how to harvest black walnuts

Last year we didn't see a single walnut.  In fact, we had no idea there was a black walnut tree just next to the garden.  Suddenly this summer, walnuts started dropping at an alarming rate.  The whole area is covered in Wisteria so we had no idea which tree the walnuts were even coming from. 

It was an exciting surprise!  For a family that enjoys living a sustainable lifestyle (as best we can), we were ecstatic.  Having walnuts on our property in addition to pecans is a big deal to us.  Since there were no walnuts last year we think our bees must have helped to pollinate the tree properly.
The thing with black walnuts is that they are self-pollinating, meaning that they have both male and female parts on the same tree.  That sounds great and seems like you may not need another variety of walnut for pollination.  The trouble with black walnuts though is that the time of male pollen shedding doesn't always match up with the time female flowers are receptive to pollen.  This is known as dichogamy, the ripening of stamens and pistons at different times.  I believe there were no walnuts last year because of this dichogamy.  Keeping bees close by allowed the tree to be pollinated at the right moment when pistils were receptive.

It's all fun to think about but it still leads to a walnut crop that needs to be harvested.  Walnuts go though a few different stages while they are still on the tree, as they mature they begin to drop down on to the ground.  They can also be aborted from the tree early if there is a drought.  This happened to us this summer and is why we noticed so many walnuts in the first place.  If not for the drought, we would have had double the harvest.  There isn't much hope for the ones that fall early, just leave them for the squirrels because they are not yet mature enough to harvest and shell.

As fall approaches, you will notice mature walnuts falling to the ground, they are larger than a golf ball, but slightly smaller than a tennis ball.  It is important to grab them up and keep them off the ground to prevent rotting and damage from insects.  The hard outer shell is nearly impossible to get off when it is green and it is advisable to wait until the walnuts turn black.  The hard outer shell becomes very soft and easily washed away to reveal the walnut shell underneath.
It can take a couple of weeks for them to turn black.  Do not bring them into your house.  There are more than likely walnut husk fly maggots inside the outer shell.  Don't worry, it doesn't affect the walnut shell or nut meat.   They do help the outer shell become slimy and black, letting you clean them more easily.  I built holder of sorts for the walnuts.  It allows them to stay off the ground but still have air circulation underneath.  I had to build this quickly which is why it is not the most beautiful.  I simply cut a few branches we had laying around and attached treated lumber with pocket holes.  I stapled metal screen onto the bottom.  Easy. 
At this moment, they are ready to shell, I will tackle that on the next sunny day.  It involves buckets, gloves, water, and a lot of mess.  The good news is that at the end there are free walnuts.

Spring Butterfly Gift Tags In Cream

$6.00

Finish your gifts this Spring and Summer with these sweet little gift tags!  Each quality gift tag is made of heavy weight, linen textured card stock.  Designed with an extra large ribbon hole to fit larger ribbon sizes.  Write on the front or the back.  Arrives in beautiful stationary packaging.
​

​SET OF 15 TAGS

​Measures 3.25" x 2.125"

​Ribbon not included.

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9oz. Cuban Tobacco Scented Man Candle | Scented Soy Candle | Mens Christmas gift idea

$18.00

Our mens line of candles is inspired by the chestnut paneled study in our 18th century Virginia Plantation property. The Cuban Tobacco Mens Candle is an intriguing mix of amber, spices, cherry, and clove. This is the perfect Christmas gift, birthday gift, anniversary gift, or bachelor party gift for any man. Each candle comes double wicked in a masculine amber jar that is filled with natural soy wax and capped with a bronze metal lid.

All of our candles arrive to their destination in beautiful gift packaging (see pictures).

MEASUREMENTS: Diameter 3 3/4″, Height: 4 1/8″.

WEIGHT: 9oz./255.15g Net. Wt

DYE-FREE
PHTHALATE-FREE
ECO-WICK
UV STABILIZER FREE
NATURAL SOY WAX
SUITABLE FOR VEGANS

Product contains neither actual tobacco nor goods from Cuba

SHIPPING: If you purchase more than one item and we can combine shipping, we will refund you the difference in shipping charges.

