Smallfarming: Plants

One of the other questions in my first assessment required me to write a couple of paragraphs on the plants that I intend to grow and the systems that I'll need to put in place. So here's a hint of one of the challenges that I've set for us...

One of the main groups of plants that I intend to grow is fruit trees. The fruit trees will make up a small orchard and a small citrus grove.



Currently we have one mature grapefruit tree and immature lemon and lime trees plus immature peach, plum and apple trees. We hope to purchase and plant further trees including feijoa, orange and nectarine. I intend to research strains of olive and avocado trees in the hope of identifying trees suitable for clay soils. Alternatively, I will seek to develop a system which will allow olive and avocado trees in better-draining soils on our block despite the clay soils which dominate our land.

The essential systems for encouraging strong growth and good production from these trees include the following:

1. A watering system for the immature trees during the drier seasons until they are well-established (currently consisting of a very long hose)
2. Regular application of fertiliser at the appropriate times of year
3. Protection of trees from insect pests including spraying where possible and appropriate
4. Protection of fruit from birds including netting where possible and appropriate
   

I am also keen to explore more natural systems of fertilisation and pest control including the growing of comfrey and similar plants at the base of the fruit trees and the use of insect traps.

Further systems will be required to harvest and store the fruit. We have acquired a long-handled tool for picking the grapefruit and hope that will also be suitable for harvesting the peaches, plums and apples as the trees grow. Apples will need to be carefully stored, probably in our meat safe, whilst the citrus fruit will be picked as required and mostly refrigerated. Peaches and plums will have a very short shelf life and will need to be eaten or processed as soon as possible. Preservation of the fruit will be another system to be developed with the tools and skills for jam-making, pickling and wine-making to be acquired.

Optional systems which could be adopted in order to enhance production from the fruit trees would be bee-keeping, contributing to improved pollination, and the introduction of a flock of ducks to the orchard which would reduce harmful insect pests and contribute to fertilisation.