The Biosphere Blog

So far we’ve covered two essentials for life: water (for its flowing and carrying properties over a wide temperature range), and photosynthesis (for turning light energy into food which then flows up the food chain in an ecosystem). But no… more »

This post complements this earlier one as today I discovered a third ladybird/bug/beetle species enjoying a flower! Here is the minute two-spotted ladybird/ladybug/ladybeetle, officially known as Diomus notescens. And it really is minute, being just 2.5… more »

Update: 5th October 2023 Much thanks to entomologist Katherine Rawson for her help in identifying the ant species in this post to at least the genus level — very much appreciated! Pollinators are essential to many flowering plants’ reproduction. A… more »

This earlier post lists the most important nutrients plants require to grow, flower and fruit. But barring a full laboratory soil or leaf analysis, most people only become aware of any deficiencies when their trees show poor growth and development. By… more »

Have you ever repotted a plant and wondered why the bottom of the potting mix is so incredibly saturated compared to the rest, despite the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot? You may have thought this was a sign of over-watering, but what you… more »

Many hobbyist/backyard fruit enthusiasts prefer to plant their jujube trees in large pots either because of their soil type, the tree’s suckering habit, or both. Keeping a tree in a pot also helps control its growth and manageability. And pots of… more »

As last week’s post stated, manufactured fertilisers are reliably the same with every batch, and the same measured applications can be relied on to deliver the same amounts of nutrients every time. Manures, in contrast, are a natural product and… more »

Last week’s discussion of three differing fertilisers briefly mentioned that manures and manure-based products should not be thought of as complete fertilisers able to supply all nutrients in adequate amounts — and commercial suppliers of these do… more »

Last week we went over the six macronutrients and six micronutrients (trace elements) all plants need for good health. There are a variety of fertilisers put out by garden product companies with the backyard fruit-grower in mind. These have been… more »

The Jujube Tree Growth Cycle Jujube trees go through many stages over a yearly cycle. As they leave dormancy around August/September, the sap begins to flow, buds erupt, and leaves grow. Roots grow and branches appear. Flower buds begin appearing about… more »

Planting Aspect Jujubes do best in full sun and prefer exposure to the sun all day. If a solitary tree, and/or a tree in a pot, position it such that it faces north and is free from surrounding shade-casting trees or structures. If planting several,… more »

Temperature The jujube is native to climates with a yearly temperature range from around -5°C to 50°C, but can survive winters that get down to -30°C. While growth in areas with cool summers can be very slow, the tree thrives in hot, dry environments… more »