High Pressure Farming

High pressure farming. That is what I call it. Behind in planting with rain in the forecast. Now is the time to get the seeds in the ground. Delay and it could be a week before you get back in field. So, it all comes down to getting it all done right now. High pressure farming. To complicate things, I am a slow and deliberate farmer. Not exactly a Luddite but I do like hand-work. There is no room in high pressure farming for hand-work or slow and deliberative days. I made a couple of compromises under the circumstances. I used the tractor to lay out my rows. Normally, I use a shovel. I did not go as far as planting watermelons and cantaloupes in rows; I hung on to my principles and planted them in mounds, each with a generous wreath of mulch to preserve precious moisture and ward off excessive heat. I stuck to soaking the okra seeds overnight before planting. The corn went in after soil preparation was done completely by tractor. Until I get a pump and water lines installed to bring water from the lake to the field, I am do selective watering. I discovered that by using a hand-operated bilge pump (the type used on small boats), I can half fill the water tight utility trailer I attach to the lawn tractor. It sloshes about a bit but I get to the field with most of the water still in the trailer. Once on site, I use the hand pump to fill water cans that can then provide liquid sustenance to plants in dire straits. It takes some time but is good water-saving strategy. I mulch heavily in hopes that water demands will decrease. As a general rule, mulching helps achieve that goal. Last year was dry but my tomatoes produced a bumper crop without me watering them. The mulch aided in holding on to more of the rain we did receive. Mr. Jimmy down at the liquor store told me that it is going to be another dry year. That means more mulch, continued use of the bilge pump, and hauling water with the yard tractor. Then, long term, pump water from the lake. The forecast does call for increased chances of showers. Now that I am finished with the corn, okra and melons, I am hoping we get a good rain. As a reward for holding up under High Pressure Farming conditions, I treated myself to a margarita and an Aleve for dinner.