Scything our Orchard of 30 Fruit Trees

We have an orchard of 30 fruit trees and we have found that the best way to manage the grass is using an Austrian Scythe. We used to strim the whole orchard but now opt for the scythe because of the many benefits, and in my opinion I find the scythe more efficient and beneficial. Useful links:
Hay Making Tutorial: • Video
Scything courses: scythecymru.co...
Scythe Association UK: scytheassociati...
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My name is Huw Richards, I live in Wales, UK and I am a teenager who loves vegetable gardening. Unusual right? I love to teach people around the world about growing their own food organically and my end goal is to get as many children as possible to have the experience of growing food which I believe is one of the most important things a child could learn. If you're new to HuwsNursery then please hit that subscribe button (and also notifications) so you can learn more about growing your own food inexpensively :)
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[@hippiblue]

I rented an apartment in Germany that overlooked a plum orchard (4 hectares) on a steep hill side. I watched an elderly lady scythe all the grass and let it dry. Then she started at the top and raked it all down hill and ended up with a huge tight windrow on a long tarp at the bottom of the hill. Then a block and tackle was attacked to the tarp and all the hay was pulled into the hay loft for rabbit feed. Once a month she had all the tennets over for Sunday dinner. Best rabbit stew I ever tasted while her grandson served homemade Plum schnapps from the trees.

[@HuwRichards]

Oh wow that is a huge orchard! That is fantastic and it is great to see it still being used today. Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@richardkniffin6399]

Excellent story, very inspiring! I hope I can manage at least 1 hectare when I'm old. And of course, thank you Huw, for all your great videos.

[@seth_5394]

TheMatron'sMilitia - they don’t scream... they squeak

[@ajrwilde14]

wow I wish landlords were like that in Britain

[@zyanidwarfare5634]

I’m jealous that sounds good, and really cool to watch the process of all of that

[@emmat1605]

it is so good to see people of your age being co conscious about nature, gardening and farming! Seriously, your videos give back my hope in humanity :-) We definitely need more people like you, this world will be a better place then! :-)

[@HuwRichards]

Awhh thank you so much Emma! :)

[@ruinsane100]

There's something satisfying about watching someone scythe grass.

[@CraneofBoulogne]

Very nice video young man. It is especially nice to see your family out helping; you all shared the work and harvested that beautiful hay for your animals. Old farmers like me love seeing this sort of thing still going on today.

[@Txnative7]

Another advantage to using a scythe is never having to go to the gym! I wish more young people would learn these skills! You are an awesome teacher, Huw!

[@HuwRichards]

That is certainly very true! That is one of my goals anyway is to teach more young people about the endless possibilities of the outdoors. Thank you for your kind words :)

[@treesagreen4191]

And no fossil fuels used. Lovely lesson, wish I had the land to practise on 👍🏻

[@vikkinicholson2300]

as long as they don't cut their fingers and toes off.

[@terryisaac8195]

@@vikkinicholson2300 If you learn to use your scythe correctly, you are perfectly safe!!!

[@dilmavalente8535]

I want to buy! Where please! USA.

[@gazgandalf4854]

Just watching is so satisfying. You're in your element in the garden. I bet your dad wished he had 10 of you :- )

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you that's what I wanted to get across in the video :) Yes because just imagine the productivity then. To be fair though my dad does so much work and he is so talented! He inspired me to do all this in the first place.

[@tuppybrill4915]

“If its raining its a perfect excuse to get out and scythe” 😂 For most of us “If its raining its a perfect excuse to stay indoors and watch TV - or KZbin videos”

[@OneYardRevolution]

Great job, Huw! The orchard looks amazing!

[@HuwRichards]

Thanks Patrick :)

[@joshholmes14]

@@HuwRichards I am planning to plant a 1/2 acre orchard in rows, with rows of wheat between. If I maintain short grass in the 1mtr radius around the trunks, do you think these two systems with coexist nicely?

