Scything in the orchard

[@peterellis4262]

I love working with scythes. Wonderful tools that give you time to observe the space you're working in. What you have there looks like it's just about perfect for a scythe ;)I've heard many people complain about how it is such hard work to use a scythe and in my opinion it's not only not hard work, but a gentle sort of labor. If you're scything and you're working hard at it, odds are good you're doing something wrong ;)

[@jkochosc]

Agreed! There are a lot of specifics about scything that need to be right for it to be comfortable and effective. From the type of scythe, sharpening and mowing form, and then the land and vegetation of course! I’ll be talking about all things mowing in the coming videos :)

[@edenoftheworld1090]

I just got my scythe (from the same place it looks like) to do the exact same thing for my (soon to be) hazelnut orchard in Spencer. Thanks for confirming that I'm on the right track!

[@jkochosc]

Yes hazels are another great species for this practice! The only thing is watch out for voles when they are little, the grass mat creates a habitat for them and baby trees need protection

[@jkochosc]

Scythe supply makes very good tools! The only better supplier is one scythe revolution :)

[@peterellis4262]

btw, We got quite a few trees and shrubs from you last fall, and this spring they're looking pretty good. Still waiting for the persimmons and hardy pecans to come to life, but pawpaw, mulberry, elderberry, chestnut, hazelnut false indigo bush are all looking good!

[@jkochosc]

If they’re late, that’s fine. If they don’t leaf out definitely let me know and I’ll replace this fall!

[@peterellis4262]

@@jkochosc trying to be patient! Lol. The mulberries just exploded overnight, hoping for the same from the others that are lagging ;)

[@cpnotill9264]

Yes Peter we too got a few trees from Eric and all are looking really great! We love our sycthe too!

[@kitchenandgardener]

So nice

[@jkochosc]

Thanks! When the sward being cut is still in peak growth it’s a joy to cut :)

[@simonb5880]

About how many acres or square foot would you say you did in that 3 hours 45 minute time frame?

[@jkochosc]

This area is about .4 acres

[@TaylorinShirewood]

Whats the spacing's on your pawpaws and persimmons?

[@jkochosc]

The spacing here was given to me by the late Jerry Lehmann, who advised 20-25’ for persimmons and 15-20’ for pawpaw. I think I might go a bit less in the future

[@TaylorinShirewood]

@@jkochosc I know of this name, seen a couple posts on growing forums about his passing. Thanks for the reply bud.

[@jkochosc]

@@TaylorinShirewood yeah he was a real American persimmon legend. He grew out just about every variety available at the time.