I know what you are thinking? “What will the Bingham’s try next?” Yes, we grow grapes and make award winning wines, but we are farmer’s at heart. On our organic acres, we have grown various products: wheat, peanuts, guar, sesame seeds, blacked-eyed peas, colored cotton, and cotton. Hemp was the new kid on the block last year for us to grow. In February, we planted a new crop. What would go well with wine? Yes, truffles!
We planted 1,000 plants of hazelnut and Hollyoak trees which have been inoculated by dipping the roots into a big batch of black truffle puree, so that hopefully truffles will be colonized among their roots. These will be little trees since they will not be fruit bearing trees themselves.
Each tree has an underground line to it for water as needed. We have received above normal amounts of rain this year, but we are supplementing the natural rain with irrigation water.
The trees are getting a good start as they adjust to the High Plains of Texas.
Rows and rows of these trees. We don’t expect to find truffles for four or five years, but we will keep you updated on this new adventure for us.
Things are sure greening up on the farm.
Blessings,
Betty