We had come home from the pawpaw festival with saplings in order to fill in the empty spots in our “orchard”. It was hard enough to decide which variety we brought home, but now the really hard part started.  We had to plant the buggers. We were expecting the process to be easier than the first planting.  Not so much. The problem was the weeds that we had allowed to grow. We had to locate each previous planting spot and then rip out all the stuff we needed gone.   The recent rain also meant we had not been able to get out there with the brush hog before starting the project.   So everything was over grown.

We did not make our usual early start on September 30.  Now that fall is nearly here we have to wait for the sun to come up and the temps to get a bit higher.  As I pulled out the weeds, I had to be careful not to yank out the pawpaw too. It was easy enough to identify the ones that were actually growing,  but so many were just sticks. Those I had to tug on and if they resisted, they stayed. The mulch had to be pulled away from them and more dirt added. I think that one of our problems was the depression we left the first time. It allowed the rain to pool and from what I read, pawpaws don’t like wet feet.  As I pulled the mulch and then the weed cloth away, we were delighted to find actual signs of life on more and more of our “sticks”.

We had brought our generator out to THF as it was needed in order to run the big drill.  Ron would use that to re-dig the planting holes.  While he worked on that, I kept yanking out weeds.  I reached the end of the first row and grabbed a handful of the tall white flowers to pull out.  They came out easily but they brought some lovely ground wasps with them.  Within seconds they were all around me so I dropped my tools and bolted.  Ron had no clue why I was heading his way until he heard me yell BEES.  He took off his hat and preceded to smack them.  What he didn’t realize is that the hat’s buckle had come apart and every time he swung it, the metal buckle hit my ear.  He was so intent on the wasps that he didn’t even hear me yelling to stop.  I pulled off my fleece jacket (thank goodness I had that on) and we ran to the shed.   We waited for about 10 minutes before venturing out to find they had dispersed.  Needless to say, I did not finish weeding the end of that row.

Weeding, drilling and planting.  The two of us worked our way up and down the rows, filling in where needed.  This was really one of the hardest work days I had been through in a while.  It was the weed pulling itself that got to me.  By the end of the day, my back and arms were massively sore.

Ron decided he wanted to put the cages back on this year.  He is hoping they will give just a bit more protection to the plants so they make it safely through this winter.

By 3:30 we were finally done. Every one of our new plants had found a home.  In fact we could have used two more.  Those were the holes we did not get to because of the wasps.  We still had dozens of seeds waiting in the frig so maybe a couple of those will survive and fill in the gap for us.  Ron marked the older plants with a red flag.  The new ones had no flag but the cage.  The ones we had hope for but had only tiny signs of life were left without cage or flag.   We ended up with 19 survivors from our 2016 planting which was so much better than the 8 ones we had previously counted.   With the addition of the 18 we got in PA,  we are back to our original amount.  As the new plants were grown in a region that has similar winter weather, we are more than hopeful that they will not only survive but thrive here.   Ron come home with these higher expectations after he went out to Cornell University yesterday to attend a workshop on pawpaws.  He got a lecture from Andrew Moore who wrote the book Pawpaw: In search of America’s forgotten fruit.  I mentioned him two years ago as he was a speaker at the Mother Earth News Fair.  He also got a tour of Cornell’s pawpaw orchard and came home with a basket full of fruit.

During our research we have learned that pawpaws are eaten by everything from foxes to squirrels, racoons and opossums.  But nothing eats the tree itself or the seeds.  It takes from 5 to 6 years of growing before you will see any of the fruit itself.   And this is the only host plant for the zebra swallowtail butterfly.  

Which is just fabulous.  I cannot wait to see the first one out on THF.  We have been making some of our plant choices based on whether it is native to our area and almost more importantly, what insects it attracts.  It will take a few more years before we see the results from our planting of coneflowers, milkweed and other wild flowers.   And I cannot wait.

Well, the 3 of us were actually eating the dust. Mulch dust to be specific. This was the last big project revolving around the trees. For 2016 anyway. Once we had the pawpaws and elderberries planted and the weed cloth laid down, we knew that they needed mulch.  Lots and lots of it.  Not only to keep the weeds at bay but to reduce the amount of watering we would have to do in these first years.  Even though Ron has greatly improved our irrigation system, it is still serious work and takes all 3 of us to get it done efficiently. The less we have to do, the better.

Ron contacted a local company about the mulch and arranged to have a truck load delivered to THF. 

