Planting fruit trees and shrubsis not a very complicated procedure. However, if you want to be sure that the plants after planting will catch on and will grow he althily, it is worth finding out what to consider when choosingfruit tree seedlingsand shrubs to choose he althy plants capable of further growth . The correct techniqueof planting fruit trees and bloodand choosing the right date for new plantings in the orchard is also important. Here are all the secrets aboutplanting fruit trees and shrubs !
Planting fruit trees
Date of planting fruit trees and shrubs
The best period forplanting fruit trees and shrubsis autumn - from the beginning of October until the first frost. Plants planted at this date will have time to regenerate the root system before the onset of winter, and by spring they will be well prepared to start the growth process. Another argument for planting trees and shrubs in autumn is the rich offer of producers of plant material, occurring at this time of the year.
Possibleplanting date for fruit treesand shrubs is also spring, however we need to be in time before bud development begins as there is a high risk that the plant will wither.Planting fruit trees in springis therefore slightly more risky, but it is a good idea if you want to plant species that are sensitive to low temperatures.
Another alternative is to buyfruit plants sold incontainers, which we can plant throughout the season, from spring to fall. They have a stronger root system and they take on more easily, but the drawback is their higher price.
Good to knowIn the past, potted shrubs were chosen among potted plants, much more often than fruit trees, especially the most valuable ones, such as the American blueberry. This has changed, however, because for several years there are mini fruit trees suitable for growing in pots on balconies and terraces, as well as columnar fruit trees, which are very narrow and can be planted at a distance of 1 m. Thanks to this, even several varieties of fruit trees can fit in a small garden. These fruit trees are getting the most attention right now.
Preparation of soil for planting fruit trees
The soil on which we will beplanting fruit treesshould be properly prepared in advance - it is worth doing it in August.We dig the ground deep and remove the weeds. We also need to enrich it with organic and mineral substances - it is worth using a peat substrate, manure or previously prepared compost. Bas alt flour is also a recommended addition. It is a mineral fertilizer of natural origin, which contains a number of macro- and microelements necessary for fruit trees. It perfectly fertilizes the soil, without the risk of over-fertilization.
If the soil is very light and not very fertile, it is much better to spread the fertilizers over the entire surface on which we will plant trees. On better quality soils, it is enough to fertilize only the holes dug underplanted fruit trees and bushes
Preparing the soil for planting fruit trees will be easier if you use TerraCottemIt should be mixed with the soil before planting the plants. It contains a starting dose of fertilizer, fragments of volcanic rock that will loosen the soil around the roots of the trees, and a hydrogel, thanks to which the soil remains moist for a long time.This will greatly facilitate the acceptance of the newly planted fruit tree and provide it with greater resistance to drought.
Which fruit trees and shrubs to buy
When buying seedlings of fruit trees or shrubs, we must choose plants that will grow well in the conditions prevailing in our garden or on our plot. You also need to provide them with enough space to expand freely. Therefore, before visiting the garden store, it is worth planning what we will plant. Remember that the growth rate of trees is largely regulated by rootstocks for fruit trees on which noble varieties are grafted.
Planting fruit trees. A properly developed tree with an exposed root and in a pot
It is best to buy young plants, which are easier to adopt and it will be easier for us to form them according to our needs.We must pay attention to whether the root system is properly and evenly developed. Plant roots in containers should not overgrow and tightly wrap around the container. The exposed surfaces of the purchased plants must not be dry. Branches and shoots should be he althy and strong - check for damage, pests or signs of disease (annual plants may not have branches yet developed)
Intended forplanting fruit trees and shrubs with bare roots must be leafless. When making a purchase, let's look at the label attached to the plant - it should contain the name of the variety and rootstock, the quality class of the plant material and the name of the producer.
Note!Sold seedlings fruit trees should meet certain requirements with regard to the height and diameter of the trunk and the number of roots. Most trees should be at least 120 cm high. The exception is plums and peaches, which should not be lower than 140 cm.The trunk thickness for most trees should be 12 mm. Thicker trunks should be plums and cherries (trunk thickness 14 mm) and peaches and apricots (15 mm). Each tree should also have at least 4 roots. If these parameters are met, we are dealing with seedlings of the highest quality (the so-called first choice).
When shopping, it is worth taking a plastic bag with you, with which we will wrap the roots of the purchased plants. Before putting the bag on, moisten its inner part with water to protect the roots from drying out.
Storing fruit trees before planting
Ifplanting fruit trees and shrubscannot be done immediately after purchase, it is necessary to provide the plants with appropriate storage conditions. The storage location should be shaded (e.g. in the shade of a large tree or against a north wall). Plants should be watered to prevent the roots from drying out. Trees bought in containers can be stored for up to several weeks.On the other hand, those with open roots must be planted immediately or pitted until planting.
Planting fruit trees and shrubs - step by step
Activities to be performed duringplanting fruit treescan be divided into the following stages:
Step 1
First we dig a hole. It must be large enough that the roots of the planted plant rest freely in it.
Step 2
At the bottom of the hole, make a mound of fertile topsoil. On infertile soils, it is worth mixing the soil with compost.
Step 3Place the tree on the mound and evenly spread its roots so that they fall freely.
Step 4Partially fill the hole with soil. At this point, it is worth ensuring the help of another person who will hold the planted tree or bush. Let us remember to tread on the successive layers of the poured earth. Thanks to this, the soil will be properly compacted and the tree will not fall over after planting.
Step 5Before the well is completely filled with soil, water the planted plant abundantly (about 5 to 10 liters of water). When the water is soaked in, we finish filling the hole. You can also do it differently - create a slight depression around the trunk, a basin in which the water from watering will stop.
Step 6 (optional)
Someplanted fruit treesand planted shrubs require staking. By tying the trunk to a nearby stake, it will prevent the plant from breaking or falling over by a strong gust of wind.
Step 7 (important when planting in autumn)
To protect the plant roots from frost, we build mounds of soil around the plants. We can do this a bit later, but it is important not to forget about it before the first frosts.
