The orchard year, month by month

1. OctoberThis month

   • GeneralClean the orchard

     Remove fallen twigs and leaves and cut weeds. It reduces disease and pests.

   • WateringCheck the soil moisture

     Water lightly if the soil gets very dry. Do not water much before flowering.

2. November

   • FertiliserFeed before flowering

     Give the next part of the fertiliser as planned. Too much urea now means more leaves and fewer flowers.

   • GeneralPrepare for flowering

     Thin crowded branches so light and air get in. Reduce watering.

3. December

   • FloweringFlower buds appear

     Fog or cloudy days raise the risk of powdery mildew and hoppers. Walk the orchard and ask your agriculture officer if needed.

   • WateringNo watering

     Do not water while the flower stalks are coming.

4. January

   • FloweringWatch the flowering

     Hoppers and powdery mildew can appear on the flowers. Check the flower stalks every week. Ask your agriculture officer before spraying and follow the label. Do not spray at midday in full bloom because bees pollinate.

   • WateringNo watering in bloom

     Do not water from the time flower stalks appear until fruit has set. It can make the flowers drop.

5. February

   • FloweringCheck the fruit set

     When the fruit is the size of a pea, look for hoppers and fruit drop. Do not spray without need.

   • FertiliserFeed after fruit set

     Give the rest of the urea and MoP as planned. Water lightly afterwards.

6. March

   • WateringWatering as the fruit grows

     While the fruit grows, water every 10 to 15 days. It reduces fruit drop.

   • ProtectionFruit fly traps

     Hang pheromone traps in the orchard. Collect fallen infested fruit and bury it.

7. April

   • GeneralBag the fruit

     Bag the fruit when it is the size of an egg. It cuts marks, pests and disease and gives better-looking fruit. Bagging helps a lot for export fruit.

   • WateringKeep watering

     Water when the soil dries in the heat, but do not let water stand at the base.

8. May

   • HarvestEarly varieties

     Pick early varieties such as Gopalbhog and Himsagar when mature. Keep a short stalk on the fruit so there is less sap and it keeps better.

   • WateringStop watering before picking

     Stop watering about 15 days before picking. It keeps the taste good.

9. June

   • HarvestThe main harvest

     Time to pick Himsagar, Langra and Lakhanbhog. Pick in the morning, never leave the fruit in the sun, and do not drop it on the ground.

   • GeneralPlanting season begins

     When the rains start it is time to plant new saplings. Dig the pits and mix in manure 15 to 20 days earlier.

10. July

    • HarvestLate varieties

      Time for Fazli, Amrapali and BARI Aam-4. Sort the fruit and grade it by size.

    • GeneralPlant saplings

      Plant grafted saplings with the graft joint above the soil. Water and stake them after planting.

11. August

    • PruningPrune after harvest

      Cut dead, diseased and crossing branches. Paint the cuts with a copper-based paste.

    • FertiliserFirst feeding

      After harvest give the cow dung, TSP, gypsum, zinc, boron and one third of the urea and MoP as planned.

12. September

    • FertiliserFeed and clear weeds

      Loosen the soil under the canopy and apply the fertiliser. Keep weeds down.

    • GeneralLast chance to plant

      Plant new saplings before the rains end. Planting in the dry season needs much more watering.

This is a general list of jobs. Timing shifts a little with weather and variety. Read the label and ask your agriculture officer before using any spray or chemical.