Bitter Tea Seed Growth Observation Diary: An Old Soul Records the Growth of a Single Tea Seed

June is the season when the farm's life unfurls with vigorous energy. In early June the summer shoots gradually emerge; summer shoots are more affected by environmental conditions, growing faster when moisture is plentiful, with flower buds continuing to differentiate and seeds swelling.

During the last wave of the plum rain front, Bo-Xiang made his usual visit to the Shiding farm to observe the seed-setting of the pruned old grove. Overall seed-setting was not very abundant, with fewer in number, and most of the seeds were still small and swelling, but this time quite a few early-ripening trees were found, which is worth recording for continued observation later.

Weeds grow vigorously in this season, and Bo-Xiang discussed with the farm owner, Brother Ye, about arranging a weeding plan. Because the terrain of the Shiding farm is rather steep, a mountain shape with slope, he suggested we use a brush cutter to increase efficiency. In the past we always cleared weeds by hand with a sickle; this first time using a brush cutter, it was inevitably a bit curious and exciting, so Brother Ye very enthusiastically began teaching Bo-Xiang how to use it, along with what kind of engine oil to pair with it and so on. After practicing for quite a while, it was unknowingly already afternoon.

As usual, an afternoon thunderstorm came to the Shiding farm, and the rain gradually grew heavier. The road up the mountain turned into a small stream, so I grabbed a branch as a staff and headed down the mountain right away, lest the heavy rain make it impossible to get down. After getting home, I found both legs had been "kiss-attacked" by leeches. It seems I will need to be a bit more careful next time.