This time we were smart enough to lay out a huge tarp for it.  That way we can more easily shovel it and also, not lose as much to the grass.  It was delivered on Friday, June 10  so we knew that our weekend plans were set.  Saturday morning Ron and Jo headed to the farm for some mushroom log shifting and soaking.  I stayed home and put a few hours in on the computer for work.  Then I went out back and did some weeding.  We have lots of thistles in our garden.  Which the rabbits simply refuse to eat.  Maybe if I sautéed them with butter and some of our garlic?  Or presented them as part of a mixed greens salad?  I kept working while pondering somewhat evil thoughts about our rabbits and ignored the light rain shower.  Then the rain really came down.  Not long after that, Ron and Jo came home, soaked to the bone.  A hot shower, coffee and change of clothes urgently needed.  They would head back in a few hours once the soaking time was done.

Instead all 3 of us now headed to the farm.  Jo and I got started filled up the large tubs we had with mulch and hauling them to the elderberries.  I decided we needed to start with them.  Since we didn’t tiller the ground up around them, they will have more weeds to deal with right from the start. We surrounded each plant with mulch, doing one row at a time. So much harder than it sounds. While Jo and I tackled the mulch, Ron was busy with his own project.

And Ron thought he was done with lawn mowing. Fat chance. Unless he can find someone to loan him a herd of goats. That won’t also eat the trees. But it is his own fault. He simply hates an untidy look.  And no, we are NOT getting goats of our own.
We trudged along hauling one bucket at a time until all the elderberries were mulched. We took a break to drink water and rest a bit, then got started again. This time we were taking care of the pawpaws and with Ron now able to join the team; we made good progress. Such a relief when we were finally done with the last plant. Home to shower and drink lots of water. Totally beat and ready for a solid nights sleep. Fully aware we were going back again because the job is not yet finished.

We had focused on surrounding each plant with the mulch, looking to cut down on the weeds and improve with moisture retention.  Do you see the pretty elderflowers?  I wasn’t expecting to see any this year.

While telling my tale to friend Josi at work on Monday, she looked at me and asked why we weren’t using our 4 wheeler?  How dumb are we?  Totally forgot we  had the blasted thing.  Sent email to Ron and he replied that he had already thought of that. Sure he had.  No matter who had the brainstorm, our mulch hauling after work went much easier.

Over the next few nights we met after work and spent a few hours of good quality family time.

We got the majority of the rows covered and could turn our attention to our things. After all the pile of mulch wasn’t going anywhere.

June 26 and finally – we are going to tackle the rest of the mulching. We needed to get the rest of mulch off the field. Ron had used an online calculator to figure our how much we would need for this project. Obviously we got a bit more than we needed, but that is better than not enough. We had left the ends of each row un-mulched and there were clearly a few spots that could use another inch or two.

We still have some mulch to spread out, but all the rows are fully covered and we already see fewer weeds. By next year we will see if this project actually makes a difference in the health of our pawpaws and elderberries.

Ron says this shot looks like a graveyard. Fingers crossed that he is not right. Though it might be a deer graveyard soon. Those blasted critters are going after my elderberries. Anybody got some kids they can spare this summer? That want to camp out and be human scarecrows out at THF? We can set up a tent for them and already have an outhouse. All applicants will be considered.

You would not believe some of the things I do in support of Ron’s adventure. Last week I spent hours cutting out strips of what is actually insect cloth. Each was about 10 inches wide and 6 feet long. The end result was to be a tube that we could slip over the paw paw cages. This is another one of Ron’s experiments to see what he can do to safeguard his investment. There is a lot of info about baby pawpaw trees getting scorched from the sun in their early years.

All sorts of agreement on the internet that while pawpaws need full sun to produce the best fruit, they need to be shaded until well established. Not so much agreement on how to do the actual shading. With 38 trees planted in 7 rows that are 60 feet long, we needed a “frugal” solution. Of course Ron came up with one. He hopes.
Saturday was expected to be a hot one so the plan was for us to get going early. Somehow I actually slept until 5 am. So it was then a mad dash to get the 9 last of the tubes sewed. I had folded each strip in half and then ran a narrow seam on each side, leaving just the bottom open. Turned them right side out and done. Easy enough, but I had to sew 38 of the things.
Ron headed out while Jo and I gathered the last of the supplies. Not only did we have to get the tubes on the cages, but we had to water all 88 of the plants and our garlic patch, check on the Shiitakes and move some of the bolts around. Jo and I would then escape leaving Ron to putter.
First we had to get the 4 wheeler and trailer set up with the water tank Ron bought. Oh, I didn’t tell you that story. After adventure last year of hauling water from the stream to the mushroom logs soaking tanks, we realized that we were wasted our efforts. About half the water we scooped was lost to bumpy trip. So Ron was on the hunt for at least 50 gallon tank we could full and empty with a hose. He found a great one at a local store but came home without it and annoyed. Apparently they sell water tanks without offering the any of the connections needed in order to make the thing actually work.
We had much better luck at Runnings store in Rome NY. Not only did we find a good tank but the staff members were extremely helpful. Came home with everything we needed to get this up and running. (I just realized what I typed; a spot of absentminded silliness) And I found a pair of good boots that I can wear on the Farm through the water, muck and weeds.
Last week we did our first run with the tank and it went pretty well. We found out those square, plastic cat litter bins work great for scooping water out of our small stream. Much better than the round white buckets. But it was work and easily a 3 person job. One to scoop, one to lift onto the trailer and one to pour into tank. We filled the tank halfway and headed to our orchard. First issue was that the hose we had was too long but that was an easy fix. Ron drove between the rows and handled the hose while Jo and I filled the coffee cans and watered each plant. Then back for more water. This time we filled the tank and were able to not only finish the job but water the garlic too. One tank full should do the entire process.
Back to Saturday. All the watering was done, so next project.

