The early plums are on the move, brewing up blossom. Wander your fruit trees to see which trees are beginning to roll into action. They get a little glow on as the energy starts to move and the buds start to swell. Such a subtle shift as the buds fatten, then swell enough to show a slither of pink or white and then suddenly boom! There it is! Blossom!
This journey from bud to blossom to fruit is such an important one to engage with. Being present for all stages of growth keeps you in the loop, so when things go wrong you know why. If there’s a big wind and the blossom blows off there’ll be no fruit. If it rains while blossom is peaking, pollination will be poor. Knowing this helps, and, besides, you may be able to remedy it.
Check to see whether or not the bees are working the blossom and watch the wonderful process – it happens so fast – if you blink you’ll miss it!
Frost damage
Should any of your citrus or subtropicals get frosted, leave those burned and brown leaves on as a layer of protection, perhaps cover them in frost cloth too. Prune them back after risk of frost is gone.
Biological Fungicides
If fungal disease was an issue last year, buy in a bottle of Botryzen and be ready to spray as soon as foliage begins to emerge.
Read through my healthy fruit tree game plan and see how you can strengthen and improve your garden.