Posted by Lynn on 6/11/2007, 3:20 pm, in reply to "Re: Numbered" You have heard about the best laid plans and how they can go astray? Well, since you asked, I will share with you the surprising number of things that can go wrong when you try to plant a small orchard. These were healthy fruit trees from a well company that has been in business for years and is known for quality and good care. The first night after the bare little trees were planted, the deer left tracks all around checking then out. I read that if you spray them with a mixture of egg and water, it will dry and (to the deer) it will smell like rotten eggs and keep them away. This seems to have worked, but there is some small creature( a vole or chipmunk?) that started to dig daily tunnels with a front and back door that lead directly to the new roots of the apple trees. We put cayenne pepper around them, but they apparently like cayenne pepper. The cherry tree was unscathed until this week. Now it is covered with Japanese beetles that have made holes in the leaves. The leaves of the apples now have yellow spots as well as small holes from an unknown assailant. Lynn
206.148.184.195
Dear Chris,
The good news is that the trees are still alive. The other good news is that I have a good excuse to take a walk up to the field and there are frequently new things to see. I don't know if these poor trees will ever reach maturity or bear fruit, but it has been an interesting venture so far!
Thank you for your studies and for your note.
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