I told you – there was a lot of sewing involved.

This was definitely a two person job.  The cages were not a solid tube, one side was open so you could fit them around the tree.  Made it easier to get them set around the trees, but harder to get the tubes on.  Lots of raw edges that caught on the cloth.

In a couple of days Ron will pull the tubes off to see how well his pawpaws are doing. Fingers crossed that my hard work is not for naught.

Our field of ghosts.
The good news is that I will get to sew 38 more of these things come winter time. Ron wants some made out of a heavier cloth so they will protect the trees from our winter winds. Lucky me.

Happily home, watching the news and drinking a glass of Pinot Grigio. Maybe I should say guzzling, though a wine aficionado would be horrified. Having showered of course. Another great day at Tiny House Farm. And we are home before the most welcome rain storm.
Ron and I met Don and John at 8 am this morning with the plan of getting most of our 88 trees/bushes planted. Shelly came again; she apparently really enjoyed our mushroom inoculation event and was wiling to come back to play with us. Then Jesse arrived and our crew was complete and the work could begin. For all 88 plants we needed to back fill the holes as our plants arrived smaller than expected. Don and John got started combining the compost and top soil that we would need. Then we needed to lay out the long strips of weed cloth, making sure it was relatively straight. Though I have tried for years to get Ron to accept that nature abhors a straight line. Next step was cutting an X where each plant would be set and getting the plant in. And more back filling. Then we needed to stake down the weed cloth so it didn’t blow away. And repeat. After all we had 7 rows of elderberries and 7 more of paw paws to plant.
Ron and Shelly got started with planting the paw paws.

I wonder if she is looking for my jars of cash. Rumor has it that I have them stashed all over the place.  Or she is just wondering why Ron is so excited about planting these scrawny looking plants?

Jesse, John, Don and I tackled the larger amount of elderberries. Our field doesn’t look like much of anything right now, does it?

Thank goodness this is my project as we were not that good at getting them set in a straight line. But somehow I think it will be all right. By the time we get the weed cloth covered in straw and wood chips and the trees fill out in a few years, no one will ever know that we were not spot on with the planting.
It took us a bit of time but we found a rhythm and started making progress. It was a prefect day for working outside. Cloudy with an occasional breeze and moderate temps. It did warm up as the day went on, but never got brazing hot. By 11 am Ron and Shelly had gotten 2 1/2 rows done and we had almost 4 rows of elderberries done.

Shelly had to leave and Ron was sorry to see her go. They had worked well together.  While the 4 of us kept working on the elderberries, Ron started working on getting the cages on his paw paws.

Armchair General, hard at work. He wants to handle this part of the process himself. And I am just as happy to leave it to him. I don’t want to be responsible for damaging any plants. These cages are to protect the trees from too much sun and possible critters.
Thank goodness, we are finally done with all 49 bushes.

It will take a few years for them to start looking like a proper orchard. But so nice to have them all planted.

I do love my work hat. I wear it all the time and it keeps me protected from the sun and bugs.
Lunch break. Most welcome. But it will be hard to get going again. All of our muscles are started to stiffen up. But we need to get the rest of the paw paws done, so back to work we go.

Ron had to give us directions in how he wanted us to plant them as he would really like straight lines. Our first row was pretty good, but the second, not so much. We did better on the last rows and what a relief it was to get to the last 4 plants.

Not quite done though. We still had to stake down the weed cloth, water all the plants, all while Ron worked to finish putting on all the cages, pick up all the tools and equipment.  Then we had to load it all back in the Transit and finally, finally head for home.

Ron’s paw paws. You cannot see the trees as the cages are currently about 12 inches taller than them. Now we just have to watch over them for the next few years, keeping them watered and protected from whatever. Then with luck we will have yummy paw paws and elderberries in abundance. I cannot wait. Have all sorts of recipes I am itching to try out. Going to have some great fun. Though I don’t think I will go so far as to try making my own paw paw beer or elderberry wine. My life is complicated enough.

