First Serious Project - Clearing 1.5 Acres

[Jim57]

Notice the Valve Boxes that the Control Valves are Located in.

 

[Egon]

Looking good Jim.

 

[Cliff_Johns]

I guess this means you aren't going to use your tractor in this area anymore, is that right? It looks like there are PVC pipes burried in the whole perimiter, and I would think you would break them easily with a CUT or other heavy vehicle.

Cliff

 

[Jim57]

I guess this means you aren't going to use your tractor in this area anymore, is that right? It looks like there are PVC pipes burried in the whole perimiter, and I would think you would break them easily with a CUT or other heavy vehicle.

Cliff

Actually the PVC pipes are in the areas I won't be tilling. They are also in the ground about 12 to 18 inches. They are in the grassways and water ways that control erosion. I have already gotten the area plowed and had my truck in there without incident. Seems to be a good plan. The only thing I am concerned with is maybe some rock getting against the pipe and causing a rupture. However... repairing PVC is a piece of cake.

Just wait until you see the results. The irrigation made the soil much easier to work. Having the right moisture content in the soil does wonders and is easier on the tractor while cultivating and plowing.

Jim

 

[Jim57]

Looking good Jim.

Thanks Egon... It was a long time coming together but seems to be coming together like it should. So far our area is about 7 or 8 inches behind in rainfall. Looks like the irrigation system will be used a lot and has come at a perfect time. We shall see how much difference it makes. I know it has helped me personally since I don't have to drag 800 ft of hose to water it with. It also is on an automatic system so I can better control the watering and amount of water. As you know... too much water can be as bad if not worse than not enough.

I have worked long hard hours and came up with tons of money to get this operation in motion. I pray that it produces well this year. Maybe even enough for me to sell some to help recoupe some of my investment. But mainly I want it to produce enough food to help all that need help in our county and surrounding counties.

Jim

 

[jinman]

I have worked long hard hours and came up with tons of money to get this operation in motion.

I don't see how you can go wrong, Jim. Last year you produced very well for that little spot and with the irrigation, you surely will have good luck and less hands-on. Now you can concentrate on crop rotation in the different plots and prevention of insect and disease damage. Those require a watchful eye and quick attention before they get out of hand.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. I may not post much, but you can bet I'm "lookin' over your shoulder."

 

[Jim57]

I don't see how you can go wrong, Jim. Last year you produced very well for that little spot and with the irrigation, you surely will have good luck and less hands-on. Now you can concentrate on crop rotation in the different plots and prevention of insect and disease damage. Those require a watchful eye and quick attention before they get out of hand.

I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. I may not post much, but you can bet I'm "lookin' over your shoulder."

Thanks Jinman,

Well... one thing I didn't think I was concerned about.... Me! catching one of the Posts with the New 5 ft bushhog while cutting the grassways.

I only got one out of 33 but it was one to many. LOL... I should get that repaired this week. Atleast it only shut down one zone while in repair. The other 7 zones are operating just fine.

As far as crop rotation... I have done that this year. I know better than to plant the same thing in the same area every year.

Next year the soil test should provide me with the exact nutrients I need to replenish the soil with to keep it in good production. Fertilizer prices are really high this year. Maybe I can use some more chicken manure. However you get some types of weeds that aren't normally in that area using this. It may be in the feed they use for chickens. I need to research this a bit more.

The irrigation system is a True Blessing. In our area we are more than 8 inches behind in rain fall. Well... with the exception of about 2+ acres in Westminster, SC that has an irrigation system ( The Food Plot ). It has giving me more time to put into other things that need doing not having to drag hose and tri-pod sprinklers. It sure is turning out to look quite well, as long as it produces well I will be happy and so will the people that need help.

I will try and get some pictures of the area since I bush hogged it. It sure does look a lot different from when we began clearing it and building this Farm Food Project. I guess it is OK to call it a vegetable farm now? Maybe it has earned that title. What do you think?

I never knew just how much I enjoyed farming like this. I only wish I had more time to put into this project. Even more land and a larger tractor. Who knows... maybe that will come later and we can help even more people in need. I say ( WE ) because all of you and others that have helped me make this become a reality by their donations and prayers. Pat yourselves on the back... WE did this. God, you and my hard work have helped very many people in a Tri-County area. Thanks to everyone that has helped make this Vegetable Farm Food Program be a success. I will continue to work hard and do my part to keep this program working and helping others.

Click on the Lighthouse for a Small Entertainment and a token of our appreciation of your help & prayers.

​

This brings me to another project I need to complete before winter. I want to build my well house to look like a Lighthouse. This project has allowed me to witness for Jesus and I want our Farm Project to do the same. Do any of you have any plans, ideals? Of course I need to make it accessable in case of repair and such. I thought about something similiar to the above picture with the well house being to the side. I'm not sure how tall to make this, I want it to have a working light... so it should be tall enough to prevent being an annoyance to neighbors and traffic. What are your thoughts and suggestions?​

I must get back to work. I will be in touch soon. Have a Great Day!​

Jim​

 

[Egon]

Look at light house pictures. Then take your pick on what seems to suit you.

Of course I'd suggest an electrical light source rather than the older type mantle Lamps.

 

[Jim57]

Look at light house pictures. Then take your pick on what seems to suit you.

Of course I'd suggest an electrical light source rather than the older type mantle Lamps.

I have found Lighthouse kits and the electric rotating light as well. I'm pretty good at building. However, a light house in a round or odd shape may be a bit advanced for me. This is why I asked if anyone had some plans. I can always scale them to make the size I want.

Jim

 

[machmeter62]

Actually the PVC pipes are in the areas I won't be tilling. They are also in the ground about 12 to 18 inches. They are in the grassways and water ways that control erosion. I have already gotten the area plowed and had my truck in there without incident. Seems to be a good plan. The only thing I am concerned with is maybe some rock getting against the pipe and causing a rupture. However... repairing PVC is a piece of cake.

Just wait until you see the results. The irrigation made the soil much easier to work. Having the right moisture content in the soil does wonders and is easier on the tractor while cultivating and plowing.

Jim

To elimate the threat of breaking irrigation pipes; use wet sand for nearly 100% compaction.