Planting in Frosty Ground

We had to wait a long time for the soil to be ready to plant, this year. It continued very dry well into May. Then it went cold. Chilly. Bleak. Wet.

Luckily the actual planting days were clear and sunny, which means morning frost. On the first day, the frost crystals were still visible in the riplines at midday. That’s cold.

But because we chose local plants that can take those conditions, the seedlings didn’t mind. We treat them nicely, give them a nice corflute protective cover, and a mat that funnels water to their roots.

We’ve discontinued the “mycorrhizae powder” alias “pixie dust” because it turns out to be bogus, but we continue to add a mineral and fertilizer mix to the hole to encourage them to get their roots down before summer.

All my plants this year were from Murrumbateman Landcare Group. They have a Climate Ready program, collecting seed from potentially suitable locations for propagating, which increases the chances for survival in the horrible future that’s already upon us.

It’s very therapeutic to at least do something about making the world a better place.

We planted a windbreak that I hope will reduce the winds howling up a small valley. It will also make a connection for wildlife between all the planting I’ve done in the centre of Esdale and the piece on Benny’s Hill on the east boundary, so it’s a really useful corridor.

The planting went lickety-split because the riplines made it so much easier. Even with the frosty ground.

It was a joy to see planters from previous years – Jack, Megan, Braedy and Kate, plus new victims Inge and Kyle (who was unwarily visiting Craig). Could not be more perfect.