We've been dreaming of this for two years!
This week we planted the first pistachio and almond trees in our olive grove. Planting trees may seem simple š³, but we had to overcome a series of obstacles:
1ļøā£ First, we cleaned and pruned the olive trees to create a stable income. Because planting trees costs money š° and it doesn't generate any income for 5 to 7 years!
2ļøā£ In our arid climate, young trees need supplemental water š¦ during their first three years. Therefore, we created a rainwater reservoir on the south-facing slope in 2025.
3ļøā£ As the soil was poor, we concocted a magnificent compost based on leftover olives, wood chips and manure.
4ļøā£ Young shoots are a favorite food of deer š¦. And there are plenty of deer around. We opted for fencing around the two planting areas. It's not ideal, but it seems like the least bad solution.
After two years of preparation, it was pure joy ā¤ļø to plant these young shoots š±.
Managing a farm is like a game of chess played over ten years, or more āļø. You have to anticipate and set the right priorities in the right order.
Comments