Rice Cultivation

June 4th, 2002 Photo Update

The weather finally did break and the seedlings were planted in mini-paddies and directly in the garden soil. Since they had been "waiting" they were a little thinner and lighter green than in 2001. But, hopes were high and I did everything I could to make them at home.

When I planted the seedlings in the garden soil, I carried a water bucket and a cup along, so I could give each seedling a cup of water, as soon as it was in the ground. Just as you would for any tomato, cabbage or flower.

I decided that the direct planted rice would prosper with an underground water supply (as you will see in the following photos). But, as time passed, I realized that they fared better with water from a regular garden hose and sprinkler. Also, we continued to have lots of rain; the best source of all!

As soon as the seedlings were transplanted, I started a smaller batch in the floating flats. The weather was warmer and the flats had been relocated, outdoors in the sun, so I knew the germination would be quick. Gardeners in cooler climates may not have success with a second batch. If they don't receive enough heat, they won't sprout in time for harvest.


A wading pool paddy.


Poor little tykes had a tough spring! It doesn't look like there's much hope. But, it is rice and it is in a paddy. They may just amount to something, yet. Check out the future updates.


These square planters are really great! They don't have drain holes, they're green, they save space and they are mass produced in a standard size (so, I can buy more, every year!).

Will I live to have 100 planters in the garden? Will my wife leave me after the first 40? Who knows!



The mini-paddy "gang" and germination box.


Direct planted 6" apart in two rows. Rabbits love rice! About two days after the seedlings were transplanted, 50% of them were nibbled away. Hence, the chicken wire.

The plants at the upper right are garlic. Mama Mia!


A close-up of the drip irrigation system. Was it worth the effort? Nah! Let the rain fall! If the soil gets dry, you can always water it with a regular lawn sprinkler. Whatever you choose, try to keep that soil moist!

The rice will not fail through several days of dry weather. It won't grow either. If it doesn't head up by autumn, you'll miss the best part.



A fresh batch, just planted. They will germinate in the sun.
On cool or rainy nights, I closed the lid to retain heat.



The magical floating flat.



A word here. The agri-chemical industry is going after the cash crops, first. But, if there is a profit to be made, they will likely tear into any living plant. Now, more than ever, it is important to harbor traditional plant varieties and to keep them safe, in your garden, for the generations.

Many valuable plants can be cultivated with very little effort. This photo exhibits two perfect examples. The taller plant is mugwort, an herb that has a global history of healing power. I planted it, where it stands, in 1992. It is a perennial, coming back every year, so strong, that I must trim it like a hedge to keep it from spreading.

Mugwort attracts garden spiders and ladybugs; perfect guests for any organic garden! Its strong, minty odor makes it a wonderful air freshener. The leaves can be rolled into cylinders, to make moxibustion sticks and, last but not least, ravenous hordes of rice eating baby rabbits find shelter in their thick shade. They are a joy to watch! Oriental and European healers have used this interesting plant for many purposes, from head to toe!

The smaller plant with yellow flowers is the humble turnip, an important and delightful addition to any healing diet. If you plant turnips, or any crop related to the radish, allow a few plants to overwinter. They will flower during the second year, and those beautiful yellow flowers will yield hundreds of new seeds!


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