Harvesting Popcorn
September 28th, 2016
One of the things I’ve been working on this week is harvesting the popcorn. While you’re supposed to let it dry on the stalks, there’s rain in the forecast and I don’t want it to mold. Plus we’ve had a pesky raccoon that’s been getting in and eating a few bits off of each ear, ruining about a third of our crop so far.
I grew four different varieties of popcorn this year, hoping for a four color mix. The black popcorn outperformed them all and did beautifully. Amazingly, it was also the least favorite for the raccoons. You can bet I’ll be growing this variety again in the future! Popcorn is one of our favorite snacks, we love making it the old fashioned way in a big pot on the stove with lots of ghee.
Are you a lover of popcorn?
Susy, Ghee? I had to look that one up. I’ve not heard of this. Can you make your own clarified butter? Do you make it yourself?
The second favorite thing for raccoons is popcorn, I guess. The first, of course, is sweet corn. It takes a lot of work to keep them out of the corn patch. I did defeat the raccoons this year on the sweet corn so they moved into the pumpkins and destroyed half of that crop. They punched a hole in the side of the pumpkin just big enough to empty the inside of the pumpkin. Those buggers ate out the entire inside of the pumpkin. They are a real menace to gardeners. So I guess the chicken wire fence and electric fence gets expanded again next year. Who knew that gardening would be such a battle against the forces of nature? I wouldn’t mind sharing with them but as you say, they just nibble a little on each ear and go on to the next. They are wasteful critters. I’m glad to hear you at least got some harvest. They can destroy an entire crop over night.
Have a great popcorn harvesting day.
to Nebraska Dave's comment
I make my own, it’s rather easy and Oh so delicious!!
to Susy's comment
What variety of black popcorn, and from where did you get the seeds?
to mc's comment
I’m not normally a huge lover of popcorn, but with the right mix of herbs, or as my neighbor makes it with smoked paprika, it’s really quite good!
to Joan's comment
I love Dakota Black popcorn. The year I grew it I had no problems and it grew great. This year I planted Glass Gem. I didn’t get but 6 stalks that made it. The upside was each plant had 3 ears. It is the most lovely popcorn. I will try to plant it again next year. Hopefully it was all b/c of the drought and pests that it did so poorly.
to Jodiana's comment