!!!! SEPP to Boot: Stephen's Experience (BEL)

Stephen B. Thomas wrote: - we mark the area where we plant the trees: either in a long row (see our Appleseed Day video for an example) or in a marked area.
- some trees develop a taproot, and yes: we know that when we transplant, we'll lose the taproot.

Black Walnut in particular is rather hostile to other plants, but we're trying to cultivate it regardless. In this example, the area where they are planted isn't near any hugel berms or other tree-planting spots. I'd still like to see a black walnut grow inside the fence at Allerton Abbey.

Not clear from this if you are direct seeding the Black Walnuts or not? Given their thirst for water and the dry climate/deep water table there, I'd think a taproot is the only chance they have for success...

BRK #521

Farewell to SEPPer Julia. She's one of the toughest women I know, and she's welcome back any time.

I helped fix her manual drill earlier today. A drill bit was stuck in there and I brought it down to the Woodshop to sort it out.



It was a tricky puzzle to address, and it was the first time I'd had to sort this out. First, I tried using two channel locks, then a little spray lubricant, then finally clamped it down and held on to this part. This prevents the crank from turning, and by clamping down on the small gear you end up with a stronger lock-down on all the moving parts. Just make sure you understand which direction tightens and loosens the chuck.



I was able to remove the drill bit and... I guess it won't be confiscated by the airport or something.



Also, I stitched up my work pants today. Trying a different patch method and I'll see how it works out tomorrow.



...Meanwhile, I saw this while walking around Missoula yesterday. I've seen this film close to a dozen times, and every time I see it I like it (and understand it) a little bit more. Haven't seen either of the newer ones, and apparently missed the television mini-series. But the book was wild, Lynch's version was pretty wild, and that's enough for me.



That's all for now. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day...!

Coydon Wallham wrote:

Stephen B. Thomas wrote: [stuff about Black Walnuts]

Not clear from this if you are direct seeding the Black Walnuts or not? Given their thirst for water and the dry climate/deep water table there, I'd think a taproot is the only chance they have for success...

Well, we have a bunch of seeds and we're working with what we have. If more than one germinates and things are crowded, I think we'll have to call it when we see it over the next couple years.

We have fruit tree saplings and berry bushes that will be delivered later this Spring. Maybe I can convince Paul that a couple of these could be brought up to the Lab. We'll see.

Stephen B. Thomas wrote:

Coydon Wallham wrote:

Stephen B. Thomas wrote: [stuff about Black Walnuts]

Not clear from this if you are direct seeding the Black Walnuts or not? Given their thirst for water and the dry climate/deep water table there, I'd think a taproot is the only chance they have for success...

Well, we have a bunch of seeds and we're working with what we have. If more than one germinates and things are crowded, I think we'll have to call it when we see it over the next couple years.

We have fruit tree saplings and berry bushes that will be delivered later this Spring. Maybe I can convince Paul that a couple of these could be brought up to the Lab. We'll see.

Walnut trees secrete Juglone that kills other competing trees, etc. Maybe plant it "not so close" to other trees. I know Mulberry is one of the few trees that is compatible.

https://permies.com/t/41404/English-Walnut-kill-apple-tree

BRK #522

First, and quickly: I have some leftover photos from this weekend, wandering around Missoula.



This is one of the many "gullies" that crisscross southern Missoula. This time of year they're all coated with dead leaves and fallen branches. Maybe in a month they'll fill again as the snow begins to melt off the mountains and rains return.



Here's the opposite view of the same gully: a culvert passing under the roadway.



Meanwhile... Today started off quite nicely. Morning sun shows up sooner, forcing the sun to go away sooner, too.



I decided today that I'll make progress reports on different locations, updating them each month. First off, here's Swamp Castle: one of the hugels I was first-assigned to keep healthy when I first arrived, nearly 2 years ago.



Next: it's the Gregorian Woodshed, out near the Tipi and Allerton Abbey. Ooof! It hurts me to see this empty. Hopefully we can make that change for the better in the coming weeks.



Here's the Pond up at the Lab. Again, this is another location I'd like to change for the better (more water, more vegetation) in the coming weeks and months.



Last item for today... I switched-on the water up at the Lab, so now all the hydrants up there have pressurized water. I can now start to seriously think about irrigation and how aggressive we can be with planting trees and berry bushes. Here's the hydrant by the Swede-ified Sauna.



I also have updates on sauerkraut fermented cabbage and the pull cart, though those will have to wait for another time. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your day...!