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The Preamble (skip to task list) ........
The ground has been dry enough to have a quick run over with the tiller to disrupt the weed growth and to make it look a little tidier. It’s also the perfect opportunity to add fertiliser if needed. I’ve noticed that the guys from the ‘Co-operative’ have been treating the fields with what appears to be Nitrogen, before digging it in. I intend to do the same.
A quick check on the early garlic and onions planted in the Autumn, and they’re doing fine. As are the winter lettuce, laying dormant and waiting for the ground to warm. February/March is a pretty good time to get Shallots/Seed Onion in the ground if you want a late crop.
February 1st was Trifon Zarezan (Трифон Зарезан) a Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebration of the life of Saint Trifon, the patron saint of vine growers, bar-keepers (where was Poli) and various others, though in folklore February 14th is traditionally the day where the coming grape harvest is honoured. You can read all about it here
“So what?” – Well, this is a reasonable indication that people are warming up to slicing the old growth back to make way for new. While that is the case, don’t do the vines just yet .... wait until March 15th.
It’s time to prune back your other fruit trees though, and treat (for bugs). I’m told that pruning is an art (by Stoyan) and that you should prune until “a bird can fly through without hitting a branch” .... so I have, I’ve hacked right back as always, and usually get a lot of fruit, always getting rid of anything pointing skyward, it will never bear fruit (don’t ask me why – I’ve just been told, and its true!). I’ve done Apple, Peach, Pear, Cherry, Hazle(nut), Almond, Pear, Damson, Apricot, Greengage and some other Plum (слива) ... I think that’s it!
Treating for bugs – Trying to go ‘non-toxic’ which is easier said than done. You’ll have noticed all the white (or maybe blue) trees around and about, well that’s the bug barrier. Either lime-wash (white) or Bordeaux Mix (blue), and our trees are getting a good dousing this month or next. There are other methods but this seems to be the easiest.
What else? Ah yes!
Strawberries – I’ve cut a massive strawberry bed and we're transplanting all of our strawberry plants ...... plenty of strawberry jam this year (fingers crossed).
Peas – Our lovely neighbours have given us peas to plant, and these can go in now.
Save for general tidying that’s pretty much our bag for the moment ..... maybe you can let us know what you’re doing, can we start to cultivate or propagate anything else at the moment, and how?
Task List
December
Stay indoors, it's far too cold.
January
Stay indoors, it's far too cold.
February (If you're lucky)
Cultivation: Plough - if not done in the Autumn, till already ploughed soil to disrupt weed growth and to allow feeding.
Feed: If not manured in the Autumn, Nitrogen granules.
Prune: Usually just hard fruit trees if you're efficient . Soft fruits can be done in the Autumn.
Protect: Paint fruit trees with Lime-wash or Bordeaux mix. There are other methods but this seems to be the norm.
Plant/transplant:
- Shallots (if you can find them)
- Seed Onions (2nd planting)
- Garlic (2nd planting)
- Peas
- Strawberries
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... they don’t float my boat but feel free to wade-in with advice and tips in this department if the mood takes you .... It really doesn’t make you a bad person .... No, really!