Work in the field!

We are working hard to remove the rocks from the field.  Slowly but surly we are getting the field ready for the lavender. Today the weather has turned colder and ready for rain. Our rock pile is growing, we will have quite the pile to build a nice wall soon! 

The first step for us is to put the box blade down to run the length of each of the rows. The rippers find the rocks. The rocks are then loaded in the front bucket and moved to other side road. We will start some other gardens later. We are collecting lots and lots of rocks. 

Next, we will move the organic matter to the rows, we will get the rows as straight as possible, many have stumps left in them so we will just go around them. We will mark the rows with spray paint to try to keep the rows straight. 

Finally, we will rototiller the row 24 inches deep. We will leave in between the rows as is. We need the rows to have as much aeration as possible so the ground drains properly and has the proper 7 pH. 

Proper Drainage.
Lavender requires good drainage. Soil should tend toward sandy but it will also grow in a clay-based soil. Our soil is caliche clay so it will not grow in it. This is why we are amending it. The way you can decide if you have proper drainage is dig a hole. Fill it with water. If the water drains in 30 minutes then it is a good place for lavender, if not consider moving it to a different place, if not then amend the soil. Thus our current situation. It takes about 3-6 hours for our water to drain. We are fixing the drainage right now.

We are working to fix the pH with organic matter, and aeration. A minimum pH level of 6.0 is required, but a more alkaline 7.0 to 8.0 delivers optimal results.