Wheat Life Stages: Planting, Growing, Harvesting

Wheat, a staple crop central to human civilization, undergoes a remarkable journey through its stages of life, each phase vital to its ultimate harvest. The journey, while somewhat variant across different varieties, follows a fundamental pattern:

Planting marks the inception of this journey, with winter wheat sown in September or early October, capitalizing on the soil's moisture for germination. Conversely, spring wheat eagerly takes root as soon as temperatures permit in the spring, heralding the start of its growth cycle.

The growing stage witnesses the resumption of growth for winter wheat in the spring, as the plant readies itself for reproduction. The stem diligently pushes upwards, unfurling the head where kernels, the essence of wheat, begin to form. With flowering commencing, the kernels embark on their maturation journey, signaling the onset of the next phase.

Harvest, the culmination of months of toil and nurture, arrives when the kernels reach optimal ripeness. Combines, the modern-day reapers, meticulously gather the golden bounty, ensuring that the moisture content remains at or below 15 percent. Winter wheat's harvest commences in the warmth of May, extending into the depths of July. Meanwhile, the harvest for spring wheat kicks off in late July, drawing to a close by the end of August.

In this cyclical journey from planting to harvest, wheat exemplifies resilience and adaptability, providing sustenance for humanity across generations. Its stages of life not only symbolize agricultural prowess but also serve as a testament to the intricate dance between nature and human ingenuity.
Wheat Life Stages: Planting, Growing, Harvesting

Planting apple trees

There are hundreds of varieties of apples that may be grown on trees produced from seedlings that were grown in nurseries, or from grafts on existing apple tree. Bare-root apple trees should be planted in the early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.

The fruit is developed on spurs formed by branchlets of three or more years to growth, the tree yielding for many years thereafter. Standard or full-sized trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and can take six years to bear their first fruit. Use of dwarfing rootstocks can result in earlier bearing.

Most fruit trees are available in “dwarf” form; typically reaching about six feet in size, these may also be grown in large planters. “Semi-dwarf” fruit trees grow to 10 to 15 feet tall.

Apples grow best where there is cold in winter, moderate summer temperatures, and medium to high humidity.

Ample winter chilling and a relatively dry growing season allow for a greater number of varieties to be grown with less fungal and bacterial disease pressure.

Apple trees need full sun—at least six to eight hours of sunlight during the growing season. The best soil for apple trees is moist and well-drained with a neutral soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0 in order to survive and flourish. Mounding the earth to create a berm (3 feet) is an excellent idea if there is not enough space/depth where the tree is to be planted.

Fertilizer of the soil and periodic pruning and thinning of apple trees are considered necessary for good apple crops. The purpose of pruning a young tree is to control its shape by developing a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches.

Periodically (about every 3 years) soil pH should be checked. The soil test report will indicate if additional liming is required.

Newly planted apple trees require watering weekly. The key is to let the water soak into the soil slowly to allow for deep watering until it’s established. In areas of poor drainage, roots will die resulting in stunted growth and eventual death of the tree. Conversely, apple trees will also perform poorly on droughty soils.

Most apples need pollen from another apple tree to produce fruit. This is called cross-pollination. Apples are strongly cross pollinated, so more than one variety with overlapping bloom dates (similar chilling requirements) are necessary for good fruit production.

Apple trees benefit from pruning. Pruning will allow an apple tree allow the tree to get light and air. Pruning should be done every year.
Planting apple trees

Planting Of Peanut Or Groundnut

The crop is cultivated between 40ºN to 40ºS of the equator and it grow best in light textured sandy loam soils with neutral pH. Optimum peanut production can be achieved with optimum temperature for their growth and development ranges from 28 to 30 ºC and the crop requires about 500-600 mm of well distributed rainfall.

The area for planting peanut shall be free from hazardous substances and pesticides that may leave residues or contaminate peanut kernels to the level harmful to consumers.

