cayenne that nobody wants. I think we all picked Cayenne at the same time.
We are about to plant some more Southern peas, purple hull they sell really good here in our area. Just finished picking the cream peas, they did pretty good. Would of been better had
we received some rain.
Rain, got some night before last, not much but some it was welcome. I could just hear all the plant and trees rejoicing.

Beans and Onion Harvest

2008-05-24T15:21:00.002-05:00

5-24-2008
We have finished the onion harvest, What a nice crop, we have been truly blessed.
Onion production about 15000 pounds. And boy are they good. Super sweet taste.
The little bean field I posted about earlier, has been picked. It produced 80, 32 pound sacks.
Will pick again in a few days.
We do need some rain, got all the peppers planted, plowed and fertilized. Now we need some water. I guess we will start hooking up the irrigation lines Monday. The other bean field will be picked in about a week. The purple hull and cream peas are coming along. Just having some trouble with the aphids. They are easy to control.

Whats Happen Now?

2008-05-14T08:25:00.002-05:00

Things are coming along pretty good. We will be picking Beans in about a week. The onions are ready to harvest. This will consist of pulling and let dry in the field. The onion crop turned out really nice this year. We are supper happy about that. And they are all sold, another good feeling.
All the Chile plants are planted (at last) the rain has kept us out of the field several days.
We have had 15.25" rain so far this year and it is raining right now. And I really need to plow .
Will lose another couple days because of it, But I am not complaining yet (well not to much)
I am just hoping the weeds don't get a head of me too much. Wishing you all happy growing. Farmer Bill

Beans 5-2-08

2008-05-06T09:34:00.002-05:00

The Beans are looking good, I am happy farmer. We have baby beans !!!
We count on the onions and beans to help pay the way for our Chile plants. The Chile transplants are costly much more so than the seeded crops. Mainly because the seed is expensive and they are in the greenhouse for about 3 mounts. We have started planting the Chiles, but rain has slowed us down. I will not complain about the rain, not yet anyway. I would like to get all the Chiles in the ground though. It will happen.

Old man Winter

2008-04-13T09:18:00.005-05:00

Well, looks like we will have one last round of cold weather. Weather Dude says it will be 31-34 degrees in the morning. We will be doing all we can to protect what we have growing. Sometime it works and sometime not. This is why I never plant our pepper crop until after tax day April 15 .
Just thought I would throw that in, maybe you forgot. I have seen a killing frost on the 15th, lost a whole crop of plants trying to be early. So now I just wait. I know we are all ready for spring, I am not ready for summer. Our Texas heat can be really hot. Oh well, you know farmers are never happy with the weather.

Fresh Bulb Onions

2008-04-13T09:08:00.002-05:00

The onion harvest is underway. Most will be cured and sold dry, but fresh spring onions are a real treat. They don't stay at this stage long so we eat and sell all we can. Sure wish ya'll had some, boy are they good.

Planting Has Started

2008-04-08T08:46:00.003-05:00

First , I am sorry for not posting more often. But Planting has started, so my time is short sometime.

We have panted some shell Beans, they are up and doing fine, We did find a few aphids on them yesterday. Time to start killing bugs. Sure seems early for bugs but what ever.

Planted a small batch of sweetcorn, just for us to nibble on. That is if the coons don't get it first.

Yellow summer squash planted, not looking all that good yet, maybe a little cool. Cucumbers are next. The Chile plants are doing great in the greenhouse. We should start planting them next week. OK ya'll I am off to see the wizard and plant some peas.

Spring is Coming

2008-03-19T13:55:00.003-05:00

The weather has warmed up, especially at night. All this means that the ground will also be warming up. We have had rain and wind the last few days, and a little cooler.
We did manage to plant one Field of beans last week, they are not up yet. But with the rain they should be up in a few days. We will be planting another field of beans in the coming week.
I haven't been over to the onion field in a few days. I might just go have a look at them.

Baby's in the Greenhouse

2008-02-13T20:46:00.007-06:00

You can see the difference in the Chile plants. They are coming along, I sure hope they will be ready to plant in the field come mid April. I also hope I will be ready myself.

I am a happy farmer, what more could one ask for.

Latest Photo of baby Chiles 3-12-08Baby Chiles 2008

Well, I have been telling you about the Chile baby's, Here they are. This is the Pepper crop for 2008. I could list all there names but wont right now.

If the weather is right about April 15th, they will be going to the field.

