SPRING CLEANING

The farm has been overgrown with wild canola weed. This will be tidied up and used as mulch around plantings

The weeds around plantings have been removed

The wild canola is now placed around plantings as a thick mulch layer

Slashing weed growth is an important springtime task

The area around these windbreak trees has been slashed resulting in a tidy appearance

An application of lime can be carried out during spring

Spring is a pleasant but busy time, weeds grow faster, insects are more active and fungal diseases can take hold in warm moist conditions. It also tends to be windy during this period and care needs to be taken to ensure young plantings are protected from drying winds.

Convert Weeds Into Mulch

I have taken the opportunity to use the maturing rape-weed or wild canola found throughout the farm as a mulch layer around young windbreak trees. First all weed growth found near the tree needs to be removed as it competes for moisture and then placed around the base of the tree.

This mulch will gradually break down releasing nutrients, but in the meantime it will reduce moisture loss from the soil and also shade the stem of the tree in hot weather. Being so windy, the mulch may need to be repositioned if dislodged from the base of trees.

Cleaning Up Weeds And Grasses

Noxious weeds begin to reappear after winter. Close inspections of problem areas are needed as these types of weeds should be sprayed or removed by hand before they flower and set seed.

Slashing of overgrown grassy areas is also required before the vegetation dries out in summer, as the drying vegetation will present a fire risk during this season. Keeping open areas tidy will also reduce the incidence of vermin such as mice and also reduce the likelihood of stepping on a snake!

Early spring is the time to spray fruit trees with a preventative copper based spray. Carefully spraying fruit trees and vines before bud burst will usually avoid damage due to fungal infections of leaves and fruit. It is also wise to repeat this process after heavy rains.

Spraying And Fertilizing

Fertilizer applications should be made during early spring as plants will be making rapid growth at this time requiring the basic elements -nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous in relatively large quantities. At this time a balanced fertilizer should be applied and as well applications of soil conditioners such as lime and gypsum can be carried out.

Insect Control In My Hobby Farm

Insect control will become important as the weather warms and depending on the crops grown a control strategy needs to be developed. Most crops will be attacked by specific types of insects and diseases and control strategies should be investigated beforehand if a new crop is to be grown.

After the work is done, the neat appearance and smell of freshly cut grass will help you forget the aches and pains of a hard day’s work.