The Bovine Bugle

Christmas in May--can you dig it?

Preparation!

Our county Natural Resource Council held its annual tree and plant sale last weekend. We had ordered 100 balsam fir transplants to plant in our 2 1/2 acre Christmas tree plantation. We picked them up, but didn't get them planted until a few days later. Ben did the prep work for me this year, using a one-man earth auger with an 8-inch auger to make the 100 12-inch deep holes to plant the trees in.

Success!

Yesterday and today, Karen and I took a couple hours each day to go over and plant the transplants. We mix a shovel-full of compost in with the soil that was augered out of the hole, and then we place the transplant in the hole and pack the soil/compost mix around the roots. Using the auger makes the whole job much easier and faster, and I must say it didn't break my heart to have Ben doing the job this year.

I'll have to get over to the trees later in the week with the DR Fieldmower to get the grass between the rows of trees mowed down. Like most jobs, it's good to get an early jump on it before the job becomes too big. The older trees look great, and with a good summer growing season we should be open to sell Christmas trees this December.

The future!

--Jonathan, Howmars Farm
Franklin, Vermont

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Posted by Blogger Chris at May 20, 2005 08:57 PM