It’s safe to say the weather wasn’t exactly on our side this week. Grey skies, damp air, and the kind of chill that makes you question every life choice that led you outdoors… but we went ahead anyway! Because when it comes to caring for our orchard, a bit of miserable weather isn’t going to stop us.
Our task was an important one: mulching the trees. With the help of Mrs. Dampney, we got stuck in and made great progress despite the conditions. There’s something quite satisfying about working together outdoors—even when your fingers are a bit cold and your boots are a bit muddy.
We used a combination of cardboard and woodchips to mulch around the base of each tree. The cardboard acts as a natural weed barrier, stopping unwanted plants from competing with our trees for nutrients and water. On top of that, the woodchips help to retain moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and slowly break down to improve soil quality over time.
Mulching might seem like a simple job, but it plays a big role in keeping our trees healthy. By protecting the soil and supporting strong growth, we’re helping our orchard thrive. And healthy plants don’t just look good—they contribute to a healthier environment overall, supporting wildlife and improving the air around us.
So even though the weather was less than ideal, it was well worth the effort. With teamwork, determination, and a little help from Mrs. Dampney, we’ve given our orchard a boost that will last well into the seasons ahead.