[@jamesarcher5060]

Wow, whoever raise this man, raised him right!

[@MasterKenfucius]

Here in the US we fix that problem with wood chips. They're free from the tree cutting companies and they deliver them for free too. Keeps it out of the landfill and improves the organic soil in the property, while suppressing the weeds.

[@dodopson3211]

Well it is free so why not. But if you had to pay well over 80€ for 1 cubic meter, would you still use it?

[@MasterKenfucius]

@@dodopson3211 Some people buy mulch at the store, in bags, and pay top dollar for it here in the US as well. The smart ones chase after the tree cutting companies and get them to deliver something that would cost them a lot of money to dump at the landfill. You gotta make your luck mate!

[@aimaction7393]

THIS FELLOW EXPLAINS THINGS SO INTELLIGENTLY. !

[@samueldougoud3289]

I am lucky to have trees producing tiny plums and have found out that putting a thick layer of grass (mowed by scythe of course) under them is a considerable help in that the plums falling from the trees are in plain sight rather than more or less hidden in the grass. A kind of mattress that should be fine for apples too, moreover, that way, they do not get in contact with the soil. Less work, more enjoyable & better quality !

[@jerrycronin1647]

I use a scythe to cut in many areas of my parents old farm in New Braintree, MA. There are too many rocks and trees and other obstacles to cut with a tractor because you just shatter your equipment and it is rather expensive to repair. Don't get me wrong; technology is good in the open areas (when you can use it) but not around stream beds and hard to see ground level rocks. I used to mow hay at Old Sturbridge Village living history museum every summer so I'm actually pretty good with a scythe. The Ryan family were surprised in Tipperary, Ireland that I knew how to mow with a scythe until I started cutting unsightly weeds down in some hard to get places. I always remember seeing an elderly fellow dropping some hay on the route north of Quebec toward Baie Ste. Paul/Charlevoix. I wished I could've jumped off the otur bus and dropped a few swaths to assist him a little. Slainte! Dr. J.

[@shikiaura]

Using a scythe is what got me into this channel. I hate how incredibly loud everything made recently seems to be. I value my hearing, but hate that the only thing I can listen to while vacuuming or mowing is the loud roars muffled by earplugs. Between getting rid of full carpets and buying a scythe, I think the extra work will be worth my sanity and hearing.

[@robingraham6820]

Keep em coming. You are a good teacher and I want to learn. Many thanks. Robin

[@radharcanna]

That’s a lovely bit of scything Huw. You’re very skilled. Your orchard looks beautiful.

[@raudhahroslani1255]

Wow that looks fun! And the sound of those chirping bird are so amazing! Love that.

[@DaybirdAviaries]

Birds are awesome.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much!!

[@maliab5925]

I just moved back to my family's old ranch and have a field was cleared last year that needs to be cut soon. Thank you for the excellent video explaining the different blades and how to scythe an area efficiently.

[@jameskniskern2261]

Shared to "Scything Improver's Forum" on fb. Great video and overview of the scythe. I've been using mine for the last 3 years on my small farm in KY. Wonderful!

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much I really appreciate that! Awesome to hear I hope you are enjoying it!

[@jodi578]

Wow! Really nice video, including the nice aerial shots. I never knew that the moisture would help the cutting - I thought more in the line of, only doing the cutting when it was dry, the same as a lawn mower/trimmer. We have experienced this as well - the grass looking dead underneath after a cutting of the tall grass, but all that nice air, sunshine you have opened it up to and the beautiful healthy looking green is back in short order.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much! No definitely when it is moist, when you try it you will certainly realise the difference! Exactly that :)

[@Lynda52904]

JodiLove Jarvis I

[@diegocarmona2486]

Great content I've just started working at a small garden, and I find many of yiur videos very useful and inspiring to make the place better little by little

[@casper1240]

Those Austrian FUX blades are the best 2nd year of Scything just about getting the hang of it now. very relaxing i find

[@HuwRichards]

They are fantastic!

