Wild Sim plant spacing

[Colby]

any thoughts on optimal plant spacing for wild simulated? Is there any benefit to more spacing in terms of disease control?

Planting method:
Last year I tried rake and cast, so far have emerging ginseng plants ,but this method also made weed ( Blue Cohosh and Jack in pulpit) reseed and come back in higher densities than before ginseng planting. Eager to try ECF seeder this year with hopes of saving time and possibly minimizing high weed regrowth after planting.

[Brad]

Hi Colby,

Optimal spacing?  If I recall correctly, Beyfuss said something like 4 or 5 per square foot (don't hold me to that though...just from memory).  Lots of folks like 6x6 and more like 8x8 or more.  The more I deal with and observe ginseng, the more I question some of the traditional wisdom.  For instance, we all know that the closer together plants are the more likely they are to get a disease, and for that disease to spread wildly before we can get it controlled.  In a wild sim planting, we are left to watch.  For this reason, many have gone the route of planting farther apart.

To be honest, I don't play that much attention to the spacing when I'm planting with the seeder.  I step into the area to plant, then start on one side of my body and plant, then move the seeder in an arch in front of me while still standing in the same place.  I normally move sideways maybe 8-10 inches.  When I"m done with that arch left to right I take a small step forward...maybe a foot.  So, my spacing would average somewhere in the neighborhood of 8x12 or so.  However, I often plant more than one seed per hole.

I think the ECF seeder will help with your weed issues...particularly garlic mustard.  Since it doesn't disturb the soil around the hole, it does not bring seeds from the soil up into the light where they can germinate.

Of course, I dont consider the plants you mention to be weeds!  lol

[Colby]

Thanks Brad

another question,

my planting sight is literally overrun with Blue Cohosh . to dig and discard would mean many hours that should be for cleaning woodlot of small saplings and branches. Is it  more beneficial to to dig blue cohosh and discard, or spray with ( lets say roundup) early in the summer well before planting.

My business plan at this time is to grow wild simulated (only from the labor perspective). If some kind of spray is applied at this time, it will only be to get a handle on the existing undergrowth that is present.

I do notice some of my last years seed emergence is under the (canopy) of the Blue cohosh plant that are existing. in your opinion will they do as well as others that are growing singly without cover?

lost of question , new to the game and trying to overcome the learning curve.


thanks for you time
colby

[Brad]

No worries...this is the place for questions.

While blue cohosh is a companion plant and a medicinal, I don't know of anyone buying it at this point in time.

I think I would opt to observe what happens.  If the seedlings under the cohosh do ok (which I suspect they might), I wouldn't worry about it.  However, if you see a negative relationship, then yes, roundup or another brand of weed killer with the same active ingredient (glytophosate) can be used early in the summer.  Sometimes you will need to go back and spray a second time.  I might spray the first part of July and again in mid August if I'm planning to plant mid September.

Also, don't forget the old folk week killer using vinegar.  Add 1 cup of salt and 1 tablespoon of soap to a gallon of cider vinegar and mix well.