The choice was between a RM 70 one year plus Black Thorn durian variety (D200) in a 15 litre pail and that of a RM 450 tree at 3 years or so option in a 200 litre drum. In the face of financial setback, deciding on the former was the most obvious choice. I ended up buying x2 Black Thorns, x2 Japanese Mangosteen / Mesta (Garcinia Mangostana) and x4 Petai “Grafted” Hybrids (Parkia Speciosa). The Mestas cost RM 100 per tree while the Petai only RM 20; thus totalling RM 400 after negotiation.
The older the plant, the more expensive it is as much time and care have been invested into its growth, thereby facilitating its survival when planted. To save time and money, it’s always highly recommended to go with the oldest trees; however this is not always possible. Case in point, lugging a 200 litre drum over hilly and inaccessible terrain is not exactly the best idea.
After identifying the location, I dug a slightly wider than 3′ x 3′ hole, with a depth 30-50% more than the height of the seedling case. The additional space is required for me to fill in good soil. For good soil, I used a mixture of black soil (composted oil palm fruit bunch) and decomposed/decomposing organic matter made up of various fruits (durian husks, jack fruit, star fruit). I dumped this good soil into the hole before putting the durian in it.
The pail is then cut horizontally at the base (which will be removed) before weakening the vertical seams. The entire case would then be inserted into the hole. Once settled and checked to be upright, only then the entire pail is removed. More good soil is dumped into the hole surrounding the plant.
The previously excavated soil from the hole is then drawn back in into a mound surrounding the tree. This is partly done due to the fact that this location is on a very gentle gradual slope where the rush of water can be quite devastating. The mound facing the higher slope end would be helpful to break the incoming rush of water.
As durians are moisture-sensitive and extremely averse to water logging, I dug an outlet channel on the lower slope end for water to escape. It’s the rainy season now, so mulching too heavily would not be a good idea for durian trees (it can be really scorching hot during the day, so any means to keep moist is helpful). Without workers to water and counter the unpredictable weather, I reckon this still-experimental approach would be a balance of keeping dry and retaining moisture.
I used some parts of the shredded oil palm recently fell to cover the mound (not shown in photo). Dried leaves would then be applied as mulch (when needed especially during dry season) to reduce water loss, with special precaution taken to not have it touch the stem of the tree to prevent fungal infection especially this damp season.
Finally, two trees about 20-25 feet apart (not the most ideal; some do it even closer. Because I don’t have much space, I got to compromise), between themselves and other older durian trees. The easy part done for now. More challenges lie ahead.
See you in 7 years!
