Hello everyone
The day the sky in Trang Province, my home province, was shrouded in thick rain clouds, was another day when nature sent a warning signal to change our rhythms. The pounding rain that had been pouring down since last night continued into this morning, making the surroundings feel dark and damp. It wasn't just the damp air, but also a cool, comforting sensation that made me feel warmer inside rather than going out to work. The weather forecast indicated that Trang would continue to see rain for several more days.
Oil Palm Plantation Concerns: Fertilizer May Be Washed Away
As a gardener, the first concern that comes to mind when heavy rains fall is the oil palm plantation I recently fertilized. Given the constant rainfall, I suspect that the fertilizer I've painstakingly applied to the base of the trees has likely been washed away by the rain. This leaching of fertilizer before the palm trees can fully absorb it not only results in costly losses, but also impacts the long-term growth and yield of the oil palms.
A glimpse into my life during the rainy quarantine.
When the rains fell so hard that I couldn't do my usual gardening, my daily routine had to be focused on staying inside and within walking distance. Feeding my pets was the only task that allowed me to briefly experience the rain and humidity outside, before I had to rush back inside to escape the dampness and cold air.
Once the rain stops, an urgent garden management plan will need to be made. It may be necessary to wait for the soil to dry completely for a while, after which consideration may be given to restoring the soil and roots according to principles for caring for palm trees after flooding or heavy rain, such as checking for soil erosion. Alternatively, it may be necessary to add root fertilizer containing appropriate nitrogen and phosphorus again when the weather is favorable.
This is a good time to address other pending internal matters. Although the shop hasn't officially opened yet, clearing out and organizing the shop is still a constant task. Although my younger brother and daughter have returned to Koh Phangan, the atmosphere in the house has become somewhat quieter. My middle sister still helps out with other matters within the home.
My mother's smile is the sunshine of the house.
However, amidst the gloomy and damp atmosphere, what brightens everyone's spirits is my mother's significant improvement. She recently returned from the hospital and is recovering, which is truly heartening. Seeing her gradual improvement has eased some of her worries.
My mother is not only improving, but she's also regaining her cheerfulness. Her smile and laughter, back to normal, are a source of positive energy for the family. It makes us feel that the fatigue of gardening or the chaos of the shop's unfinished business are insignificant compared to seeing her regain her health. This is a time that emphasizes the importance of having a loving family, ready to support each other in every situation, whether it's caring for my mother or supporting each other with personal matters.
Even on unfavorable days, the weather is unfavorable. This has limited our movement to a limited area, but it has allowed us to spend quality time with our family and watch our mother's positive changes, which is the most precious thing of the day.
Today is a day of waiting, waiting for the rain to stop so we can go back and fully care for the palm plantation, waiting for the shop to be set up properly, so we can start a new business. Most importantly, watching our mother's strength return is the greatest joy in the life of a family-loving gardener.