We cannot claim perfect results but think that the trees shown here and on the additional pages have shown satisfactory growth. The photo shows our Tiny Oil Kalamatas after a little more than a year in the ground.

Those of you who are familiar with the area around Narrikup, Western Australia know that there are two basic kinds of soil, sandy and rocky. We have been lucky enough to have both. Sometimes together.

Our reading prior to planting found that the consensus agrees that ripping the ground is a necessary step in the soil preparation for establishing a successful grove. The ripping process distributes whatever fertilizer, minerals, organic matter have been applied into the soil as well as ensuring there are no major obstructions. As to why we ripped our ground (And were still doing so 18 months later) requires a separate discussion. (Includes several large graphics files).

The start of the second year found us with one row to complete, that is remove the remaining rocks, and plant. This was started in November 1999 and completed in May 2000 bringing the total trees to 624. The ripping also allowed for the addition of windbreaks rows at the southern end of the grove.

The major project for the year was the addition of a bore, pump and a 25000 gallon water tank. When combined with greatly enlarged water delivery pipe, we had started the process to expand our planting to the front of the farm, a process that would add an estimated 1500 trees over the course of five to seven years.

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