We are trying to get as many fruit trees into the ground as possible this year, but to afford them we’ve had to be resourceful.
We’ve been scouring Craigslist for unwanted trees that have gotten too big for their owners to plant. Our rules are 1) never pay more than $30 but aim for $10 unless the tree is citrus and 2) ensure the tree is at least six feet tall (because anything under six feet is just going to get lost in the forest). So far, we’ve succeeded in buying over 40 trees since the fall! Half the trees we’ve purchased were $10 each and a couple were free! Beyond Craigslist, I’ve looked at tree sales and nurseries, where I will pick up some of my favourite varieties if I can find them on sale.
Confession: we did splurge on a $200 orange tree from Craigslist! But the orange tree is huge, standing at least 10 feet tall! How could I resist? I am really excited about this citrus tree because the smell of the blossoms is just incredible.
When we lived in a condo in the city, it was full of citrus trees (to the point it was a bit of a jungle). I just loved our citrus trees ~really loved them~ but back then I didn’t realize it when I brought an unhealthy plant into the house with both scales and mites and I lost everything! It was a disaster! It was a big lesson learned regarding diseases… you can never be too careful when selecting plants. It’s always best to buy from trusted sources or to know what you are looking for regarding disease.
Another example: I bought a beautiful plant last January, a Harry Lauder’s walking stick Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’. The plant is just gorgeous, gnarled and twisted like Tim Burton’s movies and haunted Halloweens. But, I noticed a slight issue with the bark which looks like it could be Blight. Since this particular tree is related to hazelnut trees, which are everywhere on our property, if the plant has Blight it can spread through the nut trees which would be a huge shame. Many hazelnut farmers have gone under in the last while because they have lost their trees!
Blight is such a devastating disaster and, in my opinion, why mono-cropping is a terrible idea: plants need to be diversified! Plants need different nutrients from the soil, some plants are greedier than other and some have specific needs, other trees actually help the soil such as the nitrogen fixing plants, weedy alders for an example. Anyways, it might not be as profitable to be diversified but, just like diversifying your investments, it is safer! Plus, I’m not going to get bored to death eating the same things over and over again!
One day, hopefully sooner than later, we will build a special greenhouse where I can quarantine all the new plants before planting them, which will reduce the risk of disease significantly.
How do you keep your trees healthy and safe?
Becky is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Landscape & Production Horticulturist, Arborist and budding Herbalist, who recognizes and specializes in the link between healthy soil, the gut and the brain. She also loves being the mom to her two wild and crazy kids Brooke & Connor whom keep her and her ever loving, creative husband Jay on their toes.
Becky is a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Landscape & Production Horticulturist, Arborist and budding Herbalist, who recognizes and specializes in the link between healthy soil, the gut and the brain. She also loves being the mom to her two wild and crazy kids Brooke & Connor whom keep her and her ever loving, creative husband Jay on their toes.
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