The primary activity was addressing the repair or replacement of a number of fence posts. All of the posts needing attention had rotted off within the ground. As I dug new holes for the replacements I hit very high ground water, literally 10-12 inches beneath the surface. Some wire fencing also needed attention having been in situ for over 10 years.
In addition to the repairs, the area of the plot that has the espalier apple trees has been tidied up, with lateral growth tied in and any wayward shoots pruned out.
Today another visit to feed all the fruit in this plot: apples, raspberries (summer and autumn varieties), blackcurrants; using pelleted chicken manure. After applying the feed I applied a mulch of compost (made on site). I was very pleased with the condition of this compost, being dark, rich and moist.
I attempted to apply a (late) winter wash to the apple trees to kill off over wintering pests, but as luck (or not) would have it, before I could complete the task, my 2 litre hand sprayer packed in and stopped working. Looks like a replacement is needed as I couldn't fix it even after washing it out.
The rhubarb is growing very well now, up at least 18 inches and we've already sampled the first pulling. Got some more today so rhubarb crumble must be on the Sunday lunch menu.
A few pictures are below just showing the fruit tree plot - up together, set for spring...
