THE CALENDAR OF CULTIVAR – MAINTENANCE

Olive cultivation may appear a simple task, indeed is far from it. Unlike most fruit-bearing trees the olive tree is a very demanding task. It will also reveal to the “Don’t Knows” of the consumer public the labour costs involved. Transport such as pick-up trucks which are an absolute necessity and nothing can be done without them. Diesel and petrol are also used for lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, wood shredders and compressors. We also use several battery-equipped mechanical tools such as pruning saws and secateurs and several other tools for special tasks.

► JANUARY weather allowing, is a month for cleaning and repair work and is done with detailed co-ordination according to needs of each tree. Basins and around are cleared of weeds, hoses are put in place, retaining walls are repaired, paths are cleared of dead wood and dried branches and horse manure added.

► FEBRUARY begins with road repairs and wild bush clearance, store rooms and equipment reserved as well as trucks and cars. From the middle of the month pruning starts in the mild climate of South Pelion repeating the thinning out and removing suckers and sprouts in March.

► MARCH from day one marks young new tree planting and removal of damaged trees or wild bushes. Whilst the work is intensifying with continuous pruning and in the Volos area too, pruning in the Kissavos area begins from the highest area down. For major works and alterations the bulldozer is called in to erect new walls and repair roads.

► APRIL Whilst pruning carries on in Volos and Kissavos, the thinning out of olive trees begins in South Pelion. Now the grafting period begins and any wild olive trees or other trees which are suitable for a new variety can be grafted until the end of May. Grass mowing begins in April until end of May according to needs. Open fires are prohibited after April 30th depending on temperature and weather conditions; small buds smaller than the size of a lentil appear on twigs from last year’s pruning. The last week of April beginning of May.

► MAY The grafting period lasts 7–14 days or which is entirely dependent on weather conditions and sudden weather changes especially the North African winds. Watering will strengthen the roots and enable trees to resist a heavy loss of flower or fruit development. As a precaution pruning well the trees will ensure an additional shield of protection against droughts and strong winds.

► JUNE is also a crucial month of fruit development. Most of olive tree friends and protectors such as the cyclamen and cistus have gone passed their flowering period the bees are still buzzing around the aromatic bushes of oregano, thyme, wild rosemary and lavender to the beekeeper’s glee. It's all over yet for the olive trees and their fruit. Imminent threats are still hanging around for droughts, watering needs and weather forecasts.

► JULY As the sun reaches zenith a lookout for weaknesses in growth, yellowing of leaves are bad omens and should be dealt with immediately by removing suckers excessive growth of sprouts, unwanted overgrowth of twigs and dried out branches always bearing in mind that by the end of June all unnecessary growth will hamper severely the tree and its productivity. Water according to needs and moderation.

►AUGUST has been the hottest month in the last 6 years. Olive orchards lying close to the sea are more resistant to droughts and extremely hot weather and may not need watering otherwise a sprinkle of tepid water may help to keep the trees and the crop alive. When the fruit shows signs of shrinkage repeat watering.

► SEPTEMBER

Signs of lower temperatures and cooling down is a blessing. Early rainfalls may also help but may also be followed by infestation of “Dakos” and “Pit” eater and it is advisable to prune as much as possible and hung on the periphery of the orchard small plastic bottles with a window opening and place 2 or 3 mothballs inside which help to keep insects away due to the intense smell. The fruit gradually changes from green to yellow, brown and black, the emulsification period, and it signals the harvesting has approached and is the expert’s task to begin harvesting balanced. On hillsides the work starts from the top down. Plastic sheeting is laid down and Alexander and Agnes will gather the workforce and explain in detail the whole process of the harvest as well as the job allocation. The trees are reasonably short and well pruned to facilitate the combing and hand picking. We do not allow caning or hitting the fruit to avoid bruising and damage to the fruit. Having collected every tree Agnes who is the Quality Controller and her assistant will select the olives so that all the unwanted as well as leaves and wood remnants are discarded. Agnes is constantly in touch with the co-operative organic Society Olive press to secure a speedy collection and pressing. On 12 and subsequently the 17 October 2025 we achieved Acidity levels c. 2. very close to the world record of 0.145. cold press of a mix of Amphisa, Koroneiki, and Manaki. The second press was a mix of Arbequina and Koroneiki.

► NOVEMBER

The harvest continues in the slopes of Kissavos mount a colder climate but renown for it's glossy fruit and least prone to insect attack. It is also well provided with water reservoirs funded by the EU. The well drained soil from schist rock favours a good few varieties such as Amphissa, Kalamon, Manaki and on the upper slopes Koroneiki and many other.

► DECEMBER

The harvest is almost at an end except for some Koroneiki for clients who wish to purchase small quantities for health reasons or for pharmacies. Dry wood and fresh twigs are burnt in steel barrels or shredded. Horse manure is placed near trunks and basins are dug out.