This video is part 2, continuing from the one above, and heads into the main section of my existing food forest.
I have some two established peach trees that had been pruned a few years ago using conventional pruning techniques. However, now I'm trying to encourage them into a more natural peach tree (or bush) shape.
I have a young unpruned peach tree that was planted about one year ago that really thrived this past year during its first growing season. It grew up from only about two feet tall to over six feet tall and sent out numerous side shoots that are almost that tall, and I love its naturally bushy shape. Unfortunately, I think a lot of the side branches are from the rootstock. I want to keep it's natural shape, but the rootstock branches weren't as healthy as the main variety. I'll probably remove these shoots as much as I don't want to. Decisions, decisions.
I have a young peach tree that came up by itself, probably planted by squirrels that took some peaches from the nearby larger peach trees. Wow, I've been amazed at the growth and healthiness of this young seedling. It grew to over six feet tall its first year from seed, and it was growing in a pretty wet area, not very ideal for a peach tree, but it exploded with growth nonetheless! Hopefully it will produce delicious peaches also, then it'll really be awesome! I didn't see any flower buds on it, so it might produce its first crop next year.
I've been creating the backbones of some fruit tree guilds for some of my fruit trees using blueberries. At first I planted the blueberries too far away from the trees, but I have recently transplanted them closer this winter, and I'm excited to see how they like their new home!
The fruit tree mounds are working perfectly so far, holding lots of
water and letting it drain slowly into the soil near the drip line of the branches, while creating well draining soil closer to the tree. Here's a link to the first video of a few that show a general demonstration of how I make these.
Surprise red shouldered hawk encounter! He didn't sound too happy. I think I must have disturbed his afternoon nap or either scared away his lunch.
Sweet cherries are said to be really hard to grow here, but I love cherries, so I'm giving it a go anyways. My larger two cherry trees are doing well and might even produce a few cherries this year. They've struggled with a few minor disease issues, but have come through pretty well. I've found that ensuring that they get well drained, healthy organic rich soil has helped them fight off disease issues.
I have a lone paw paw tree right now. It had a partner that was planted about a year ago, but didn't end up making it. It's got a few flower buds this year, so maybe there's a hidden paw paw in the woods to pollinate it.
Two small serviceberries are doing ok and growing slowly in a pretty shady area, and I may transplant them soon to a spot with more sun to see if that gives them a
boost!
Thanks for joining me in the food forest!