Orchard preparation for the rainy season part 1

The rainy season brings heavy rain, high winds, and hailstorms. Although the orchard and garden benefit from the extra water, the rains may damage the soil and plants. Here are a few tips for minimising damage to plants and soil in your orchards and gardens.

Garden plants — After a night of heavy rain, the garden is not waterlogged. The plants and soils have taken up all the water.

Pest Control

Dry summer is a period of aggressive pest control. The dormant trees and less dense plant growth make pest control more manageable. However, uncontrolled fungal infections and pests will quickly spread through the orchard and garden. In addition, hail-damaged plant parts will allow fungal diseases to enter the wounds and spread into the plants’ deep tissues. The sucking insects will also increase as the plants grow succulent new branches, shoots and leaves.

A plum tree branch had chlorotic leaves before the rains began. A muscadine grape vine with fruits showed early signs of chlorosis. Some leaves showed signs of chlorosis.

Weeding

Weeding before the rains start is ideal. Aim to remove the weeds before they flower so the seeds are not dispersed into the orchard. Weeds compete for space and nutrients, which may reduce plant growth and yields of affected fruits and vegetables. They are also reservoirs of pests and diseases. Removing weeds by hand is helpful, but weed killers may be necessary for more extensive orchards. Unfortunately, intercropping may also result in weed killers killing the food plants. Lawn grass takes up space in the garden, reducing the space weeds have to take hold.

Soil Protection and Amendment

Continuing to mulch and adding compost, manure, or fertiliser during this season will help reduce fluctuations in soil moisture. The organic material will also increase the soil’s pH buffering capacity.

Composted manure and mowed grass are used to amend the soil and increase organic matter.

Our area has a high limestone content in the soil and water, which leads to chlorosis. Rains and composting help to lower the soil pH and restore the slight acidity that many plants prefer. Please note that liming does not balance alkaline soil but worsens the problem. Liming is meant for extreme soil acidity. Soil testing before soil amendments is an added advantage.

Garden Sanitation

Picking fruits that are damaged or eaten by birds is essential to prevent fungus and water from collecting in them and spreading disease to the rest of the tree. Also, pick ripe fruits and those that fall from the trees after rain to reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Do not put diseased fruits and leaves into the compost pit or heap.

Immature dragon fruits — Heavy rains may prevent dragon flowers from opening up or draining excess water. In addition, the heavy flowers may weigh on the developing fruits, causing them to fall off. Heavy rains may also cause mould.

Noni fruit — Heavy rains may prevent dragon flowers from opening up or draining excess water. In addition, the heavy flowers may weigh on the developing fruits, causing them to fall off. Heavy rains may also cause mould.

Plant Staking and Support

Supporting fruit trees and vines is crucial in this season. The heavy-bearing trees should be staked or supported as soon as they start bearing fruit. The timing reduces fruit drop and breaking branches when putting up supports. Consider reinforcing the supports for heaving-bearing grape varieties.

Wire fences offer exceptional support for vines without inhibiting air circulation and sunlight.