In the case of fruit plants it is extremely important because once planted trees will grow in one place for at least a dozen years. The most important elements, such as phosphorus and potassium, move very slowly down the soil profile, often only a few centimeters per year. That is why we always use these fertilizers before planting trees.
The proper pH of the substrate is of key importance for the proper growth of plants in the first years after planting.Only with the right pH will the roots begin to grow and take up nutrients quickly. The reaction of the substrate can be easily checked with a simple acid meter. Cherries grow well in neutral soil (pH 7), apple trees, pear and currants in slightly acidic soil (pH 6.2-6.7), raspberries, strawberries, wild strawberries and gooseberries in acidic pH 5.5-6 , 2), and American blueberry grows best in a very acidic medium (pH 3.8-4.5).
To prevent weeds from competing with cultivated plants, dig the substrate, while removing couch grass and weed roots.In light, sandy, humus-poor soil, it is advisable to add organic matter.It could be well-decomposed compost soil or manure.
Umbrella olive worth knowing
The narrow-leaved olive is often planted in parks and gardens. This shrub, due to its silvery leaves, is a popular ornamental plantAlthough it bears fruit, it is not suitable for consumption. However, few people know that the nearby cousin of this plant, namely the umbellate olive Eleagnus umbellata, produces tasty coral fruits.They are small, spherical and resemble red currant berries. This is not only where the similarity ends. The taste of the umbellate olive fruit is also reminiscent of red currants, with the difference, however, that they have a stone.
In Poland, this olive is still a little-known plant. It is known, however, that it grows well and bears fruit in our climate.This unusual plant is even becoming interested in professional fruit growers and its suitability for cultivation on a commercial scale is currently being tested.In their homeland - Japan and China - shrubs grow up to 4 meters, but in Poland they do not reach that size.
However, it is worth allocating a bit more space for the olive tree in the garden due to its extensive habit. We get the first fruits in 2-3. one year after planting. The bushes are extremely fertile. Already in the first years, we can harvest a few kilograms of fruit.We can eat them raw or use them for various types of preserves.
Interesting fact: olive fruits usually ripen in September, when the skin turns intensely red. However, the best fruit taste is when we wait until October to harvest.However, you have to be careful, because fruit is also a great delicacy for birds, for example starlings.
