Thursday, April 21, 2011

Barley in Spring, April 21, 2011





The barley is really growing now that the weather is warmer here in northern Virginia. It is patchier than I would like and there are some tall weeds (more than I remember in past years, but I could have a faulty memory), but the barley grass seems to be growing higher and faster than the weeds and is soon going to be eclipsing them all. We have had consistent rains over the spring. The tassels have not yet emerged from the tops of the barley stalks, but the stalks have nodules and separate leaves are emerging from curls in the barley grass. This is where the tassels will first become visible.

Harvest should be around June 10.

Friday, April 1, 2011

April Fools Day Malting Barley



The barley is really starting to grow. We have had relatively cool weather (low 40s at night, 50s during the day) frequent rain and drizzle. The barley looks lush and seems to be thriving.