[@casper1240]

@@HuwRichards Just did a bit of mowing at my local wildlife trust a nightmare to mow all the flowers and grasses were lying flat and mostly rottenits a dilemma when to mow really Huw i think middle later July is the best sptembers too late i think apart from doing a final cut ;happy Mowing

[@knitterscheidt]

This was so interesting to watch, you reminded me of images from a medieval illuminated text, the sound so pleasant and soothing compared to a gas mower or string trimmer and the result of the cut orchard beautiful, you want to spend time there on a warm summer evening with a nice glass of apple cider from your orchard.

[@ChrisWilliamsRMWpigeon]

Seen you on tv the other day, congrats man, was beside myself knowing I got most of my gardening tips from you, I still grow plants and a fig tree, well they grow themselves but I keep them tidy and trimmed as it can get a little overgrown in the greenhouse, what does the future hold for you know you have inspired so many gardeners on TV and KZbin? I myself have grown more fond of nature that I really would love to go camping again to see the sights, you might meet the prince of Wales next, he loves gardens and fellow gardeners :)

[@charlieneilson1239]

Top vid. Top lad. Top place

[@lawn38]

You speak very eloquently and are very knowledgeable, you should be on TV, you would blow Gardeners world out of the water.

[@HuwRichards]

I really appreciate your comment. I've tried with regards to Gardeners World but they're just showing no interest, so 2019 I'm creating a load of my own shows for youtube :)

[@lawn38]

@@HuwRichards well that is the BBC's loss and I'm sure you will be someone else's gain! Personally I am more into the exotic plants type of gardening as I love the tropical look, but I have subscribed to your channel as I find your info fascinating. The best of luck with your ventures you certainly have my backing!!!

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

What a lovely video! Thanks for sharing these techniques and tips. I just ordered a scythe about a week ago, and expect it in a couple of weeks.

[@frecklesfunnybunny6470]

I should imagine that would be really good for your stomach and all your core muscles, well done! 😊

[@HuwRichards]

Well I should certainly hope so! ;)

[@rickbsu]

As a kid, I remember that my grandfather had a scythe in his garden shed but I never saw him use it. I'm surprised at how effective it is. Thanks for sharing this video. Rick

[@HuwRichards]

Hi Rick! It really is a fantastic tool!

[@erowzer]

My grandma is selling a few old scythes with 4 and 5 finger grain cradles - this video makes me want to buy one. Next two gardening tools on my list - scythe and broadfork.

[@HuwRichards]

Make sure you get an Austrian Scythe :)

[@evanpenny348]

Scythes very much like I used to, but really one should rotate on the hips and not snatch at the cut. Liked the vid however. Thanks.

[@tmgmagdalena4138]

My fave gardener, after Monty Don.

[@PeppersPlantsnPowerTools]

Wow! Amazing tutorial! When you sped up the video I could actually hear the Benny Hill theme music playing & Benny slapping that little old man on the head 😂😂😂. Great video, your orchard looks fantastic & very informative...never really knew what a scythe was used for, outside of the Grim Reaper...this is a waaay better.

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you very much :) Oh yeah the Grim Reaper has no idea what it's missing out on...

[@matthewsteel4496]

stuff that I am going to jet the strimmer out are get some plastic drain pipe cut strip down length ways it so I can spring it onto the tree trunk for the tiny trees and for bigger ones cut a pipe in half drill two holes at each end of each section then thread string though and tie it till I have gone strimming around it mine is a back yard orchard your just bloody lucky to have that amount of space I hope you know :)

[@soultrekcentral]

Great explanations Thanks so much, I’ve two scythes lying around and I thought I couldn’t be using it for cutting grass :)

[@russellhowe9631]

