A - "Keeping it Simple!"
Right after
Harvest, You can give the trees another application of Fertilizer
similar to our Spring/Summer suggestions. Or, spread about 2 to 5 pounds
of compost per tree in a 6" band around the drip line, under the mulch.
(Keep away from the Trunk!)
If it's later in the
fall: sit back....enjoy the view of the School Orchard, do nothing,
think about the pleasures of Dormancy...... Lucky trees!
B - "Hey, wait a minute what's going on here!"
All
that food and stuff from the leaves (starches, carbohydrates, sugars,
pigments, water etc. etc.) has been retrieved (sucked back actually) by
the trees..... before they actually dropped the leaves. All that food is
stored in the trunk and roots. In the Spring, before there can be any
energy production from leaves, the "sap" will come rushing up from
storage to fuel the whole works. Vermonters will tap off some as "Maple
Syrup" for Pancakes, and Southeast Alaskans will tap off "Birch Syrup"
for their biscuits. It's sweet 'cause it's loaded with sugars and
Energy.
Don't worry there will be plenty to do later, but in the School Orchard more Fertilizer is usually not needed! The exception is:
If you've noticed a deficiency (yellow leaves during mid-summer), post-harvest is a good time to correct the deficiency.
Short of doing a leaf analysis, the Compost application is your best shot at fertilizing and correcting the nutrient deficiency.
Hint: Supermarket
Chains in Los Angeles County have their day old and wilted Produce
professionally composted. Vons especially has been very happy to donate
compost to our School Gardens and Orchards. The Compost is Superb!! It's
arranged through the Manager of the neighborhood Market in the School's
community. It's likely done by chain Markets throughout the State.
Their objective is to sell the Compost to Organic Farmers. A
neighborhood manager can donate a load to your School Orchard. Be
grateful... and post a sign thanking them.... the school garden and
orchard can be a real link between school and community.
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