Received my tobacco seeds! Can't believe how small they are... now I have to research the ins and outs of tobacco husbandry. So much to learn, so little time!
Here’s the link to download posts 1-4500 of the first survival thread, plus some other useful stuff I threw in for grins and giggles:
http://rcpt.yousendit.com/652465988/46614d3e7eb1fcc5b4aa4291287b2e93
Good for you! Did I give you this link? Very helpful.
http://www.ryomagazine.com/july/review.htm
When seeds are really tiny, it usually means they need light for germination, so just press the seeds lightly into moistened soil; not too deep, if you’re going to start them indoors.
Well, I was feeling very smug - I make my own cigarettes - the cost was about $7.11 a carton. I was buying bulk tobacco for $16.49 a pound and the tubes are 5 cartons for 7.95.
Well, today I stopped in and picked up my makings for the next 6 or 7 weeks. Since I usually engage the clerk in conversation over various topics, today she told me that I better stock up before April 10th. She says that they have the new price that includes the 0bama tax - $24.95 a pound. A 50% increase! So I immediately thought of you and your growing the tobacco - I told her that well, at least I could buy the tubes and grow my own... Guess what - the price on the tubes will double!
So, it looks like I will have to go back to the pipes I was smoking years ago, and follow your lead - grow my own!
I figure it will be $12.09 per carton which is still cheaper than regular manufactured prices but paying them that much additional tax ticks me off... Like Boston Tea Party level.
What variety tobacco did you get?
The growing isn’t too hard - nor is the drying - I know several Amish who grow it for a cash crop. The hard part as I understand it is the curing. It is very strong and harsh if you just dry it, it has to have a humidity of about 70% and a pretty warm temp for it to cure right. The tobacco that used to be shipped from the colony to England was put in barrels and this caused (along with the high humidity of the sea air) the tobacco to ferment/cure/(I think there is another name for it too) So, by the time it was unloaded in England, it was nice and mellow.
There are several sites that have plans for a curing cabinet for tobacco if you are interested.
Whereabouts are you, and what kind of tobacco? Laughing here. There was little or no tobacco grown here last year for the first time since—prob the 1700’s. Eastern NC.
If it grows, and you pick it, rub a ripe tomato on your hands. It will get the sap off. LOL
Received my tobacco seeds! Can’t believe how small they are... now I have to research the ins and outs of tobacco husbandry. So much to learn, so little time! <<<
Excellent, you are going to be a busy man this year, now to get the tobacco barn built, I sent you the plans....
Laughing very loud.
Keep us posted, as you are going to learn a lot.