Peanuts are planted in April or May and harvested in September. Peanuts take about 3-5 days for germination and emergence from the soil at 30° C. The crop is a self-pollinated crop whereby flowers occur on elongated are produced above ground and, after fertilization, pegs move towards the soil, and seed-containing pods are formed and developed underneath the soil.

The peanut grows as a plant that blooms yellow flowers and the petals wilt after a period of time and signal the underground growth of the nuts.

Peanut should be harvested at the right stage of maturity normally farmer waits until the soil not too wet or too dry before digging. During harvesting, using portable mechanical pickers peanuts are removed from vines and are delivered to warehouses for cleaning.
Planting Of Peanut Or Groundnut

Starchy root crop of cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Cralztz) is a starchy root crop which is an essential food eaten mainly by developing countries. The root tuber and leaves are edible and serve as source of nutritional food for about 500 million people and more worldwide.

Its cultivation provides significant income to small producers around the world. Cassava tubers as well as its by-products are sold everywhere without difficulty.

Cassava is the third most important source of calories in the tropics after rice and maize. Its processed products contain an important proportion of carbohydrates (mainly starch) and minerals.

This shrub, growing to around 1 to 4 meters in height, is cultivated for its tubers and leaves. The tubers are rich in starch. The stems are used as planting material.

Cassava leaves contain protein, vitamins (A and C), and a lot of mineral salts. Cassava is cultivated both as food (for human and animals) and as industrial raw material. The most important industrial utilizations of cassava are ethanol, starch, biofuel, flour, biscuits, bread, jelly, thickening agents, gravies, custard powders, babies’ food, glucose, and confectioneries.

The major cassava planting season is mainly during the rainy season from April to November. Generally, the crop needs a warm and humid climate to grow with temperatures averaging 25-27ºC.

The tropical lowlands with altitude below 150 m with annual rainfall from 500 mm to 5,000 mm are most suitable for higher root yield. Because the plant is resistance to prolong drought it is able to thrive in regions where annual rainfall is low or where seasonal distribution is irregular.

The crop is also able to grow on poor and degraded soil because it can withstand low pH, high level of exchangeable aluminum and low concentration of phosphorus in the soil matrix.

During growth, the shrubs produce several tuberous roots as reserves made of up to 35% starch which may reach up to 1 m in length and together may weigh up to 40 kg. Cassava produces small, regular female and male flowers in small clusters.

Cassava is usually processed immediately after it is taken from the ground because it is highly perishable. Spoiling starts within 48 to 72 hours after harvest. A mature cassava root (hereafter referred to as 'root') may range in length from 15 to 100 cm and weigh 0.5 to 2.5 kg. Circular in cross-section, it is usually fattest at the proximal end and tapers slightly towards the distal portion.
Starchy root crop of cassava

Growing chili

Chill is grown on an annual plant. The fruits are red in color. There are rows of seed inside attached to a sheath-like dissepiments which is rich in hot pungency.

Buying young plants, either from a garden center or by mail order will give a head start. If opt for seed, sow in late winter to early spring at 20 °C in small pots and grow them on at 15 °C until early summer.

The easiest way to sow seeds is onto trays with good, peat-free seed compost. Shop-bought compost for seeds is sterilized and has just the right structure for seeds to grow in-light, well-drained and not too much food.

Chili seedlings are transplanted when they are about 4 - 6 weeks old (10-15 cm tall) depending upon season. Double transplanting i.e one extra transplanting in a second seed bed, gives an earlier and higher yield.

Soil around the root system should be kept looses by keeping down the weeds. Keep the roots moist; a mulch of garden compost will help conserve moisture.
Growing chili

Planting of tomato crops

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is one of the most important vegetables worldwide.

Before planting, the soil is fertilized by applying organic matter. Tomato is usually given a combination of organic and chemical fertilizers.

