General pruning needs and requirements for all common garden fruits are readily available from books and the net. Formal pruning techniques are also available for commercial growers needing to produce high quality fruit. The home gardener should in my opinion be free to experiment knowing that most trees are forgiving and if errors are made they can be worked on the following year. Tree Height And Planting Distance Care should however be taken with disease prone fruit trees such as the apricot, cherry and almond. Most gardeners do not like to climb high using ladders – following some simple guidelines can help avoid the trap of exceedingly tall trees. My fruit trees do not exceed 3 metres and due to concerns with excessive winds these have been planted closely – less than 3 metres apart – in order to give developing fruits some wind protection. Pruning Deciduous Trees Most...
Farming Knowledge
Soil Fungi
It is hard to imagine, but scientists claim the largest known organism on earth is actually a fungus. Found in Oregon, this one honey mushroom, has hyphae that cover an area in excess of 800 hectares. This is one extreme – at the other end of the scale are many fungi species like yeasts that consist of only a single cell. Out Of Sight Out Of Mind Soil fungi although mostly invisible to the naked eye play an enormous part in the environment – and clearly in any farm or gardening setting. Thriving on organic matter they are able to break down complex molecules releasing nutrients for plants. Most species of soil fungi are beneficial to other living things in soil, but a small percentage, known as pathogens, are able to attack crops causing damage and reduced yields, or in extreme cases plant death. The main types of beneficial...
Soil Food Webs
The idea of a food web is generally understood. Environments have organisms that depend on each for food, creating a complete system that is often represented as an ecosystem. The same ideas also relate to soils and these are named “Soil food webs”. Organisms In Soil Food Webs Soil food webs are also very complex systems showing how life forms interact in soils. These organisms include the very small micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa and nematodes. Larger organisms include arthropods of various sizes such as insects and mites, earthworms and even birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. All of these organisms have some relation to resident plants that allow the soil food web to exist. Plants In Soil Food Webs Plants use sunlight to create chemicals that become the food source for micro-organisms in the soil when they die. Plants also release important chemicals to stimulate micro-organisms when alive...
Rock Dust
Rock Dust Growing awareness about the benefits of rock dust has seen a big increase in the amount of available information promoting its value as a source of minerals. The number of positive testimonials by people who are using rock dust gives an indication that it is worth a try. Fortunately a local garden supplier has plenty of basalt based rock dust for sale–giving me an opportunity to experiment in the vegetable and fruit garden. Rock Particles As Effective Mineral Source Given that soils have mostly developed from degraded rocks, common sense would indicate that once added to soil, finely ground rocks will release a range of nutrients useful to plants. Fine rock particles, having a large surface area for attack by dissolved soil chemicals and micro-organisms, should therefore be able to act as an effective mineral source when added to soils. No doubt there are many factors influencing...
Effective Rainfall
When researching how well certain crops will grow in any region, basic information related to weather and climate needs to be observed. Information regarding temperatures, rainfall patterns, humidity, frost and wind incidence are some climatic features that affect plant growth. An Overlooked Climate Aspect However, one aspect of climate that is often overlooked is – effective rainfall. In essence, effective rainfall is a measure of how useful rainfall is at a particular time. The effectiveness of a downpour is influenced by the weather and soils. How well soils are able to receive the moisture and allow moisture to enter the subsoil layers is vitally important. Hobby Farm Example For example I have found that any rainfall less than 5 millimetres on my farm has little value – is ineffective – in summer, and only some value – some effectiveness – in winter. In order for rainfall to be effective...
Microenvironments
Plant culture aims to create the best growing conditions for crops. In order to achieve the best results farmers make small-scale changes to the growing conditions for plants. Small-scale changes create modified climates called micro-climates or modified environments called micro-environments. Microclimates Features such as temperature, humidity, moisture levels, sunlight and soil acidity can all be changed resulting in better growing conditions for plants. Plant nursery operators regularly advise customers about the best way to look after a plant. For example, the location and type of soil will have a big influence on the level of success a gardener will achieve with any particular plant. In essence, gardeners are being advised on how to create the best microenvironment for that plant. Wind, Sunlight, Soil … Keeping in mind the optimum requirements for a crop, the next challenge comes when providing the required conditions in a practical way. Matching the correct...
Soil
Soil is a mixture of tiny rock particles, living organisms, chemicals and the remains of dead plants and animals. Spaces between the particles will also contain a certain amount of air and water depending on the type of soil. Soil care requires years of experience and looking to older gardeners will give you lots of essential tips. The World Beneath Your Feet Rocks near the earth’s surface are slowly broken down in nature by a process called weathering. Eventually small particles such as sand, silt and clay are formed. These particles create the environment for billions of mostly tiny organisms to live. Larger organisms such as earthworms and insects are also found in soil. A healthy soil is teeming with life. Soil Health Management The main aim as a hobby farmer is thus to try to improve soil health by good management. Poor management can lead to a loss...
Drought Management
Dealing with extended drought conditions can be a daunting affair. Not knowing when a drought will break not only tests farmers, the general community in towns and cities is also affected by subsequent water restrictions and higher food prices. Drought And Hobby Farm The hobby farmer is mostly insulated from the financial effects of drought since it is not the main source of income. However, personal pride and a desire to see the farm develop, rather than deteriorate into a dry and unappealing place to spend time, is enough incentive to be proactive in the face of drought conditions. Special consideration is also required when farm animals are present. The presence of shelter and ample drinking water is paramount if animals are to be comfortable during hot and dry conditions. Some tactics I have currently employed on my farm are outlined below. As well, general strategies for the future...
Water
Nothing is more pleasing than to watch a gentle soaking rain cool and cleanse plants after a hot dry spell. Rain invigorates plants more than any form of irrigation, cleaning plant leaves of dust, pollution, insect secretions and chemical residues. Water Strategies For Soil And Plants The sight of a good downpour has become much less common in Southern Australia. Strategies need to be implemented to conserve and use the available water efficiently. These strategies include water harvesting, recycling and efficient application methods. In some cases the type of crops grown may need to change to accommodate problems affecting water quality. Should the available water be saline bore water, salt tolerant crops may be needed. Water Strategies On My Hobby Farm Strategies I plan to carry out on my hobby farm relating to water for soil and plants include: Improving the level of organic matter in the soil. Organic...
Weeds
Leave a patch of soil for a few weeks and you are sure to find an assortment of weeds. These hardy pioneers of the plant world manage to find a home in the most inhospitable places – Cracks in concrete, dry areas around buildings, and of course in all pathways. Hostile Weeds In Australia I grew up with some of the most hostile weeds within the orchards and vineyards in South Australia. My greatest fear was Innocent weed or Spiny burr-grass (Cenchrus pauciflorus) This noxious weed starts off as a harmless soft grass, but once the round burrs or seeds are produced, sharp curved spines will attach to clothing and flesh. Trying to remove a seed often resulted in part of the spine becoming imbedded under the skin. Hand harvesting grapes infested with innocent weeds is an experience never forgotten. Unpleasant Weeds There were many other unpleasant weeds capable...