How to Harvest Sheaves
Today most grains and other crops are harvested by large tractors and combines. Smaller versions are available, but for the amateur farmer who wants to grow only enough grain for personal use, a hand-scythe may be a better tool. The best way to store your hand-harvested wheat is in sheaves. This prevents a lot of the wheat kernels from being lost during harvest, or during heavy rains. Instead of all of the kernels being scattered, the stalks in the center of each sheaf will be protected. Sheaves also make it easier to carry and store your grains. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Hold your scythe by its handles and push it in a sweeping motion forward through a section of grains. Make sure the blade is very sharp before you begin; a dull scythe will only bend, break and scatter your harvest. Follow through on your sweeping motion so the grain is carried with the blade and falls to the side.
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Gather up enough harvested grain to fill your two hands. Cut a length of strong twine about 18 inches long and lay the grain on top of the twine with the top of the grain stalks closest to the twine.
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Bring the ends of the twine above the grain stalks and tie them in a single knot. Slowly tighten the knot around the grain stalks so that the stalks gather and form a cylindrical bundle. Flip the bundle over and tie another single knot on the back of the sheaf. Double the knot and pull it tight.
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Cut the excess ends of twine, but not too short. Keep about 4 extra inches of twine sticking from the knot so you can retie and tighten the twine if necessary. If you are making decorative sheaves, hide the twine with wide wire ribbon in an appropriate color or design for the holiday or to match your decor.
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