Wonderful video Huw, I mentioned to one of my customers who’s lawn I mow, that I was interested in taking up the scythe and he has offered me a scythe that he bought years ago as a curio, that is currently gathering dust. There is a place about 45 minutes up the road from me that offers courses, which I will look into especially for the blade maintenance and more info about the appropriate blades and tools for specific tasks. As an aside, I watched a permaculture video which suggested planting daffodils around the fruit trees to attract early pollinators and later in the season to provide a mulch around the base of the trees. They also prevent the grass from choking the trees and look nice too. I thought you, as a Welshman would like the idea:-)

[@laurastout1827]

Great upper body workout, loved the trees. Love your videos

[@HuwRichards]

+Laura Stout Thank you :)

[@danielmorse6597]

We used to do this as kids. Of course, a string weed wacker will do too. The thing is the snakes and creatures are not damages, thus a better diversity in the Orchard.

[@ellencoakley3890]

lovely to see the scything againI notice yours have two handles more control thanks for the potate blith idea I assumed all poatoeswould be lost

[@bobcuster8930]

Outstanding technique! Thanks for the fine demo!

[@HuwRichards]

My pleasure :D

[@robbicu]

Excellent video! Great drone shots!

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much!

[@dawnwilson9581]

Thank you. Good job and very educational video.

[@sk8boardstac3]

Now I want an orchard even more! I get to use a scythe

[@HuwRichards]

One of the many benefits of having an orchard! :)

[@heaveupchannel1261]

Nice video from you thank for sharing this tips it looks more efficient and good exercise too.

[@samanthadunat2718]

Wow I literally live in NYC (no scything here) and I love watching these videos. Maybe one day I'll have some land to scythe on:) A girl can dream

[@patrickdurbin6821]

I hope you get your dreams :)

[@olliecarpenterrich4080]

That's really cool didn't in know still used

[@jeffpeou6947]

This video has 0 dislike and u trolls better keep it that way

[@HuwRichards]

Hashi Kashi Hahaha thank you I appreciate it;)

[@lemonielala3080]

I'm late to the party and binging these awesome videos so I don't know if it's been done in another vid, but I'd love to see how you sharpen a scythe correctly! Because there is no point in trying that with a dull blade..... 😛

[@Mmbohn1]

What a work out!

[@HuwRichards]

It sure is!

[@thecrystalcastle7841]

Great idea, I need one of those scythes!!! ☺

[@HuwRichards]

Yes, yes you do! ;)

[@candicechristian7344]

Amazing. Love this. . You do it so well...thank you

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you, Candice :)

[@KnackFarmer-theanswerismeat]

Ha - I watched and thought 1 down only 499 trees to go - our orchard needs this treatment but I'm certain I'd be dead by tree 5!

[@bildahome]

Good job! Keep up the good work! Hendrik

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you so much Hendrik :)

[@bildahome]

:)) greetings from Amsterdam, Hendrik

[@bigred6815]

Looks like a great way to work off anger or depression. I’ve worked with incarcerated teens. Juvenile court judges need to sentence a lot of them to a temporary job like this where they can work off some issues and at the same time see immediate progress and benefit from what they’re doing. Most kids get into trouble because they’re bored and need to get rid of pinned up energy.

[@Quercusssss]

I don't know if this could fit into your context, but would you guys consider grazing animals amongst your trees? I believe the Holzers practice cell grazing with various livestock in their orchard, to much success. Maybe you will find that interesting. Great work by the way.

[@atripa645]

Really Cool, Thumbs Up!

[@HuwRichards]

Wooh :)

[@DaybirdAviaries]

Huw, you're awesome. I hope you know that.

[@HuwRichards]

I appreciate your kind words, thank you

[@nhamty599]

Fascinating.

[@HuwRichards]

+Nham Ty Thanks!

[@lockwoan01]

Mowing the yard is relaxing, especially when you have music to listen to.

[@HuwRichards]

Yes it is! In fact I often listen to podcasts

[@lockwoan01]

I prefer to listen to Country-type music, but that's just me. Did some work on my squashes - transplanted a few of the weaker ones that were growing too close to the stronger ones. We'll see what happens -watered them, but they seem to be somewhat floppy.

