The speaker discusses the upcoming change in weather from warm and sunny to rainy and potentially frosty, prompting them to harvest sorghum and Piper Sudan grass from their neighbor’s garden that were used as cover crops in a newly planted area. They plan to dry and store the seeds for future use and ask for feedback on the best ways to do so. They also discover a bonus crop of bush beans among the grass and plan to harvest those as well.
Exploring the Harvest of Sorghum and Piper Sudan Grass
If you’ve been experiencing the unseasonably warm and sunny weather we’ve had lately, you might be aware that a shift is coming. Rain is on the horizon, followed by the potential for our first frost in just two nights. As a farmer, it’s essential to take advantage of the favorable weather while it lasts and ensure you harvest your crops before the cold sets in.
One of the crops we’re focusing on harvesting before the frost arrives is sorghum and Piper Sudan grass. These crops, while relatively new to us, have shown promising results as cover crop experiments over the summer. With most of them planted in our neighbor’s garden area, it’s time to gather them before the weather changes drastically.
1. Harvest Preparation:
Before diving into the harvest, gathering essential tools like a wheelbarrow, pruners, and string is crucial. These items will make the process smoother and more efficient as we prepare to collect stalks of sorghum and Piper Sudan grass.
2. Exploring the Field:
As we venture into the field, a mix of Piper Sudan grass, sorghum, and possible hybrids form a lush thicket. Originally used as a cover crop to replenish soil following a pond excavation, these crops have thrived beyond our initial expectations. The soil’s transformation and the abundance of growth underscore the potential of these crops.
3. Identifying the Crops:
Upon closer inspection, distinctions between Piper Sudan grass and sorghum become apparent. Piper Sudan grass exhibits smaller, numerous flat seeds, reminiscent of broom corn, while sorghum features chunky, rice-like seeds. These variations in seed characteristics hint at different applications, whether for consumption or livestock feed.
4. Harvesting Process:
Cutting the stalks of Sudan grass and sorghum about two to three feet from the base initiates the harvesting process. This allows for hanging the stalks in a well-ventilated area indoors for drying. Removing excess leaves and organizing the stocks prepare them for storage and future use.
5. Bonus Discovery:
In the midst of the sorghum and Piper Sudan grass harvest, a delightful surprise emerges – bush beans! Also known as greasy beans, these traditional South Carolina beans were planted and forgotten in the mix of crops. Their successful growth amidst the grasses adds an unexpected bounty to our harvest.
6. Next Steps:
With the crops safely stored for drying and processing, the focus shifts to understanding the best methods for preserving and utilizing both sorghum and Piper Sudan grass. Questions about drying techniques, threshing, and recipe ideas arise, inviting valuable feedback and insights from experienced farmers and enthusiasts.
As we navigate the changing seasons and adapt to new crops in our farming practices, the journey of exploration and discovery continues. Sorghum, Piper Sudan grass, and unexpected bonuses like bush beans enrich our agricultural pursuits, offering insights into sustainable farming and the diverse potential of the land. Stay tuned for more updates on our farming adventures as we embrace the rhythm of the seasons and the gifts they bring.
