October is cotton-picking time in eastern North Carolina
I imagine this field is the most photographed cotton field in Eastern North Carolina! Every year, I get calls from folks who want to be photographed in a cotton field.
I might be a little biased, but the cotton fields at Big Mill Bed and Breakfast Extended Stay tucked away in the countryside near Williamston, North Carolina, are some of the most beautiful you’ll find in Eastern NC. Every fall, they burst into fluffy white bolls of cotton, drawing photographers, guests, and nature lovers from all over.
Some things change, but fall is still harvest time on the farm. I woke up today, and the big tractor was outside my window picking cotton.
In the fall after the cotton is picked, rye or wheat is sown in the field. In the spring, the rye isn’t harvested; the cotton seeds are just planted right in the middle of the cover crop. The rye dies away, and the cotton seeds emerge. This is called “no till” farming.
Cotton plants peeking up in the field of rye.
The cotton plants will grow over the rye, and they never have to plow the field. Miraculously, the rye just disappears and becomes compost.
Harvesting cotton has changed so much over the years. Just a few years back, this big machine came on the farm and picked the cotton.
Cotton Picker unloading Cotton into the Hopper
As soon as the cotton was picked, it was dumped into a hopper, which rolled the cotton into big, round bales. Just as soon as they picked it, they dumped the cotton from the picker into the hopper, and then yet another machine rolled the cotton into big, round bales.
These bales of cotton weigh about 500 pounds each. Next stop – the cotton gin.
Now one machine does it all. It picks the cotton and rolls it into the round bales. If you would like to purchase this machine, the price is $1,000,000.
Cotton is a gorgeous plant, and I use the empty bolls for decorating, and always in my cork wreaths. I also visit the Cotton Gin in Everetts, and they give me cotton mulch for free.
As soon as the cotton is picked, Mark returns and cuts the stalks. If you want to see this happening, plan a trip to Big Mill B&B Extended Stay in September or October.
Big Mill Bed & Breakfast Extended Stay
Quiet rentals for traveling nurses & professionals in eastern North Carolina 252-792-8787
Looking for extended stay lodging in Eastern North Carolina? Big Mill Extended Stay offers quiet, fully furnished rentals ideal for traveling nurses, medical professionals, contractors, and guests relocating to the area. Our accommodations provide comfort, privacy, and Southern hospitality, perfect for short-term and long-term stays. We also have three RV rental spaces.
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