2008-02-11T12:18:00.003-06:00

This photo was taken 3-12-08
As you can see the growth is coming along really nice. We may be able to pull some spring onions in about 2 weeks. (weather permitting).
There has been lots of rain, we really need to plow but is just too wet. Course ya'll know farmers are never happy, (well almost never)
I am happy with this crop of onions. It is almost time to plant, beans just need the ground to be a little warmer. If we plant too early the seed may rot.

Report 2-11-08 As you can see in the photos below the onions are doing very well. I truly hope that they continue. I am on my way to the greenhouse to check on the baby pepper plants. I will take my camera, It is pretty cloudy so don't know how the photos will turn out. If they are any good I will post them. I may post them anyway. More rain coming today, we need it.

Sweet Onions "Cherokee Sweets"

2008-02-11T12:03:00.000-06:00

The Photo above was taken the day we planted. 1-20-08

They really are growing, Even with all the cold weather. The above photo was taken 2-10-08

Not Much Happening

2008-01-26T09:40:00.000-06:00

It has still been cold and wet.
Our friend and main man Camacho has returned for this growing season. I don't know what we would do without him. He is one of those people that is worth $50.00 hour you just pay it. We treat him more like family than an employee. He has been with us along time.
We have managed to get the grapes pruned, and have started cleaning up the blueberries. We let the blueberries go way to long. this is not the time to prune them, but we are going to anyway. At least half of them. reason being they set fruit buds in the fall, so pruning now means that plant will have no fruit.
But we should have lots of new growth come this fall, and a much more manageable crop. Onions not growing much but they look fine. May need to fertilize them soon, might give them a boost.

An update for 2008

2008-01-16T19:28:00.000-06:00

A lot has happen in the last few weeks.
The weather has been wet and cold., we did make it to the greenhouse with seed. So will have baby plants soon.
I have been real sick with the flu, Maybe I am just getting older but this thing has kicked my ass. Only today have I felt like getting up and about.
My Brother passed away also during this time, I was so sick I could not even say good by. He was 17 years younger than myself. I will miss him, he was my only Brother and my friend.
Our onion plants are doing well, That is all we have planted so can't talk about much else. We do have the fields ready to plant.
The next thing will be planting some beans and maybe some sweet corn. The beans will be a sale-able crop and the corn will be for our own use.
Oh, and we did plant a couple of rows collards and turnips. Just for family food.
We have been shopping for a small disc to use between the rows for weed control. Something new to try this year. I hate weeds, we really need to try planting on plastic mulch. I would have to buy new equipment and just don't want to do that right now. Maybe next year. If the sun comes out I can post some new photos.

First Post 2008

2008-01-01T10:14:00.000-06:00

Well the old is out and the new is in. So I am wishing a Happy New Year to all my friends and readers.
This last year has been a good one, I am looking forward to 2008.
I have learned about another site that I think is great. I was reading another blog of one of my farming friends. http://boulderbelt.blogspot.com/ She said, I just bought a Water Buffalo.
My first thought was why would you do that?
Well after going to this link I now know why.http://www.heifer.org/
I think this site is so cool. I just bought some pigs. This is the greatest gift one can give. please check it out.
Farm report
Not much going on so not much to report. I have received all the seeds that were ordered. I can't believe the cost of seed this year. Course my monetary rate is still back in the 1950's some where. Yea, I know I am older than dirt but I did see myself in the mirror this morning, so its gonna be a great day.
Sorry about that my mind wonders sometime. as long as it keeps coming back I'm OK.
The onions are the only thing we have planted and they are looking fine. We will be starting seed in the greenhouse in about 2 weeks. So there will be some new photos soon. More later

Habanero Chiles

2007-12-23T18:25:00.000-06:00

Processing Chiles

Slide Show

2007-12-22T12:42:00.000-06:00

Cherokee Sweets Planted

2007-12-22T10:54:00.001-06:00

Well, I did get a few photos of the just planted Onions. We call ours Cherokee Sweets.
(1) They are grown in Cherokee Co. Texas
(2) And they are Sweet.
So here is the latest photo. I am having one heck of a time trying to post click-able photos.
Just hang with me and I will get it sometime soon. (maybe)
Well I Did It
You can now click on the photos to see them in there true form (larger)
Thanks to a very good Internet friend for helping me. Thanks BirdGirl.