WHOLESALE: Wholesale ordering is available please send us a message or email: Amy@BoscobelFarm.com

A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER: We are committed to the best possible quality product. We are small company, making small batches for control and consistency. We are committed to choosing only those fragrances which are phthalate free. Our candles are free from dyes and UV Stabilizers. Each candle comes with an easy peel label. We encourage you to reuse or recycle the glass jars.

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9 oz. Whiskey & Leather Man Candle | Scented Soy Candle | Mens Candle | Mens Christmas Gift Idea

$18.00

The Whiskey and Leather Man Candle is the perfect balance between potent alcohol notes, rich oak, smoked peat, and the rich, sensual aroma of leather. This is the perfect Christmas gift, birthday gift, anniversary gift, or bachelor party gift for any man. Each candle comes double wicked in a masculine amber jar that is filled with natural soy wax and capped with a bronze metal lid.

​All of our candles arrive to their destination in beautiful gift packaging (see pictures).

MEASUREMENTS: Diameter 3 3/4″, Height: 4 1/8″.

WEIGHT: 9oz./255.15g Net. Wt

DYE-FREE
PHTHALATE-FREE
ECO-WICK
UV STABILIZER FREE
NATURAL SOY WAX
SUITABLE FOR VEGANS
MADE AT BOSCOBEL FARM, FREDERICKSBURG, VA

SHIPPING: If you purchase more than one item and we can combine shipping, we will refund you the difference in shipping charges.

WHOLESALE: Wholesale ordering is available please send us a message or email: Amy (at) BoscobelFarm.com.  Free Delivery to your store on local Fredericksburg and Stafford orders.

A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER: We are committed to the best possible quality product. We are small company, making small batches for control and consistency. We are committed to choosing only those fragrances which are phthalate free. Our candles are free from dyes and UV Stabilizers. Each candle comes with an easy peel label. We encourage you to reuse or recycle the glass jars.

FOLLOW OUR BOSCOBEL FARM JOURNEY: https://www.boscobelfarm.com

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9oz. Man Candle Cedarwood & Patchouli

$18.00

Our mens line of candles is inspired by the history of our 18th century Plantation property. The Lincoln's Revenge (Cedarwood & Patchouli scented) Man Candle is the perfect balance between orange, cedarwood, and patchouli scents. It is a sultry, sexy candle.

OUR LINCOLN STORY: 

On April 7, 1863, Brigadier General Daniel Sickles hosted a formal reception at our farm "Boscobel", in honor of then visiting President Abraham Lincoln. During the reception, the American wife of Prussian Prince Felix Salm-Salm kissed the President on the cheek. It is said to have amused everyone present at the party, with the exception of ​Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln, his wife. It is said that she was angry for some time after as this was the scandal of the day. We can imagine a sultry, smoky, vengeful atmosphere and we have recreated it in our Lincoln's Revenge Candle.

This is the perfect Christmas gift, birthday gift, anniversary gift, or bachelor party gift for any man. Each candle comes double wicked in a masculine amber jar that is filled with natural soy wax and capped with a bronze metal lid.
All of our candles arrive to their destination in beautiful gift packaging (see pictures).

MEASUREMENTS: Diameter 3 3/4″, Height: 4 1/8″.

WEIGHT: 9oz./255.15g Net. Wt

DYE-FREE
PHTHALATE-FREE
ECO-WICK
UV STABILIZER FREE
NATURAL SOY WAX
SUITABLE FOR VEGANS

SHIPPING: If you purchase more than one item and we can combine shipping, we will refund you the difference in shipping charges. November & December orders placed before 12:00pm will ship same day (M-F/EST)

ETSY WHOLESALE: We would love to supply your shop with our best-selling candles! Wholesale minimum is 12 units. Lead time as of December 6, 2017 is 4 business days. If you are located Shipping will be combined and calculated after checkout, any overage will be refunded. If needed, contact me at: Amy [!at] BoscobelFarm.com -or- send a private conversation on Etsy.

A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDER: We are committed to the best possible quality product. We are small company, making small batches for control and consistency. We are committed to choosing only those fragrances which are phthalate free. Our candles are free from dyes and UV Stabilizers. Each candle comes with an easy peel label. We encourage you to reuse or recycle the glass jars.

