Thanks to the great team at SGS and Jack Legg for a quick and thorough soil report for my “orchard.” A term I use somewhat ironically for my six columnar apple trees.

Overall, if I got it right. Ph is good and typical of Toronto soil. Phosphorus is a bit high. That is consistent with a previous soil test, cause unknown.

Potassium is a bit low at 89 and would be better near 100. So I’ve been looking for 0-0-22 soil amendment aka Langbeinite. It’s whats left from whatever lived in a 250 million-year-old inland sea in what is called New Mexico and in available in convenient 5lbs bags at Green Gardeners Supplies. Apples apparently like potassium with some magnesium and a touch of sulphur.

Organic material was very good as were all the micronutrients. Of course Jack left me know that apples really don’t take much nutrients out of the soil, they’re mostly water.

A little gardening action inspired by a week of Fools Spring!

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A very good morning to pot up the tomatoes – that I’ve started way to early. The fragrance from these little darlings hint at the delicious ripe treats to come.

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The Brussel sprouts are first up and looking sturdy. Tomatoes are not far behind. Cherry Bomb, Premio and even one Big Beef are up… not to be confused with Drag Race Canada contestants.

In they go. The first of the hopeful crops of 2021… tomatoes, Brussel sprouts and green pepper. 99 days to harvest!

Pots washed and ready for soil and seeding. Some exciting.

I can’t believe the fig has started so early. My fault. I gave it little drink and bam it broke dormancy.

Missed out last year on getting my Richter’s order in in time. No problem this year!