The Sixth Planting has Sprouted
Charlie Martin
3/1/20262 min read
Hi everyone,
I’m so excited to share some news with you. Because of your generosity - including an additional $70 raised on top of the earlier fertilizer donations - we were able to fully fund and apply the first top dressing of fertilizer to our maize crop.
That might sound simple, but it’s a huge step in the life of maize.
Why Fertilizer Matters So Much
I’ve learned that maize requires two fertilizer applications to grow strong and produce full, healthy cobs.
Basal Application (at planting) - This fertilizer is placed in the soil when the seeds are planted. It gives the seeds the nutrients they need to germinate and establish roots.
Top Dressing (a few weeks after sprouting) - This second round feeds the growing plants when they begin rapid leaf and stalk development. It strengthens the stalk, deepens the green color, and prepares the plant to form large, healthy ears of maize.
Thanks to you, the first top dressing is complete. The timing was perfect - the maize is in that crucial growth stage where it needs extra nutrients to thrive.
Watching the Maize Grow
Right now, the fields are full of tiny green shoots pushing up through the soil. Seeing those neat rows of bright green leaves stretching toward the sun is so cool!
Raising maize is truly a journey:
The land is cleared and prepared.
Seeds are planted carefully at the right depth and spacing.
The first fertilizer is applied.
The maize germinates and begins to sprout.
Weeding is done to reduce competition.
The second fertilizer application strengthens the plants.
The stalks grow tall.
Tassels form.
Cobs develop and mature.
Finally, the harvest comes - and with it, nourishment and stability.
We are now approaching the time for the second fertilizer application, which is just as important as the first.
Our Next Goal: $200 for Fertilizer
To complete the next top dressing, we need to raise $200. This will ensure the maize continues to grow strong, develop full ears, and produce a healthy harvest.
This stage is critical. Without proper nutrients now, the yield can drop significantly. But with the right support at the right time, we can maximize the harvest and the impact.
Fields to Future Update
On another exciting note, I’m so proud to share that Patrick just received his first final exam grades - and he scored an A in his psychology course!
Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for believing in me.
With gratitude,
Charlie