Tomato seeds are generally planted indoors and nurtured until they reach a certain stage. Smaller quantities of seed are needed, the seedlings can be selected for growth and death before planting in the field, the plantlets can be well protected and the planting distance is more regular than after sowing directly in the field.

When the seedlings are approximately six inches in height, they are ready to be planted outdoors.

Add one cups each of kelp meal and bone meal into every planting hole before transplant the tomato seedlings.

It is important to water the plants regularly, especially during flowering and fruit formation. The amount of water that is needed depends on the type of soil and on the weather (amount of rain, humidity and temperature).

If the tomato seedlings have developed tall and leggy stems, it can be supported with trench planting.
Planting of tomato crops

Grapes in United States

There are three broad classes of grapes that are grown in United States: Vitis lubrusca, Vitus vinifera and Vitis rotundifolia. Grapes are grown mainly in California, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Ohio.

Washington, Missouri, and Arkansas also produce same grapes. There are many varieties of grapes but there are predominant in this country. Grapes are utilized to produce unfermented grape juice, vinegar, wine, raisins, jams and jellies, and as the fresh product for table. Approximately 70 percent of the world’s grape production goes into wine.

Thompson seedless grapes are used in canned fruit cocktail. There is a direct relationship between the soluble solids content of the berries and the percentage of berries that develop internal browning.

Grapes can be produced on a number of different types of soils. Fertility is not as important as soil structure. Sandy or gravelly clay loams are most desired.

Grapes are planted as vines or cuttings from older plants. The cuttings produce arms bearing fruit, the greatest yields coming after 3 years of growth. Properly pruned and cared for, vines produce fruit for many years.
Grapes in United States

Planting of blackberry plant

In general, the best time for establishing a blackberry plantation is in the spring, and as growth normally starts early, the work of planting should be done as early as soil conditions will permit.

Availability of soil moisture is the most importance factor to consider in choosing a planting site for blackberry.

Almost any soil type, except very sandy soils, is suitable for blackberries as long as the drainage is good.

Blackberries are for the most part rank-growing pants and require liberal distances in and between the rows.

A common planting, plant erect varieties of blackberries five feet apart in the row, and eight to ten feet between the rows.  Space vigorous varieties of trailing or semi-trailing blackberries such as Thornless Evergreen, eight to 12 feet apart in rows, that are 10 feet apart.

The tillage of the blackberry plantation should be such as to hold weeds and suckers in check and maintain maximum moisture and growth conditions, but cultivation should cease early enough to induce the plants to ripen their wood thorough before winter.
Planting of blackberry plant

Growing basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Sweet basil is the most popular variety, but dark opal basil is increasing in popularity as it is more decorative and can still be used in cooking.  It smells and tastes wonderful and June is a good time to begin growing basil.

Basil is widely planted in home gardens because it’s fast growing, high yielding and very rewarding. It is a warm-weather plant. Basil growing easily from seed but requires toasty warm soil for germination (24 to 28 ° C) and reliably warm air temperatures throughout its productive life.

Basil may suffer cold injury if temperatures dip below 10 ° C. Give it average soil, plenty of water and as much sun as it can. Soil that is too rich, however, will result in fewer essential oils and a weaker flavor and fragrance.

Plant seeds a week or two after the last spring frost date, covering them lightly with sand or fine-textured soil about 1/8 inch deep. Each basil plant needs 1 sq. ft of growing space. Basil leaves are tender so harden off seedlings adequately.

The leaves can be removed any time, but preferably young. Take off the tops as the flowers open. The whole plant can be dried at the start of winter. The leaves may be removed as required or culinary use and the seed heads taken off for potpourris.

When harvest basil, don’t cut more than half of the plant at once and always cut right above a leaf pair. To prolong the life of the plant through the growing season don’t let the basil flower. As it form flower spike it will grow lanky and once it sets it will begin to die off.

Growing basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Fertilizer for tomatoes

For most soil, it needs to fertilize every six months or so. For fertilizer that less nutrient rich its many need to be done so slightly more often. Rich garden soil that has adequate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium will grow great tomatoes.