[@HuwRichards]

+Andrew Lockwood They will appear floppy in the first 24-48 hours, just make sure they get plenty of water and they will settle in fine :)

[@lockwoan01]

Yeah - but, given that they came from seeds that came from squashes that grew last year, I won't complain too much. By the way - I was just looking at your growing grape vines from cuttings video - about how long does it take for them to grow grapes? Reason is, I have some grape vines that I bought last year, and more this year, and a couple of them are producing grapes - a Mars that I bought last year (although I suspect that it was held over by the nursery - and it has at least 10 bunches of varying sizes), and a Pinot Gris from this year (which has two fairly small bunches), and part of me is wondering if I should cut them - some of my videos show the grape vines in question - like the one I have on kale, which showed my Mars.

[@taimurdurrani]

Film peghambar yousaf

[@omanicutey]

at first I was thinking poor kid this is a lot of work how is gonna be able to finish it alone then I see the help at the near of the end of the video good work

[@HuwRichards]

Hahaha! To be honest I would have happily done the whole orchard :)

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

Hi Huw, How do you sharpen your scyth? Regards, Bill.

[@vikkinicholson2300]

I think I found something my blacksmith son in law can do n his retirement coming up. He could forge a heck of a scythe.

[@wudgee]

Our grass is really long and tough (fields) and the scythe just doesn’t cut it. Got brambles, weeds, sticky weeds, saplings in the grass etc and it just can’t cope.

[@ruralhomesteader6650]

Great video. That really looks like great quality hay and strong healthy fruit trees. How does that much twisting though not hurt your back?

[@HuwRichards]

+Rural Homesteader Thanks :) Usually because you don't actually twist that much only for the first stage, then once you're in the flow you will find it is actually quite relaxing! :)

[@commingo]

Hi from Australia. Your grass is nice and green, what is your opinion of scything a tough grass (e.g. whisky grass) that is dry and brown? I've got 30 acres of it. It's a former orchid and has mounds & ridges that make it unsafe to cut with a mower/tractor.

[@tylerehrlich1471]

That tree trunk cleaning at 5:47 was like scythe porn. Beautiful work, nice rows, happy trees!

[@dilmavalente8535]

I need 1 tools like that. But I don't know where to buy. USA.

[@emrsngs]

I bought a scythe. The blade was supposed to be sharpened and ready for cutting. In all the videos I've watched mowers say to be so careful with the blades to prevent injury. And mine, factory sharpened, is about as sharp as a spoon. I can't even cut the air with it.

[@ColinMill1]

Unfortunately, that is normal - there is a lot of work in sharpening the scythe before you can use it. Personally, I use an English/American pattern scythe as you don't have to peen the edge of the blade as part of the sharpening process and they are extremely robust and capable of tackling bramble and other hard-stem weeds. They cut by the sawing action of the burr edge of the blade unlike the knife-like edge of the Austrian scythe. A good video on the English scythe and its sharpening here:- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKXbmpKwe9yEldk

[@emrsngs]

Colin Mill thank you, I appreciate the info.

[@lamyrvasconcelos6394]

I was born in Brazil, but I live here in USA-FLORIDA-west palm beach. I saw a video of you using a manual lawn mower, (GRIM REAPER FARM), I used this instrument a lot on Brsail. But I would like to buy here in the USA. Could you tell me where can I buy ???? I am grateful if you can help me.

[@mtodd4723]

How often do you need to sharpen the scythe ? Nice video .

[@HuwRichards]

Probably every 3-5 minutes, but it only takes a few seconds and hardly hinders anything :)

[@pleatedskirt18]

One thing I do spy is beehives! Anyone who knows anything about buzzy-stingy-things will know is that they are excited, and driven to sting, by vibration and CO2; both of these bare emitted by petrol engines, but not by scythes. Ergo, you are less likely to get stung. PS. It's really good for your waist too!

