Elizabeth's Flax Patch - Week 3

Elizabeth grew a crop of flax a few years ago. She ordered seeds from The Mannings in Pennsylvania (which came from the Landis Valley Museum, also in PA) in late winter. The planting bed was our old burn pile so the ground was sterilized beneath and free of weed seeds.

The seed was sown in early March. The seeds were sown close together to keep down weeds and to force the plant to grow taller instead of branching out. Most of the seeds germinated and at three weeks old the little plants were about two inches tall.

Harvesting and tying flax into bundles

After 100 days of growing and when the bottom third of the stalks had turned yellow, it was time to pull the flax. A convenient rainstorm loosen up our WV clay soil. Flax plants are pulled to gain the most usable fiber. One plant was used to tie up a bundle.

Elizabeth's Haul of Flax

Elizabeth proudly holds her crop of flax. It may not be as tall as some we have seen (and purchased), but for a first attempt we are happy.

Drying Wool and Flax on the Driveway

Elizabeth uses the south-facing driveway to dry her flax (and wool after washing). Having bundled the plants, it is easier to put out in the morning and retrieve in the evening. It was important to dry it at this time to prevent mold. The flax can be stored in the now-dry condition waiting further processing.

Old timers would have just let the flax dry in the fields. We, however, were dealing with lots of WV humidity and a rather hectic schedule, so we opted for the more controlled method of drying.

Click HERE to view some our collection flax processing tools.