"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Saturday 15 October 2011

When is a lemon tree not a lemon tree ...?

Citrus Saplings in March this year
I don't know if you recall back in March this year I mentioned that I found three tiny trees growing from seeds I had planted on the farm at the end of last year.



This is what they look like now...
Saplings in September this year
Well, this time, they are much bigger, and I was thus able to pinch (and crush) of a couple of leaves, in order to smell, and identify them.


They are... naartjie (mandarin) trees :)  Happy Days!  Considering that they have not been on an irrigation system, and have only survived on early morning mist or rainwater that has fallen, and they are growing amongst grass and weeds, I'm very impressed!

And, as for those lemon trees I planted in January, this is the progress they have made...
Not too shabby, Nige :)
Posted by Dani at 08:00:00
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6 comments:

  1. Unknown15 October 2011 at 11:48

    Fantastic Dani! If there's one fruit that I couldn't cook without, it's lemon. It must be nice to be able to grow your own orchard of them :)

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  2. johnnyb15 October 2011 at 16:02

    Trees are good! WE have planted quite a few this year. Mostly fruit. Your trees look like they are off to good start.

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  3. Jane @ Hard Work Homestead15 October 2011 at 19:05

    Yummy! How long do those trees need before they will produce fruit? That will really be nice to be able to pick a mandarin some day :)

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  4. Dani15 October 2011 at 19:35

    Tanya - It is - I'm so excited :)

    John - Trees are brilliant! And we, too, want a selection of fruit trees. So I'm really chuffed with the naartjies.

    Jane - I think one has to pick off any fruit that forms for the first three years, in order for the roots to get all the energy. Thereafter, it'll be a free for all :)

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  5. Leigh16 October 2011 at 19:14

    Lovely! So exciting you can grow your citrus outdoors. Such a wonderful addition to the homestead diet.

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  6. Dani17 October 2011 at 09:10

    Leigh - Here's hoping that they grow and produce madly... They better :)

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Thank you for taking the time to comment - it makes my day and removes the "loneliness' of sitting at my screen blogging supposedly to myself ;) I try and reply as quickly as possible so please forgive me if sometimes my response is delayed.

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