Each month we have a list of standard jobs that need to be completed, this is adjusted as we obtain new additions to the Orchard, Property or Food forest.

It enables us to be efficient with our time and helps keep us up to date on what attention and maintenance plants, fruit trees and machinery require.

PLANTING & ROUTINE CARE IN THE FOOD FOREST

• Plant out garlic (we did so around the old Pecan trees – gifted from our lovely neighbour)                                                                                                                                       • Start digging well-rotted compost or manure into vegetable beds. Seeds have been sewn.
• Paw Paw’s have been obtained through Crop swap and will also be stored in the greenhouse and protected from frost until Spring
• Compost and mulch Orchard fruit trees for the Winter season
• Continue to clear away plants that have finished cropping
• The Figs, Frangipani and newly planted Malabar Chestnut tree have been surrounded by shade cloth to protect them from frost
• Fertilise macadamia nut tree – When fertilising use a native or citrus plant product as they are sensitive to phosphorus
• Add coffee grounds to blueberries
• Mangos – withhold water for the three months prior to flowering. We have placed the Mango in the green house and will replant it in Spring
• Chickens – Scrub water containers daily to prevent algae. Check net litter weekly and replace if soiled. Add crushed garlic to drinking water monthly to reduce internal parasite (1 clove per 2-3 hens)
• Prune Finger limes lightly
• The lemon and lime tree has once again got some black spot and is being treated with oil

HARVESTING

• Pick winter cabbages, cauliflowers, Brussel sprouts, kale or leeks
• Continue picking spinach and beans
• Limes are ready for harvest
• Anne’s bell peppers are turning a lovely red and are also ready to harvest
• Harvest pomegranate – fruit can be picked prior to maturity and will ripen in storage and can be stored for several months if hung in a cool aired place
• Harvest finger limes
• Harvest oranges (not this year as we have no fruit – drought)
• Macadamia nuts (no nuts as yet this year – drought)
• Harvest Calendula flowers

PROPOGATION

• Collect seeds from Anne’s Red Bell Peppers
• Divide Rhubarb crowns
• Herbs are being propagated from cuttings (Pizza Thyme and Perennial Blue Basil)

NATIVE GARDEN & GARDEN BEDS AROUND THE CABIN

• Prune Grevillea Moonlight lightly
• Stinging nettle is being harvested and dried in the food dehydrator to make tea and powder

RAINFOREST & CONSERVATION AREA

• Tracks have been cleared for guests to have access and we are so happy to see the creeks flowing again

NORMAL FARM AND CABIN MAINTANENCE

• Start collecting potash from fire for garden in Spring
• The front paddocks have been slashed in preparation for Winter
• The Mulcher has been used to transform low level branches and fallen trees into mulch
• Firewood has been purchased for upcoming bookings
• Support has been provided for the Wisteria to grow along the cabin porch
• Brett has sourced a second-hand kitchen with wall cupboards – this will be installed in June
• We have extended the pipes from the outdoor shower to improve drainage
• We have cleaned out the garden shed and greenhouse
• All the machinery at the farm has been serviced (as we do each Winter)

COMMUNITY

• Due to COVID 19 and restrictions access to community groups has been limited. We’re back in business very much looking forward to having visitors come to stay after the 1st June
• Michelle did visit The Secret Garden to support people with a disability and purchase some Salvia’s for the Orchard (the bees love them)