In the Weeds
It’s all about perspective. What one person sees, another might see entirely different. Through four generations of citrus growing heritage, the McLean family has always had a very clear perspective on the citrus industry when it comes to choosing organic farming practices, avoiding harsh pesticides and recognizing the symbiotic relationship between citrus trees and weeds. Because we take a kitchen table perspective to our family business, here’s one real-life story that sparked this different point of view. Read on…
Imagine looking down a row of orange trees planted within a large grove. You notice the trees, the lush green leaves and bright orange fruit that glistens in the sun as far as the eye can see. As you look around, you start to focus in on one tree. Going closer to this tree, you observe that the trunk of the tree is surrounded by both large and small weeds. You think, “Ugh, the weeds! They’re ruining the tree! These need to be removed immediately!” All you can focus on now are the thick green weeds around not just this tree, but all the trees. You have a clear perspective of weeds being the enemy.
Now let’s look at this from a different angle. What if the grove’s entire purpose was to grow weeds instead of citrus trees? The weeds are growing very thick, germinating well, and they are bright green and tall. Your thought process might go like this: “Ugh, but that citrus tree. The one in the middle of the patch of weeds with all the orange fruit stemming from healthy branches. That one needs to go because it’s ruining the weeds.”
It’s truly all about perspective, isn’t it? Is the tree healthy? How nutrient dense is the fruit from the tree? And are the weeds healthy? Or are the weeds hurting the tree?
As farmers, we get it. No one likes weeds. However, if you had to choose between spraying something to kill the weeds that could also impact the integrity of the tree, or not spraying anything at all and living with the weeds, which option would you choose?
At Uncle Matt’s, we choose a different approach. We may choose to co-exist with weeds, mixing cover crops seasonally to create a changing environment and prevent weed dominance. Cover crops also allow for reduced soil erosion, improved soil fertility and more. We also may hand weed in some instances. While this is the most intensive option, it does help maintain control over invasive species. Finally, organic approved herbicides can be utilized. Acetic acid (vinegar) can help control pesky weeds with no residual activity.
Getting in the weeds doesn’t have to be a bad thing. By examining the tree and ensuring the fruit is growing optimally, weeds and groves or crops can co-exist. Perspective is everything!