What did you do in your orchard today?

Thunderstorms are forecast for tomorrow, so I added a sticker spreader to the first peach cover spray - mostly to help with rain fastness. I’m still learning whether it makes a real difference, but so far, the coverage seems to be holding better than without it.

The bees have done their part — early apple blooms set a good number of clusters, and now the petals are falling to reveal tiny fruit. I’m so grateful for them… I think I’ve mentioned before how much I admire their restless work? (Forgive me if I’m repeating myself. I find them to be fascinating.) I’m hoping to get the first apple cover spray on early next week.

I haven’t checked the pears yet — I’ve been focused elsewhere. It’s been dry this spring, so fire blight isn’t on my radar right now. Last year’s floods took out the more vulnerable pear varieties — the ones still growing may simply be better adapted to our conditions. I’m paying attention, learning what survives, and adjusting as I go.

Jesus is Lord and Christ

There's more work, watching/learning and love going into an orchard than just "seeing a tree grow". I admire & appreciate the dedication & care it takes. this is your calling.

Mini Horses said:

There's more work, watching/learning and love going into an orchard than just "seeing a tree grow". I admire & appreciate the dedication & care it takes. this is your calling.

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Don’t know about all that… but I’ve managed to plant 22 apple trees so far - 14 grafted last year still to go, bringing the total to 36. They’re doing well on semi-dwarf rootstock, and I’ve grafted many myself. You can see the first row of 14 on the left. The next 14 are waiting for tank and I to get them in the ground. I think some of the rows may be established enough next year to try organic herbicide - just a grass strip between rows should make mowing and caring for the trees much easier.



P.S. Truth be known… I do most of the planting. While tank protects me from the wild, ravenous fowl around here .

Jesus is Lord and Christ