I have 100 cages from a previous hybrid chestnut planting. Unfortunately the spring after I planted them we got a freak hard freeze in the middle of may just as they were starting to pop leaves. Killed almost all of them, and pocket gophers got the rest! We have trapped about 500 of them in the last 4 years.
I have a plan for planting and spacing and the areas I want. I will deep rototill before planting and the soil is a rich sandy loam. Soils tested last year.., all good to go. We planted about 40 acres worth last year.I will be planting whips so it will go quick as we make those things family events (manditory for thise that hunt). Have a 500 gallon tank on a wagon that I can draw waterout of the Long Prairie river that goes through the front yard.
For now my goal is to get my rootstock established and get proficient at grafting.