Or maybe I should be.
While I was at work today, Ron and Jo planned for the arrival of our pawpaws and elderberry plants. First they had to take advantage of the calm day to lay out and cut lengths of our weed cloth. We are going to be doing all we can to help our new plants survive their first years. Keeping the weeds in check is an absolute necessity. The cloth will help with that and with some added mulch, it will also help reduce the amount of watering we need to do. We have 14 rows so that meant cutting 14 lengths of 60 and 65 feet. They used the street in front of our house and the curb gave them a great straight edge. Using chalk, they marked off the needed length and hauled the huge rolls of weed cloth to the curb. Too bad Jo couldn’t take pictures of the two of them working in the street. It must have been a sight. They would have been keeping a close eye out for cars; our road being a pretty busy one with cars, people and bicycles going up and down all the time. One of our neighbors watched them for a few minutes, wondering, I am sure just what they were up to. Maybe thinking that she needed to call the men in white coats. But she wandered close enough for Ron to give her his spiel. A few minutes of conversation and she was assured that he was no danger to anyone. But himself.
Brother Don arrived just as Ron and Jo finished loading the cloth strips into the Transit. They started puttering with the soil sifter, trying to get it working smoothly. A phone call from the truck driver gave them between 2-5 as time frame for delivery. So they had more than enough time to hit a local diner for lunch. At 1 pm they had just gotten started on another small project when the truck pulled up. Early is always good.

A majorly big truck here to deliver our 88 trees. Just how big are they going to be?

A bit of a let down, isn’t it? We were almost the last delivery of the day. I imagine the truck was quite a bit fuller when it headed out this morning from Syracuse.

My elderberries.

Ron’s pawpaws arrived this way.

The three of them loaded our new babies onto the trailer so they could be taken out the Tiny House Farm. Once again, Ron is so glad he bought the trailer. It has been a life saver more times that we can count.

Jo and Don busy unloading the pawpaws. All of the plants are safely out at THF waiting for us to plant them on Saturday. Will have to check on them tomorrow to make sure they are not drying out. Fingers crossed that the weather holds for the weekend, because rain or shine, plantings got to happen. Another fun day in the works.

We have 38 pawpaw trees and 50 elderberry bushes heading our way.  They should arrive just after May 15th so we are planning on getting them into the ground the weekend of the 21st. In case you missed it, that is a subtle hint thrown out there to anyone who might be interested in joining us.

Once we finished tilling up the rows for our pawpaws, Ron rented a power auger for Saturday April 29.  No way were we going to be able to dig 88 holes by hand.  We be too old for that nonsense.  Jo had the weekend off so she was a welcome assist.  Once again we planned for lunch at the farm with lots cookies for all workers.   Ron and I headed to rental place to pick up the auger while Jo planned to meet us at THF.   Just after 9 am we were unloaded and getting set up.   Brothers Don and John soon arrived and the real work began.

Even though the rows for pawpaws were already laid out and the plan set, there was some serious talking to be done.  Just how deep the holes should be, and just how carefully would the plan be followed.   It was going to be a long day for the 3 brothers.

Jo and I focused on the elderberry patch.  Ron has decided they were my idea so I am fully responsible for them.  First we got out the brush hog and mowed down the rye grass in a 50 foot square.  Then we got busy with stakes and measuring tapes.  Had to mark planting spots 8 feet apart down each row and 10 feet between each row.  You will remember from school that when you mark out a square, the way to check your measuring is to go diagonal.  The two measurements should match.  In our case, not so much.  Cannot figure out what we were doing wrong.  But no matter,  unlike Ron, I am a firm believer that nature does not grow in straight lines.   With a combination of stakes and flags, Jo and I marked out the area.  Then we counted.  And we were short.  So back to the brush hog so we could widen the patch.

Of course part of the plan was for us to pick up rocks along the way.  This is the pile we collected.  So many rocks.  We were done with our marking and it was time for lunch.

Now we tackled the holes for the elderberries.  These did not have to be as deep and we had not bothered to till the entire row.  But we still got lots more rocks.  Every hole we had to stop the machine and pull out the rocks.  Into the wagon they went and then across the stream to be dumped onto the road.

We could not have gotten it done without John and Don.   This was definitely not a one or two person job.  While the auger did the actual digging, there was a lot of shifting around, pulling and stabilizing involved.   By the time we got to hole number 88, we were all pretty beat.  But it had been another good day at THF.  One step closer to being a going concern.

Not the most excited picture, but this is our soon to be filled with fruit trees field. Two weeks to go and then we just have to wait a few years for actual results. Learning patience has been an added bonus with this adventure.