The Heidke family (Brett, Chrissie and Mark) are part of a fifth-generation family farming business in Bargara. In Queensland, the Heidke's are known for their sugar cane. They started farming sugar cane in the 1920s and eventually sold that part of the business to Bundaberg Sugar. A few years ago, they successfully included English potatoes in their range of crops. But because the Heidke's wanted to further diversify the business for future generations (and are into nuts!), they have started to grow Macadamia trees. Find out how to grow macadamia nut trees!
Why Macadamia Trees?
Australia is undoubtedly one of the best places globally when planting Macadamia nut trees: Macadamias grow best in warm, frost-free areas. They thrive in deep, well-drained soil where moisture is abundant. However, they only begin bearing after at least five years, so you want to make sure you take the proper steps from the start of planting to make the most of your Macadamia nut harvest!
Did you know? Popular Macadamia nuts offer health benefits
Macadamia nuts are healthy, and people love nuts which isn't surprising because they lower the risk of heart disease and protect the brain. With the growing demand for nuts, it just seemed like the logical consequence (for the Heidke's) to give Macadamia trees a "crack". Macadamias are versatile produce, as you can make oil, milk and flour from nuts. You can even barbecue them!
The Heidke’s goal is to increase soil fertility
In anything the Heidke's plan and plant, they want to do it most cost-effectively. The main goal, of course, is to harvest plenty of nuts. Despite water being scarce in Queensland, the Heidke's have decided to grow Macadamia trees. "We know that water is a protected resource. We were looking for ways to optimise plant growth while saving water", says Brett Heidke from the family farm." The only way to achieve a successful outcome and reduce watering costs is with TerraCottem soil conditioner", says Nathan Straume, horticulturalist from StrataGreen.
TerraCottem is the answer
The soil expert and educator has supported many planting projects with TerraCottem soil conditioner over the last 20 years and is a fond ambassador. "I have seen what happens when a business tries to save on TerraCottem – it's not worth it. With TerraCottem, you invest in long-term results, sustainable landscapes and a healthier environment. Every business that uses it will benefit from reduced watering, labour and maintenance costs. It is the only right thing to do."
The farming family Heidke grew the baby Macadamia trees in their nursery and teamed up with horticulturalist Nathan Straume who assisted the Heidke's planting 150 Macadamia trees on the tree planter machine. A measured dose of TerraCottem soil mix (100gms) was added to each tree.
Why TerraCottem soil conditioner and not any other fertiliser?
TerraCottem soil conditioner increases plant survival: If applied correctly, it reduces watering costs by up to 50% (!) and saves ongoing labour and maintenance costs. The continuing need for fertilisers is half as much. Watering will stay the same for this project to see what benefits TerraCottem can deliver.
How it works:
TerraCottem soil conditioner works in the root zone. TerraCottem activates when you water the plants. Polymers absorb water and fertilisers. This way, water will be stored and nutrients and used most efficiently. Roots grow longer and more robust, making the plant more resilient to drought—Blend TerraCottem in with the soil. Only a small quantity is needed; it shouldn't cost more than $1.50 per tree, depending on the amount purchased.
Outcome so far?
The Heidke's planted around 150 trees in two rows of 60-80 Macadamia trees, each with TerraCottem soil conditioner in one day! After the Heidke Family's initial positive experience with the simple application method and the small quantities needed, they are now looking to introduce TerraCottem into the sand beds for nut propagation and the potting media for more muscular rootstock development. Watch this space!
Video:
This Video shows how Mark, Brett, Chrissie Heidke, and Nathan plant Macadamia nut trees using the tree planter machine. The plough at the front separates the soil and creates a trench. In this trench, there is some space where Chrissie drops the Macadamia tree. Add TerraCottem soil conditioner, and push the tree into the soil.
At StrataGreen, we offer advice on your planting project. Be it a tree-planting project, a turf project or parks and green open spaces. We have the right soil conditioner for you ensuring your plants will thrive for many years to come.
TerraCottem soil conditioners for your projects
At StrataGreen, we offer TerraCottem Universal, the "original" soil conditioner. Famous for all applications such as trees, shrubs, revegetation, annuals, perennials, roof gardens, horticulture and potting soils. One of our most popular soil conditioners is undoubtedly TerraCottem Arbor, specially developed for tree and shrub planting. It contains humic acids to enhance further water retention capacity, soil structure and microbiological activity. Nonetheless popular is our TerraCottem Turf. We are loved by councils and businesses planning open green spaces, such as lawns, golf courses, footy fields and community parks. The unique thing about TerraCottem Turf is that it contains zeolite. A 100 per cent natural volcanic mineral that helps increase soil fertility and water retention.
Are you interested in TerraCottem soil conditioner? Lucky, you can head to our current offer: Buy 50kg of any TerraCottem soil conditioner and receive 5kg for FREE*
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