Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum
ALMOST BEEKEEPING - RELATED TOPICS => FARMING & COUNTRY LIFE => Topic started by: Andrew Dewey on January 01, 2014, 03:52:15 pm
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Hi everyone,
I am trying to get a handle on putting some buckwheat in what is now open field. For starters, I read that Buckwheat will grow in just about any soil. Mt soil is acid - wild blueberries thrive not far from where I want to plant. An other characteristic of the soil is a shallow pad (4") over clay.
How should the soil be prepared? I do not have a tractor, and while spending $25,000 for one just to seed some Buckwheat is not going to happen - I am not opposed to one day acquiring one - just not soon. I do have an John Deere Gator UTV - I could find a harrow to pull behind that if harrowing is all I need to do for soil prep.
Lastly, what is the difference between common Buckwheat and Japanese Buckwheat?
My goal in planting is to provide bee forage during our normal late July/early August dearth. That tends to be a hot (90s) time around here.
Thanks!
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a harrow is all you need. it likes poor soil quality and will actually improve the soil.
i planted about an acre last year and will probably plant a few this year. can't answer the question about the varieties.
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I can tell you buckwheat does not tolerate heat very well and also it will not give up nectar if there is no water.
I do know there is a lot of Japanese bamboo that is in blossom at that time of year in New England.
in my humble opinion for that time of year in
New England I would be looking into planting BB trees
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
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I think our bee guy, president of our club just tossed the seed out(spread) by hand no till nothing.
palm beach beekeepers.com