[@jake_stvbc1305]

Can you make a video on hot peppers (jalapeños, ghost pepper, or even Carolina reaper)

[@HuwRichards]

I am not an expert on hot peppers, however there are plenty of fantastic videos on KZbin about them :)

[@surasakdokmaitian4374]

great video!!! i wish i could get a scythe in Thailand. Someone imports them in please...

[@samuelmbugua8729]

Wow awesome,Please gives me leads where can get one

[@Calornata]

Where may I purchase a scythe like the ones he's using? I'm located in Ohio, US.

[@joseantoniocoimbra7975]

Hello! This instrument cutting brachiara...???

[@lamprinedatsika6292]

great video! !!!!!!! ♣♣♣

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you!!!

[@MultiMrNoone]

Do you ever oil the blade? I would think after rinsing it off, a coat of oil would do it well.

[@ajrwilde14]

I heard English (British?) sycthes are better for the thicker grass we have here than the Austrian ones

[@jonkalgor]

Hay Making Tutorial links to unavailable video :( Would love to see that :)

[@dinetk3125]

So nice to see you again! Any results on the exams?

[@HuwRichards]

Thank you! Ahh I find out on the 17th of August, but I really don't want to know them!

[@joshholmes14]

@Huw Richards I am planning to plant a 1/2 acre orchard in rows, with rows of wheat between. If I maintain short grass in the 1mtr radius around the trunks, do you think these two systems with coexist nicely?

[@sroberts605]

Belated comment, butit sounds delightful. Did it happen or did your plans evolve?

[@osenochen]

what part of Wales is this? Beautiful land...

[@johnmckeag1048]

Too much arm action, should be rotating from the lower body 1st and finishing with arms extended. In tight areas just moderate lower body and then arm extending

[@kurtbognar6806]

What's the advantage to doing this and making hay instead of letting the animals just come in and eat in the orchard?

[@HuwRichards]

Regards, Kurt the 2nd Because hay can feed the animals in the winter plus sheep really enjoy apple tree shoots and leaves :)

[@theresevanvleet869]

Why not use goats?

[@tomkelly1037]

Who makes your boots?

[@HuwRichards]

I think they're by Dunlop

[@stumpynicholls268]

I say old bean, spiffing videos. Why not plant wild flowers in there and help the bees?

[@HuwRichards]

+Stumpy Nicholls Hi thanks for watching :) We actually have 7 acres of wildflower hay meadow which does really help the bees

[@katherineschofield8080]

Hardcore permaculture

[@ajwiseman5080]

Hes a bit to hasty. The sound is good but the quality of the cut is is not great. And I'm not being disrespectful here, im just saying you could be amazingg if you slow down, take your time, pay atebtion to hand placement for good muscle memory. Also. This is the same thing that helped me lear. To ride unicycle.

[@ipeeinmysinkimafraidtocome7127]

then came Bronson said you dont work you dont eat , especially for fat people & training stain fit

[@lucasgully5408]

get sheep, bre

[@HuwRichards]

+Lucas Gully We tried with sheep, but they started eating the bark and leaves of the apple trees... I swear they are half goat

[@kombo731]

Primitivism with scything, camera work with a drone. Posted to the internet. Hilarious. So what's wrong with a power mower if you're willing to use a drone, digital camera, and post on the internet?

[@magicdaveable]

I scythe my duck pasture. I am a human. I don't eat plants. Humans are Obligate Carnivores. Plants are POISON for humans. My ducks benefit from scything the pasture. I eat their eggs and eat some fucks too but do not eat plants. Humans stopped eating plants 2.5 Million Years ago. 10,000 years ago plants began being reintroduced to the human diet with unhealthful results. 2.5 Million Years eating Animal Fat and Meat .....10,000 years eating animal fats, meat and some vegetables. Do the evolutionary math.

[@jasperedwards3341]

talking rubbish not suprised eton toff

[@HuwRichards]

You really think a guy from Eton would do something as peasantry as scything?