After 2 years of growing baobabs for transplanting into the wild we planted out 30 young trees. In January 2023 baobab growers in Mabvete village received baobab seedlings to grow. They were to plant the trees in the ground in their homesteads, water them, look after them and protect them from goats until they reached a hight of at least 2.5 meters.
Some trees are over 2.5 meters tall and can be transplanted
We then dug out the trees out of the ground being careful not to break the main root. Fortunately, the soil in Mabvete is sandy and deep making the job much easier. After consultation with Chief Phuravhatu and his mother they decided to plant the trees along the road that leads to the village graveyard. The grave yard is in a beautiful spot outside the village nestled against a rocky outcrop. Once they are large trees they will form a beautiful avenue along the road and will be appreciated by all the people visiting the graves.
Carefully digging the baobabs out without damaging the root
Thirty holes, one meter deep and a half meter wider were prepared and the trees transplanted into them. Once planted we secured each tree with an upright stick to prevent goats pulling the trees over to get to the leaves.
I will be visiting the trees twice a year to check on their survival and growth. Lets hope that the trees survive the hungry goats.
Planting the 30 selected baobabs