Onion Plants arrived

2007-12-20T18:23:00.000-06:00

We received our onion plants Monday. Really nice plants. I think they were dug one day and we had them the next. The roots were not even dried out.
We started planting Tuesday morning, (with a short crew) only three people. But did almost finish. Planted all but three box's, but planted them Wednesday morning. Finished by 10:00 am.
I made the rows so they are a little crooked. But hey, you can plant more in a crooked row. So I have been told. Anyway all looks great. And guess what it rained Wednesday night, now how cool is that. I will wait to see a few new true leaves then will fertilize with some ammonia nitrate
We grow sweet onions so cant have any sulfur, sulfur makes them hot.
I took some photos with my cell phone, but they look like crap. I will take some better ones and post them later.
I have ordered all other seed and have received most of them. Only the pea seed from SeedWay has not arrived. I know it is early but if you don't order early you may not get the seed you want.
One of the other thing I noticed this year is the cost of seed has increased greatly.
Believe it or not the onion plants were cheaper this year for some reason and were better plants. (I be counting my blessings)
Had to order tractor fuel today, this is off road diesel $2.87.9 per. gallon. Boy I hate it when that happens. Later ya'll

Onion Plants Ordered

2007-12-06T20:06:00.000-06:00

Well, I ordered the onion plants yesterday. 10 boxes = 36000 onion plants. Not quite what we planted last year.
The field is all ready, just need to make the beds. Won't be doing that until the day we plant. Plants should be here in about 2 weeks. Planting crew all lined up and waiting for a call. I do think all will go smooth. Of course one can't control the weather. Maybe I should post a photo of last years crop. Just to give an idea of what we are doing. Besides I like to look at them myself.
Tractor work
We have been servicing the equipment, have one older tractor we are putting new brakes on. (we really have several older tractors) And a couple of newer ones. Maybe someday soon I will post some photos of them. Anyway most of you know the drill, new filters, oil, grease check nuts and bolts and stuff.

Its Raining

2007-11-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

Friday after Thanksgiving, plowed some fields, planted some cover crops.
And it Rained Saturday. Now how cool is that. Not a down pour mind you, but a slow soaking rain. And looks like it might do it again today.
Don't we have lots to be thankful for, I know I do.
Although the weather is cold it is not freezing (yet) at least not every day.
Different subject: Yea, I know I think too much, I call it mind wondering.
OK its raining we have two deer legs, (what to do) Sausage. My Son came over and we made sausage (pan type) didn't feel like making links. So we have these deer legs, remove meat from bones, grind. Sure looks lean, but just happen to have a pork butt in the cooler. It is ground and added to the deer meat, spices added and mixed. At this point you gotta try some, we decide it needs more sage and pepper flakes. With the added ingredients it is really good. Packed into one pound packages ready for freezer. Now that was what I call fun work.
Don't think of a rainbow, Think of it as a SunBow.

Its Over

2007-11-19T10:55:00.000-06:00

Well frost has finally frozen. We had a killing frost the other night. Of course it killed all the rest of the Chile plants.
We did have a wonderful harvest this year, for which I am very grateful. It is now time to plant for the coming year. We have already started working the onion ground. Hope to plant the last of December.
Planing how to manage the grass in our fields, I am in hopes that we can master that (we will) somehow make it better.
We have been looking at some of the specialty crops that might be more profitable. Like Asian vegetables, and some of the different type of Chiles.
Not being a large grower i think you have to look harder.
We need rain, but in the mean time I do wish the new seed catalogs would come. I really like to see what is going to be new for the coming year. For some reason some of the seed company's don't send catalogs until after planting time.(duh) I hope every one has a wonderful and Merry Christmas. More later Bill

Cooler Weather

2007-10-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

It is about that time of year, yep weather is getting cooler. Thats OK I am getting kinda tired anyway. now I can work at my own pace (which is kinda slow) I haven't been to the farm this morning but here at the house in town the temp was 34 Deg. with some frost on the neighbors roof.
We have still been harvesting Habanero Chiles, I would like to harvest a few more before freezing weather. The field for the onion plants is almost ready. Onions will be planted in December hoping to have a nice spring crop. We sell a lot with green tops, bunched.
I deleted some post that no longer were relevant to what is happening at the moment. Just don't want Blog to get too large so that it loads slow.

Season This Year

2007-09-24T21:24:00.000-05:00

So far all in all this has been a good season. You know some good, some really good, and some not so good.
We don't have any bad days, some are just better than others. Any day I get up in the morning is gonna be a good one.
Back to the crops. They are for the most part just over, We are still picking some Habanero Chiles. But not many, just enough to pay to pick them.
Now is the time of year to do all the projects that you had no time for during harvest. Like repair work and getting ready for spring. We were going to plant some elbon rye seed but can't afford to buy it this year, so will plant just plain ol rye grass. Not as good but better than nothing. We started mowing down some of the crops and lots of grass today. Time to get ready to plant onions. They will need to be planted in December. Later Guys ( I need some time to take some photos)