The ideal ration of these three key nutrients is 1:4:2 – highest in phosphorus.

Fertilizers should be applied in different stages of plant growth. The first round of fertilizers should be supplied while planting tomato seedlings.

Dig planting hole about three inches deeper and tow inches wider than the plant root. Add three to four tablespoon of fertilizer into the planting hole and set the tomato seedling.

Once seeing the fruit of tomato appeared it’s time to do the second fertilizing.

The tomatoes should be about the size of golf balls and will now be ready for more constant fertilizing. The frequency of fertilizing necessary will depend on the particular type of fertilizer used. It is best to follow the directions that should come with the fertilizer.

To lend balance to the nutrient composition, try to incorporate dry manure with bone meals.

The condition called fertilizer burn may occur when gardeners use too much fertilizer or too strong a concentration, don’t water fertilizer in properly or allow undissolved granules to remain on leaves.
Fertilizer for tomatoes

Site and soil for planting raspberries

In the East, plant raspberries in the spring. On the Pacific coast, plant them in spring or during the rainy season.

Site selection is extremely important. It may limit the longevity of the planting or limit the cultivars that can be profitably grown.  A site should be chosen with the soil characteristics needed for the best long-term raspberry production.

Raspberries require full sun. The soil should be between pH 5.5 and 6.5. They also require a well drained soil with medium to light soil texture, sandy loam at least 24 inches deep.

Controlling weeds and build up the soil need to be done a year before planting. It is suggest using a contact, foliar-applied herbicide to kill the sod or native vegetation.

Soil should be tested before planting. Any major or minor nutrients, minerals that are deficient should be incorporated into the upper 30 cm of soils before planting.

Soil fertility, gas exchange (oxygen), pH, and CEC may be improved with organic matter.
Site and soil for planting raspberries

Cucumber planting

The soil which to plant cucumbers must be well drain.  During soil preparation generous incorporation of compost or well-rotted manure is required a week or two prior to planting. Cucumber yields are highest in fertile clay soil with plenty of humus, but they will grow well in most good vegetable garden soils.

Cucumber grow on climbing vines, there the plant should be in the area where small ‘fence’ or trellis can be put next to the plants.  The trellis should be at least 4 feet high.

Cucumber seeds are planted in a row, zigzag style, 6 inches apart, 1.5 to 1 inch deep and about 1 to 4 feet from the trellis. Cucumbers need full sun and warm, well drained soil. They also like rich, neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
.
When the seedlings are about 6 inches, they need to be trained to climb on the trellis if they have not done by themselves.

Cucumber can be boosted by giving fish emulsion, alfalfa meal, or another organic fertilizer when the vines are 1 foot long, and again a month later.
Cucumber planting

Planting of winter wheat

Winter wheat is a cool season crop that is most productive when planted in autumn since cool weather from emergence to the early reproductive stage favors tillering and the subsequent development of large spikes.

It goes dormant during the winter and is harvested for grain during the following spring. Winter wheat requires ‘vernalization’ in order to complete its growth cycle.

Wheat is usually planted in September or early October when the soil is sufficiently moist to germinate the seed.

Wheat is grown from the same seeds or kernels that people eat. On large commercial farms, where wheat is grown for sale or export, farmers still sometimes save seed from previous years or they buy seed each year from seed companies.

Before the farmers can plant the seed, they add nutrients to the soil.

When they ready to plant, some farmers till the soil with a plow in order to break the soil up so it is soft enough for the seeds to take root.

After planting, freezing temperatures and a blanket of snow protect the seeds while they lay dormant awaiting the spring thaw.

Only after exposure to a period of low temperatures will the plants send up a stem and flower to form seeds in early summer.

About two-thirds of US wheat is winter wheat. Winter wheat can survive cold temperatures as low as -40 °F if protected by snow.
Planting of winter wheat