Kenaf-Indian Hemp NoTill Cover Crop Experiment

MOhemp is preparing for another Kenaf growing experiment. This experiment will replicate no-till farming with cover crops.

Its winter time in Missouri and cold outside so this Kenaf growing experiment will be performed inside a acclimatized location of the office with pots and plant trays. Today, I brought the dirt and kenaf stems/leaves (that will be used to replicate cover crop farming) in from outside and will be letting it acclimate to room temperature (70 Deg F) before adding seeds.

The kenaf plants used for the Cover Crop were produced in the prior experiment 2016 this year. (Kenaf Plant Timeline Pictures)
(A portion of the seeds used in this growing experiment will be from the plants grown earlier this year.)

Kenaf Seeds from plants grown in Missouri

If as predicted, the seeds sprout and grow I will have verified my earlier claim that Kenaf will produce seeds that will grow in Midwest USA. 

Kenaf sprouts in 2-4 days so I will have information on the sprouts pretty quick. If they grow like the other plants have done. I predict the sprouts to have grow out of the cover crop mulch system in less than a week. At that time they will be receiving full sunlight and will grow into the 12 foot giants in a matter of months.

As a reminder for anyone reading this post. I am growing Kenaf because Hemp is illegal to grow in my state. Kenaf is also known as Indian Hemp in a few circles.

In the orient I see pictures of Kenaf growing 18 feet tall. Kenaf is a biomass energy champion that needs less water to grow than hemp as well.

Kenaf Mobile Ag Lignin Removal Invention Test Plants

The following Kenaf 8234 photos and images are not part of the Kenaf Testing and Experiment growing in Hazmat Soils

These Kenaf plants will be utilized for the Mobile Lignin Removal Invention.

Kenaf Seeds 8234 strain-Planted 7pm Jan 27, 2016

@Pepesplants < he was right! #Kenaf sprouts quick!

These Kenaf plants will be used to test the Hemp Lignin Invention that is in development.  Just one part of the Hemp and Kenaf Mobile Field Processing System.  

MOhemp Energy Lignin Removal Station Invention

MOhemp Energy Hemp or Kenaf Field Processing System Flow Chart

Day 2 photos of Kenaf Sprouts with a $.25 Quarter for Visualization Aid on how fast the Kenaf 8234 Sprouts seem to be growing.

Day 2 photos of Kenaf Sprouts with a $.25 Quarter for Visualization Aid on how fast the Kenaf 8234 Sprouts seem to be growing

Day 2 8234 Kenaf Sprouts $.25 Quarter for Visualization Aid 

Day 3 Kenaf Sprouts Notice 5th Seed Germinated Middle Front

Pepes Plants bailed me out again 

When he saw the Day 3 Kenaf Sprout Photo on Twitter

Scotty @StLHandyMan

Kenaf Sprouts, 5:6 germ, Day 6

1 retweet1 like

Pepe's Fruit Trees ‏@Pepesplants 4 hours ago

Pepe's Fruit Trees Retweeted Scotty

Keep them warm Scotty! #kenaf #seeds

Pepe's Fruit Trees added,

Scotty @StLHandyMan

@Pepesplants 65°-70° ave temp now, do I need it warmer?

1 retweet1 like

Pepe's Fruit Trees ‏@Pepesplants3 hours ago

Pepe's Fruit Trees Retweeted Scotty

You have a heat pad for seeds? Maybe around 85 degrees. They will grow faster,,,,,

Pepe's Fruit Trees added,

Pepe's Fruit Trees ‏@Pepesplants  60m60 minutes ago

Pepe's Fruit Trees Retweeted Scotty

Thanks. I grew mine in #florida summer they sprouted and grew so fast they freaked me out. LOL #kenaf

Pepe's Fruit Trees added,

Scotty @StLHandyMan

@Pepesplants I posted your advice on the #HempEnvironmentalForum FB Group!
https://www.facebook.com/HempEnvironmentalForum/ … #Kenaf #gardenchat

Feb 6, 2016 Supplemental Lighting

 Feb 6, 2016 added supplemental Florescent Lighting to Backyard Kenaf Lignin Removal Invention Test Plants.

Even though this is a window located on the South Side of the House and other plants have flourished in this location.  I didn't feel the plants were getting enough lighting and added a Florescent Grow Light to the area for an additional boost.  

Mar 2, 2016  Kenaf Plants growth progress gif image created with Google Picasa.   

Notes:

1. Cardboard cylinder is a toilet paper roll center that is used to hold the plants upright.  The plants are not exactly growing in optimum conditions in the widow sill.  The stems of the plants do not get the wind that is needed to strengthen the plant stem and the weight of the leaves bends the stems over.
2. A quarter was used for size reference early in the plants growth.
3. The Red Colored lights are not from a Red Grow Light this was caused by a camera setting in a few photos.
4. I planted 6 seeds- 5 sprouted.  I killed 1 attempting to help it rid the seed pod.  I ripped the tender leaves and that plant never recovered and died.  (Don't love your plants to death- Paul Allen) 
5. The majority of the photos are taken in the AM when I am getting a cup of coffee to start the day. 
6. This is also when I turn the supplemental lighting on.
7. Supplemental lighting is generally left on a minimum of 12 hours a day, 7 am to 7 pm.
8. The Grand-kids are marveling at how fast the Kenaf Plants grow (and so am I).  I told the middle child that they will eventually grow taller than us.  They could grow up-to 15 feet tall, which is 4 times as tall as you right now. (Note to self: she doesn't know how tall 15 feet is.  I have to do a better job of comparison)
9. She also asked, "if we are going to eat these plants?"  I replied, "I don't know I guess we could, I've heard of other people eating Kenaf plants.  And read that Kenaf Growers feed the plants to their farm animals."
10. Occasionally, As the Temperature warms the plant tray is taken outside and placed on the Patio so the plants get Natural Sunlight.  I hope to also strengthen the stems by doing this with the natural breeze.
11. I am planning on re-potting the plant starts into bigger pots soon.