In Central Texas, gardens happen in the Fall and Spring. Summer is a Dead Zone. When we resume commercial operations in September, our newsletter refers to the "Second Season". Fall is really the nicest time around here and it's the time to plant trees. Consequently, if WE have any projects, they are to be done. When. It's. HOT.
This Summer started well enough, though about six weeks early. Mid-May ushered in July weather - no rain, 100 degree daily highs. Somehow - it seemed a good idea at at the time - we decided to expand our growing area about 40% to accommodate successful propagation efforts. Digging in, we got most of it done, even though the floods in Iowa have delayed our shade frames. Repotted plants are currently stacked wherever we can find shade, still waiting for the shade frames.
Then, too, six weeks of drought and 100 degree days can sharpen one's concern for water supplies. If 5,000 trees need to be watered every day, the thought of extended well outages can make sleep difficult. It was on one of those nights that the idea of a solar powered well surfaced. Turns out that direct solar wells are one of the very best applications of solar power, so it looks like this Summer is going to have some very interesting developments. Stay tuned.
1 comment:
After talking all afternoon and you never brought up solar powered wells. That is too cool. After I've used up my 5000 gal. rain water collection water, I start to get stingy with the water over worry about the well.
And an engineer as well. After seeing you this afternoon with dirt and grit all over you, I would have never guessed. I thought you were the hired help at the nursery.
I am truly glad you started this and will certainly keep up with it.
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