Thanks in part to you, I too am starting a natural scythe based farm in Wisconsin & going to windrow garden. I learned about Ruth Stout deep mulch gardening last week & had the idea to use the scythe windrows to plant in. Nice to see you're already doing it!
I'm thinking of putting in some long raised beds on a field scale, more market garden than home garden in size and was considering using the scyth to do just this. What was the purpose of the shorter arc cut to begin with please? Was this just a more controlled cut up to the existing mulch line, so as not to disturb it? Amazing and inspirational technique as always, thank you for sharing from the Scottish Highlands! 👍 🏴
I trimmed the grass and weeds growing through the edge of the line of mulch. The short blade cuts under the mulch. Then when I make the next long sweeping stroke, everything is cut clean.
@@BotanAnderson I've only just started scything and every day is a school day still! It's been a revelation so far, I'm trying to do a little each day focusing on improving my technique and learning what I can achieve with the two scythes I'm working with currently (a larger meadow scythe and a shorter ditch/multi-purpose blade). Keep up the great work it's a real help! 😁
It's only mildly warm here compared to the blistering heat of Texas, but I'm sure feeling the heat as I'm having to scythe in long sleeves, gloves, a baseball cap and a full head net today due to the amount of midges (sand fly like little horrors who bite endlessly and like bloody piranhas)! They're so thick you can't breath without a super fine head net or you end up with them in your mouth, nose, ears and eyes. I entirely feel your pain. Greeting from the midge-tastic Scottish Highlands and good luck with your scything! 👍 🏴
@@trockodile Last summer we had an unusually wet year, and I had to wear a bug shirt and a head net to keep from being eaten alive by gnats. It was very hot and tiring mowing like that. I did not feel like making any videos! This year it has been glorious.
Thanks in part to you, I too am starting a natural scythe based farm in Wisconsin & going to windrow garden. I learned about Ruth Stout deep mulch gardening last week & had the idea to use the scythe windrows to plant in. Nice to see you're already doing it!
The creatures sound like they approve of your method
That's some really beautiful scenery. ✌😌
I'm thinking of putting in some long raised beds on a field scale, more market garden than home garden in size and was considering using the scyth to do just this. What was the purpose of the shorter arc cut to begin with please? Was this just a more controlled cut up to the existing mulch line, so as not to disturb it?
Amazing and inspirational technique as always, thank you for sharing from the Scottish Highlands! 👍 🏴
I trimmed the grass and weeds growing through the edge of the line of mulch. The short blade cuts under the mulch. Then when I make the next long sweeping stroke, everything is cut clean.
@@BotanAnderson I've only just started scything and every day is a school day still! It's been a revelation so far, I'm trying to do a little each day focusing on improving my technique and learning what I can achieve with the two scythes I'm working with currently (a larger meadow scythe and a shorter ditch/multi-purpose blade). Keep up the great work it's a real help! 😁
I really need to scythe but it's super hot now in Texas. What do you use the mulch line for?
Once the sod underneath has died, I plant vegetable starts or potatoes through the mulch. The mulch composts in place.
It's only mildly warm here compared to the blistering heat of Texas, but I'm sure feeling the heat as I'm having to scythe in long sleeves, gloves, a baseball cap and a full head net today due to the amount of midges (sand fly like little horrors who bite endlessly and like bloody piranhas)! They're so thick you can't breath without a super fine head net or you end up with them in your mouth, nose, ears and eyes. I entirely feel your pain. Greeting from the midge-tastic Scottish Highlands and good luck with your scything! 👍 🏴
@@trockodile Last summer we had an unusually wet year, and I had to wear a bug shirt and a head net to keep from being eaten alive by gnats. It was very hot and tiring mowing like that. I did not feel like making any videos! This year it has been glorious.