Another spray of my “patented blend” of fish, kelp and fermented herbs in the orchard. Boy, does it reek. For the time being I’ve resisted the pull to spray any manufactured pesticides or fungicides. The fruit quality is looking good so far (fingers crossed) ,and the Apple Maggot Fly traps are showing only a few catches. Maybe the population of “AMF” will remain below the spray threshold. Maybe spraying fermented herbs is helpful.

One of my goals is to maximize the insects, beetles, bugs and bees in the orchard. A recent “New Yorker” cover says it all. It’s a drawing of a foot in the grass covered with lots of small, happy, winged, multi-legged creatures. Let’s bring back the happy bugs.

Meanwhile the bee balm (Monarda) has nearly reached full bloom. There are thousands of plants flowering throughout the orchards. Amazing.