[Hobovore]

This year I intend to try and grow, process and dye my own Linen. The time is now to plant the seeds for an August harvest according to the little booklet send with the seeds. Unfortunately it does not say much about soil or moisture other than 'do not over fertilise' what ever that means.   

I have a choice between planting in clay loam ( not hard pan) under a dried leaf (not shredded) mulch or into mostly rotten but clumpy ( plenty of straw) manure. Any one know what the better option would be? The clay tends to get pretty soggy because of the mulch whereas the manure tends to go all dry and flaky, if that helps.

[Hobovore]

I could not find anything useful out there, seems home scale growing linen flax is somewhat of a dead endeavour which means I have to rediscover it all for myself.

I raked the manure till it screamed and bust into tiny pieces and will do the arduous task of watering everyday, they have also been put under a debris net to keep the birds off.  I did discover I may have actually sowed a little too far apart ( they should be close at around 2-3 inches between rows to discourage bushing out) but I have a few spare so will broadcast them around to try and close the row gaps.

[chools]

I know someone named Maureen is successfully growing flax here: https://www.highlifehighland.com/highlandfolkmuseum/
as part of a Phd and intends to weave with it for clothing. Sorry I don't have more details

[JimB]

How linen is made - material, manufacture, making, history, used, processing, parts, machine, History

 retting has to be carefully executed.Hope you do not live too near any neighbours.


Good Luck