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Silverleaves Food Forest

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Commenced:	01/02/2014
Submitted:	05/04/2014
Last updated:	07/10/2015
Location:	Silverleaves , Phillip Island, Victoria, AU
Climate zone:	Warm Temperate

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Silverleaves Food Forest

Phillip Island, AU

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Sheet Mulching for Micro Apple Orchard

Project: Silverleaves Food Forest

Posted by Marion Roberts over 10 years ago

Autumn/Winter soil preparation for spring planting of fruit trees

Our site has many fallen Banksia logs lying around - one used by previous owners as a divider between neighbours. We are planning on putting in 3 or 4 heirloom apple trees along this boundary line so have begun sheet mulching over the grass and sandy soil to make a fertile zone (7m x 2m) for planting out in spring and potentially espalier the apples along the fence wire.

We removed the boundary log and cut it into round pavers - thinking we might use them for a pathway in another area. After marking out our boundary with a simple star picket and wire fence we also dug a trench along this line and burried a large Banksia log which will work to catch water under the ground, acting as a sponge to support apple trees while also boosting soil nutrients as it slowly decomposes.

We also marked out a space for two citrus trees in this north facing area of the garden as it gets plenty of sun but is also nicely sheltered from the wind.

I used the cut log 'stepping stones' to roughly mark out the garden bed area along the fence line as well as an area opposite where we plan to put two citrus trees. I covered both areas with plenty of manure and watered it in. To make a weed barrier I used cardbaord packing boxes ontop of which I laid down chipped garden prunings, leaves and seaweed. I wil keep mulching over the autumn and plant out with "green manure" cover crop over the winter and bed down with straw. We have four in total and will probably plant comfrey along the edge of the bed too .... but really I have no idea about any of this - just feeling my way through and would love any tips/advice from anyone who is experienced.

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Richard Larson : That will give the trees a nice start! Maybe you should consider a nitrogen-fixing tree (to feed the others) and lean more towards planting a polyculture?

Posted over 10 years ago

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