Once harvest is complete—but before you put your feet up—there is some planning to do.
It doesn’t matter if you use a phone, tablet, computer or a piece of paper, you should create a list of activities that need to be completed.
Once you have that list, put the activities in order of priority, and then work out the appropriate timing to complete each one. For instance:
Post-harvest pruning
The wetter than usual conditions in many cherry growing regions has resulted in extra shoot growth—does it all need to stay?
Inspect all blocks and identify what needs to be done.
Larger orchards may use mechanical hedgers to lop the tops or trim the sides of trees. Smaller operations may use ladders or hydraulic platforms to prune tree tops to the desired level; or if working from on the ground, use a wire crook to pull the limb down and prune the apically dominant main shoot and cut off the competing side shoots.
Remember that pruning post-harvest is likely to retard growth, while pruning in spring is likely to encourage growth.
Fertiliser
Replacing nutrients lost during harvest is wise.
If your program only adds fertiliser when the roots begin to grow in late winter–early spring, consider splitting your program.
Think about a soil test, and introduce a nutrient program that replaces what has been taken from the soil—and don’t add to the soil what might already be there in abundance. A targeted nutrient program is efficient and may save money.
Weeds
It's also time to inspect all the blocks for weeds and decide on a course of action. This may be a weed spray, cultivation or hoe (if anybody does that anymore).
Remember, irrigation or decent rainfall will keep weeds growing.
Tree removal
Are there varieties in the orchard that are not paying their way? Or trees that are too old and not bearing a profitable crop? Then they should go.
New planting
Ideally ground should be prepared at least a year ahead of planting.
Cherry trees are best ordered well in advance of when you want to plant them.
Decide when to plant, which variety, and the rootstock of choice (or availability).
The cherry industry is still growing and demand for nursery trees is high, so think ahead.
Plan for success
So, make your list, prioritize the timing and plan the actions.
Stay focused and be passionate; results will flow.
See this article in Tree Fruit February 2021
