So with all my talk of tree planting, I figured i could give a quick over view. There are a zillion and one good gardening books out there Im sure. Though, I for one havent learned much from gardening books. Ive been fortunate to have great gardeners in my life for the past 15 years. I have learned from them, trial and error, and garden center folks. And google. I could google plants for hours.
Basically, ya wanna dig your hole twice as big as the root system of the tree. I once heard "a $10 hole for a $5 tree." Check your soil. Does your soil need to be amended? Here in Florida we are more apt to have a variation of sand then 'good' soil. So now when I plant i add our compost. (Maybe a compost post...). But more then likely, if the tree your planting is good for your area you're good to go. Ok. So $10 hole. You dont want the hole to be too deep. Just a little bit deeper then the trees root system, and wider. Water the hole. If youve got compost or rich soil to add, toss some in. Stick your $5 tree in. Cover the roots back up. Compact the soil around the roots by pressing down or lightly stepping around the base, ya wanna try and get rid of any big air pockets. Water. Mulch with leaves, or straw, or... mulch. And then, depending on your climate and rain fall, water every day for about a week. In Florida or other hot climates for the summer time, you may need to water every other day for the second week. Weekly watering (in lieu of rain) would be good idea for the first six months to a year. I have yet to do this... ;)
Basically my approach to gardening has always been, just do it. Somethings better then nothing. The grapefruit tree that I planted 7 years ago, before i 'knew' as much as i 'know' now? Its doing great. I ride my bike over to my ex-house and pick the fruit because my childrens father and his wife are not down with grapefruit. Lucky me.
Talk to people. Gardeners in general, LOVE to talk about gardening and plants. Find out what works for others in your area, and what doesnt. Support your local, independent garden centers. Their people are often really knowledgeable, local gardeners. Have fun.
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Trees add so much to our environment and life. Lucky you for getting to have fresh tree ripe citrus on demand! (I get to enjoy miles and miles of evergreens in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The cones don't hold a candle to grapefruits though!)
ReplyDeleteHave you tried growing avocados? Mmmmm..lots of healthy fat/oil and oh sooo tasty.
Lots of things to...imagine. ;-)
Have you made pine straw tea from your evergreens? Cut up the needles and steep in hot water. Mmm... High in vitamin c. Almost like a grapefruit? ;)
ReplyDeleteIve had a couple of avocados come up in our compost. And one tree is about 5 feet tall now, having survived last winters many freezes. So maybe. I do aspire to having a plethora of avocados. That would be amazing.
I have not tried the pine needle tea...perhaps it's because of the look on my friends face when he did so during a snow camping trip! But now that I know it has similarities to "grapefruit" I'm thinking what a sheltered life I'm living! I need to "branch" out with my teas! (or is that tease???)
ReplyDeleteSoon you'll be having a blog guac party with those coming avocados. Can't wait! I'll bring blog chips. Organic of course. :-)
Hi Kristen, I came across your blog today and have really enjoyed reading your accounts of simplifying your life. I am really inspired by your choices to live your life in the way you do and to have opted out of 'the path of least resistance'. I admire your passion! Jo :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo!
ReplyDelete