This document provides information on caring for orchard trees and seedlings, including how to make organic fertilizer and pesticide. It discusses the benefits of using organic fertilizer such as improving soil conditions and balancing pH levels. Instructions are given for creating a compost pit and adding organic materials. Safety measures for preparing organic fertilizers and pesticides are also outlined. The document then discusses how to identify marketable seedlings and techniques for marketing and selling seedlings and orchard products, such as using flyers, online marketing, and providing customer service.

1. Caring for
Orchard Trees
and Seedlings
Harry S. Dagdag
LUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL

2. Benefits of using organic
fertilizer
• It increases the yield.
• It improves soil condition. Clay soil will turn
porous when organic fertilizer is added.
• It balances the soil pH. Soil pH is the degree
of acidity and alkalinity of the soil. Pulverized
eggshell, oyster shell, bone meal, and any
lime will neutralize the acidity of the soil.
• It helps the development of roots, flowers,
shoots, and fruits.

3. The Compost Pit
• Compost is a good and cheap way to make
organic fertilizer that, unlike commercial
fertilizer, does not contain any harmful
chemicals. Almost any type of organic
materials that can decompose such as plant
and leaves can be used to create compost.

4. Ways to make an organic
fertilizer (compost pit)
• Dig the hole for your compost pit.
• Chop your composting materials finely.
• Add the organic materials to the compost pit.
• Place a board over the hole if you plan to add
more scraps.
• Cover your compost with soil.
• Keep the compost pit wet while it is
decomposing.
• Sow plants above the compost after it has
decomposed.

5. Benefits of using organic
pesticide
The use of pesticide may be necessary to
protect and prevent plants and trees from
getting damaged due to infestation. Following
are some of the advantages and benefits of
using pesticides:
• Insect pest life cycle will be stopped.
• Infestation will be lessened.
• Prevents the spread of plant diseases
• The growth of plant will continue to progress.
• Higher yield is expected.

6. The best thing about using organic
pesticide is that it is not harmful to humans
and other animals. There is no side effect to
health. It can sustain the budget of growers
because it is affordable, the materials are
readily available within the community and it
is very easy to prepare.

7. Safety measures in preparing
fertilizers and organic pesticide
• Always wear the personal protective
equipment such as face mask, hand gloves,
apron, working clothes, and boots.
• Always read the instruction before doing the
activity.
• Follow the guide of proper posture while
working to avoid straining your back.
• Check the working condition of tools before
using them.

8. • Never leave your work unattended especially
when ingredients are about to be mixed.
• Measure all ingredients properly and follow the
correct procedures. Do not deviate from the
instructions provided.
• Always focus on the work at hand. Avoid
destructions.
• Avoid exposures to pesticides.
• Maintain a clean working place and free from
any disturbances.
• Never forget to take a bath and clean
thoroughly after working.

9. Characteristics of marketable
seedlings
• The stem is strong, thick, and healthy.
• It has five or more leaves.
• Establish healthy roots.
Once your products have undergone
quality control inspection and are deemed
marketable, you may start promoting them.
Below are some ways one can promote and
market a product:

10. • Conduct survey to find the needs of the
community. What fruits are in demand?
• Prepare and distribute pamphlet, flyers, and
brochures-containing information about the
location and the picture of products.
• Use online marketing tools.
• Post contact numbers for clients who want to
order or inquire about the product.
• Keeping a record of sales.

11. Computing Sales and Profit
A. Sale
Bangkok Santol
30 kilos x 25.00 = 750.00
Mango
20 kilos x 30.00 = 600.00
Total = 1,350.00

12. B. Expenses
Labor 200.00
Transportation 40.00
Containers, water 100.00
Seeds 75.00
Insecticide 100.00
Fertilizer 50.00
Total
= 565.00

13. C. Profit
Total Sale 1, 350.00
Total Expenses - 565.00
----------------------
Profit 785.00

14. Marketing strategy used in
selling
Marketing fresh fruits starts with
educating your clientele about the value of
buying healthy food. Constantly
communicating and providing helpful
information on ways and access to
integrate fresh produce into one’s diet is a
good subtle way to build customer loyalty.
It shows that you care about your clients.

15. Today, when more and more people
are realizing the importance of a vitamin
and fiber-rich diet to one’s health,
marketing fruits in this manner can be very
effective. It might also help to provide
detailed information such as the use of
organic fertilizer, and the variety of
produce.

16. The use of online marketing of
orchard trees/seedlings is the fastest
way to market products nowadays.
Another is the preparation , distribution,
and posting of flyers in conspicuous
places.

17. Selling the Plants
More and more homes, offices, hospitals,
and other business establishments include
greens to decorate their interiors . They buy
or rent plants from nurseries. To attract
buyers, collectors, and those who are going
to buy orchard owners provide the following:
• Artistically arranged plants miniature rock
gardens and healthy plants
• Tall plants with thick foliage

18. • Rare plants
• Shady/clean and unobstructed
pathways
• Helpful information tips
• Reasonable prize
• Cheerful, honest, and accommodating
caretakers/sales person

19. Reference: The Basics of Better
Family Living, pages 74-78.