This year i'm trying to grow rice. Mostly this is a mental
activity involving research and then finding ways to apply
the knowledge locally. It does require physical activity and
some trial and error, but the difficult part is converting
an objective into small steps that are easy to accomplish.
The big question in my mind is: Why do so few people in North
America grow rice on a small scale? So, far i've determined
that the typical flooded rice paddy can be difficult to set up, but
once it exists can be reused year after year. Also, access to
water can be difficult in dry areas. This suggests that dry land
rice growing might be the best choice.
For now i'm going to try the techniques used in Asia and build
a small flooded rice paddy. Maybe next year i'll play with
dry land rice growing. So, the paddy has been built, seed
obtained, and placed in the greenhouse for sprouting. A plan
has been developed and reminders placed in the computer. Here
are the steps for anyone interested:
-Start 4 weeks before the last frost.
-Soak rice for 24 hours in warm salty water.
-Dry rice for 24 hours.
-Place rice seed in tray (muck on bottom and standing water on top)
-After rice is up (4 weeks) transplant to flooded paddy.
-Water, weed, and wait (60-85 days).
-When rice is close to maturing keep birds away.
-Harvest (about 30-40 days after flowering) and thresh rice.
-Record observations, mistakes, problems, and decide what to do next.
Sources for upland rice seed suitable for most of North America are:
Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
http://www.southernexposure.com
Dishman Brothers Farms,
PO box 603
China, TX 77613
Requirements for growing rice are:
- 40 days with temperatures above 70 degrees
- Zones 5 or greater (warmer), some have succeeded in zone 3
- Rice likes water, but can be grown and watered like corn.
- Poor drainage is a plus.
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Jeff Owens ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Zone 7
Underground house, solar energy, reduced consumption, no TV
