Harvesting is underway despite the dry weather this February. The heat is causing plants to grow faster, producing more flowers and fruit. Check fruit twice a day to avoid spoilage in the heat. If the heat persists, the plants may not go dormant this year, so provide them with extra food (compost, manure, or fertilizer).
To Prune Or Not To Prune
Trimming or pruning fruit trees should be done during the period after harvest, but keep in mind that the excessive heat at this time may cause rebound shooting and susceptibility to drought and fungal infections. Excessive vegetative growth can also make the trees more vulnerable to fungal diseases and sucking insects. Rub off the new buds to reduce the flash of new shoots on pruned plants. After harvesting our grape leaves, figs, herbs, and vegetables, we mulched all our plants and applied some compost. We made our mulch and compost by mowing the lawn and cutting banana stems after harvesting the fruits.
Thinning Fruits
Thinning fruit is necessary when trees produce too much or large fruit. Lowering the yield reduces the risk of stem breakage and allows new fruit to develop. Remove overripe or unharvested citrus fruit to prevent infection and promote the growth of new fruit.
Care for your plants, and your plants will care for you.
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