guildfordcycads

A few months ago, there was a discussion in this thread about juglone allelopathy. I’ve been thinking and reading about this since, and my general sense is that (1) there is strong observational/correlative information supporting juglone allelopathy; (2) the allelopathic effect is not universal but instead affects some plants more than others; and (3) the allelopathic effect is complicated and relatively poorly researched/understood–factors influencing the allelopathic effect include species of juglans, age of juglans, soil conditions, amount/diversity of surrounding plant life, etc., but its not entirely clear how or why or what other relevant factors might be involved.

One specific point I frequently encountered is that walnuts should never be planted close to apple, because apples are highly susceptible to juglone’s allelopathic effects. However, I was recently reading about the wild fruit and nut forests of Kyrgyzstan (see, e.g., this article by Eliza Greenman, https://foggyridgecider.com/elizainkyrgyzstan/#:~:text=The%20high%20elevation%20apple%20forests,sheep%20patty%20dotted%20the%20ground.; see also https://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/magazine/entry/balancing-culture-and-conservation-in-a-kyrgyz-walnut-forest/##). What I found particularly interesting is that those forests are dominated by an apple-walnut culture; that is, the forests are composed mainly of walnut overstorey with apple understory (along with a smattering of other rose-family fruits, including hawthorne, pear, plum, cherry, and other fruits and nuts).

That reading leads me to this question: If walnuts have such a profound negative impact on apples, then what explains the apple-walnut forests in Kyrgyzstan? Why aren’t all the apples dying/languishing? Is it because the apples are specific juglone-tolerant malus varieties, perhaps? Or the specific walnut species produces comparatively low juglone? Perhaps there is something special about the prevailing soil conditions? Could it be that juglone’s allelopathic effects on apples have been overstated?

I don’t have answers to any of those questions, and I realize none might be forthcoming. But certainly it provides some interesting food for thought, and I’d love to see any ideas, resources, or even pure speculation about those curious apple-walnut forests!

Also, if none of this makes any sense but sounds interesting to you, I highly recommend giving this Field Guides podcast episode a listen: http://www.thefieldguidespodcast.com/new-blog/2022/5/20/ep-56-lets-get-nuts

TL;DR — People frequently say walnut trees harm or kill apple trees, but there are ancient apple-walnut forests in Kyrgyzstan . . . what gives?!?!

Should i source my compost from local dairy cow farmers or have it delivered by landscape company?

Hey everyone,

I’m a home gardener but I’ve been really intimated by making my own compost. I have three FULL compost bins in my back yard, but they are liquid and smelly (most definitely from lack of aeration). I’m not quite sure what to do with them , are they salvageable if I add tons of browns and maybe drill some holes ?

Hello!

I have a tiny patch of soil that has a healthy emerald green arborvitae in it.

I would like to plant underneath it a small fruit bearing plant.

My first thought were strawberries, but I am not sure it is the best alternative.

What would be a recommendation for a fruit bearing companion plant?

I am located in the Pacific northwest.

Martin Crawford’s 30 year old temperate food forest is under threat from the landlord. For those not aware of his work he’s been pivotal in the UK Forest Garden scene and has written several excellent books about the process. He’s the reason we decided to do our own, and we’ve visited his site often. It would be a tragedy if his site was cleared.

https://www.change.org/p/stop-the-destruction-of-the-world-renowned-dartington-forest-garden?recruited_by_id=e59b6670-0263-11f0-aefa-61c95217dc3a&utm_source=share_petition&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_medium=native&sfnsn=scwspwa

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