Hey, guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of compost and learning how to use it to heal sick fruit trees. So, let’s get into it!
Why Composting Matters
We're out here on this slightly rainy and humid day. Despite the weather, it's the perfect time to talk about composting. I’ve got some high-quality compost from a local guy, and I want to share with you the significance of composting for your plants.
Feeding Your Plants
Composting is essentially about fertilizing your plants. It's about providing nutrition from the roots up. If we don’t feed our plants, they can develop problems like chlorosis, which is the yellowing of leaves, or other health issues. To prevent that, we use compost. This nutrient-rich matter is especially important for any new food forest.
The Process of Composting
The soil here isn’t that great, so I add as much organic matter as possible throughout the growing season. This practice ensures our plants get off to the healthiest start. Yes, compost might look nasty, but it’s broken down organic matter that doesn’t smell bad and is incredibly nutritious for the plants.
How to Apply Compost
Here’s a simple process I follow:
Rake Away the Mulch: I prefer raking away the mulch from around the plant to expose the soil. You can also place the compost directly on top if you prefer.
Apply the Compost: Using a shovel, I take a good amount of compost and place it around the plant. The key is to avoid overdoing or underdoing it.
Spread and Cover: Spread the compost evenly and then put the mulch back on top.
Timing is Everything
Timing your compost application with rainfall can make your life easier and benefit your plants immensely. Today, it’s sprinkling, and more rain is expected over the next few days. This rain will help pull the nutrients from the compost deeper into the soil, reaching the roots more effectively.
Leveraging Rainwater
Using natural rainwater is advantageous since it requires less manual watering, whether from a hose or a rain barrel. When you know rain is in the forecast, it's an excellent time to fertilize or compost your plants. However, if rain isn’t expected, you can water the compost in yourself.
"You don’t have to wait for rain, but it sure does make the process easier and more efficient."
Conclusion
That's pretty much everything you need to know about placing compost around a plant.
By focusing on these steps, you can ensure your fruit trees stay healthy and vibrant. Remember, composting is a natural and efficient way to provide your plants with the nutrients they need. Happy gardening, everyone!
Remember to check out all the fruiting trees, bushes, and vines we have in stock right now! Everything we sell is grown on the line of zone 6 and 7 whether it be in pots or in the ground. We also have a ton of free e-books about growing the plants we sell, and lots of free videos on our Youtube channel “Plant Fanatics”.