FOLLOW OUR BOSCOBEL FARM JOURNEY: https://www.boscobelfarm.com

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Honey Scented French Bar Soap | Miel Savonette De Marseillaise

$4.95

Savor the soft fragrance of our Honey Scented French bar soap imported from Marseilles, France.  Our Miel Savonette de Marseillaise makes an excellent guest soap, every day soap, or thoughtful gift for gardeners and beekeepers alike.  It is stamped with a beautiful design signifying it is made in Marseilles, France.

Marseille soap is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils.  This kind of soap has been produced in Marseille for around 600 years.  It can take up to a month to produce.

4.4oz/125

100% Vegetal, Enriched with Organic Shea Butter, Test on Friends; Not Animals

Ingredients: sodium palmate, sodium palm kernelate, aqua (water), parfum (fragrance), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, sodium chloride, tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodium etidronate, benzyl benzoate, coumarin, eugenol, hydroxycitronellal, butylphenyl methylpropional, CI77492 (iron oxides).

Manufactured in Marseilles, France for Boscobel Farm, LLC

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French Butter Keeper | Butter Bell

$36.00

Handcrafted for Boscobel Farm by artist Abby Lingle, our French Butter Keeper is beautiful yet functional.  Keep butter soft and on the counter ready for use at a moments notice.  Simply fill the bell with butter, the bowl with 1/2" of water, and nestle the two together.  The water will form a seal around the bell keeping the butter fresh.  Butter keepers are handmade; the colors are the same but the patterns may vary slightly from piece to piece.  Limited quantity available.

SPECIFICATIONS:
​
Size: 3"x4.5"
Capacity: We fill it with one stick of butter at a time
Dishwasher safe | Microwave safe
Water must be changed regularly 

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Custom Monogram Estate Stationery Set

$16.00

ESTATE STATIONERY SET

​Custom monogram note cards in your choice of color and monogram style.  Each folded note card set is personalized with your three letter monogram.  Classically styled in gingham with a budding monogram.  Monogram note cards add the most polished personal touch to your daily correspondence.

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Rosemary Scented French Soap- Savon De Marseilles

$4.95

Savor the soft fragrance of our Rosemary Scented French bar soap.  Our Savon de Marseilles makes an excellent guest soap, every day soap, or thoughtful gift for gardeners.

 

4.4oz/125g

100% Vegetal, Enriched with Organic Shea Butter, Test on Friends; Not Animals, Exfoliant, Contains Clay

Manufactured in Marseilles, France for Boscobel Farm, LLC

Ingredients: sodium palmate, sodium palm kernelate, aqua(water), parfum fragarnce), bentonite, butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, sodium chloride, tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodium etidronate, thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract, thymus serpillum (wild thyme) extract, origanum majorana herb extract, origanum vulgare (oregano) flower/leaf/stem extract, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf/stem extract, artemisia dracunculus leaf/stem extract, salvia officinalis (sage) leaf extract, anthriscus cerefolium extract, benzyl alcohol, coumarin, limonene

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Olive Oil Infused French Soap- Savon De Marseilles

$4.95

Savor the aroma of our Olive oil scented french artisanal bar soap- Savon De Marseilles.  This soap makes a great guest soap, every day soap, or thoughtful gift.

100% Vegetal, Enriched with organic Shea Butter, not tested on animals, enriched with oil

4.4oz/125g

Manufactured in Marseilles, France for Boscobel Farm, LLC

INGREDIENTS : sodium palmate, sodium palm kernelate, aqua (water), parfum (fragrance), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, sodium chloride, tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodium etidronate, olea europaea fruit oil, benzyl salicylate, cinnamal, citral, coumarin, limonene, eugenol, linalool, CI 77499 (iron oxides), CI 77288 (chromium oxide green), CI 11680

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Basil Scented French Soap- Savon De Marseilles

$4.95

Savor the aroma of our  Basil scented french artisanal bar soap- Savon De Marseilles.  This soap makes a great guest soap, every day soap, or thoughtful gift.

100% Vegetal, Enriched with organic Shea Butter, not tested on animals, 

4.4oz/125g

Manufactured in Marseilles, France for Boscobel Farm, LLC

INGREDIENTS : sodium palmate, sodium palm kernelate, aqua (water), parfum (fragrance), butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, glycerin, sodium chloride, tetrasodium EDTA, tetrasodium etidronate, linalool, butylphenyl methylpropional,CI 77288 (chromium oxide green)​

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