Flax on the Hill Regenerative Textile Project: 21-Day Update

Welcome back to the Flax on the Hill project! We’re excited to share our journey with you as we grow flax, an essential fiber in regenerative textile production. Flax is known for its versatility and durability and is biodegradable, depending on how it is processed as a textile. Over the past 21 days, our flax has undergone significant changes. Let's dive into the stages of flax growth we've observed so far.

Day 1-5: Germination

Day 1: Sowing the Seeds

• We prepared the soil, ensuring it was well-drained and rich in organic matter.

• Flax seeds were sown by broadcasting seeds by hand, about 1-2 cm deep, and stamped down over the raised bed.

Day 2-5: Sprouting

• Within a few days, the seeds began to germinate. Tiny shoots emerged from the soil, indicating the start of a healthy growth cycle.

• There is no irrigation other than natural rainfall; it has rained at least once a week since sowing the flax seeds.

Day 6-10: Seedling Stage

• The seedlings continued to increase, developing their first true leaves.

• We have not thinned out the plants, as learned wisdom suggests that close proximity minimises weeds and helps the plants support each other as they grow—time will tell!

Observations:

• The young plants are a vibrant green, signalling good health.

• Daily viewing of the flax bed provides a highlight for each day, including playing around with photography to capture the growth.

Day 11-15: Strengthening

• During this period, the flax plants grew taller and more robust.

• They developed a more robust root system, anchoring them firmly in the soil.

Care Routine:

• We don’t do anything other than observe in wonder!

• The plants received adequate sunlight, which is essential for their growth, and a heat advisory was issued in the area with temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Day 16-21: Vegetative Growth

• The plants produced more leaves, growing denser and preparing for further height gain.

• We continued to monitor for pests and diseases, ensuring the plants remained healthy.

Day 19-21: Stem Elongation

• The flax plants started to elongate, focusing energy on vertical growth.

• This stage is crucial as the flax plants' height will determine the fibre's quality.

Conclusion

We are thrilled with the progress of our flax plants over the past 21 days. From tiny seeds to sturdy young plants, each stage has been a testament to the resilience and vitality of flax. Stay tuned for our next update as we nurture these plants through their lifecycle, ultimately transforming them into sustainable textiles.

Thank you for joining the Flax on the Hill journey. Together, we are sowing the seeds for a greener future!

Call to Action

If you have any questions or want to get involved with the Flax on the Hill project, please get in touch with us or visit our website for more information. Let's grow regeneratively, one flax plant at a time!