Planting fruit trees is a rewarding investment that can bring you years of bountiful harvests and natural beauty to your garden. However, getting started the right way is essential to ensure your trees thrive. Here’s a simple guide to help you plant and care for your fruit trees, and keep them healthy using organic methods.
Planting Your Fruit Trees
Now is the perfect time to plant your fruit trees. Here are the steps to ensure they have the best start:
- Dig the Hole: Start by digging a hole that’s larger than the root area of your tree. This extra space allows the roots to spread and establish themselves. Make sure to break up the soil around the sides of the hole so the roots can easily expand into it.
- Soil Preparation: While compost isn’t necessary at this stage, if you have heavy clay soil, mix in some topsoil to improve the texture. You can also use a soil mix, such as garden-mix, which helps make the soil more friable and easier for roots to penetrate.
- Fertiliser: A slow-release fertiliser is a great way to give your new tree a steady supply of nutrients as it gets established. Be sure to keep a layer of soil between the fertiliser and the roots to prevent any burning.
- Stake Your Tree: For the first year, it’s a good idea to stake your tree to provide stability and prevent it from being damaged by strong winds.
- Mulch: Mulching is vital for keeping the soil moist and maintaining an ideal environment for root growth. Use whatever mulch you have on hand, and remember to add more as the season progresses. Mulch also introduces beneficial microorganisms to the soil, enhancing its quality. However, never place mulch directly against the tree trunk, as it can cause moisture buildup and lead to rot.
Organic Methods for Healthy Trees
Keeping your fruit trees healthy doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals. Here’s a simple organic care routine to ensure your trees stay clean and disease-free throughout the year:
- Lime Sulphur Spray: In the winter (July is a good time), spray your trees with lime sulphur. This is excellent for controlling plant diseases and can also be used on roses and ornamentals. It has a strong odor, but it’s incredibly effective.
- Winter Oil Spray: About three weeks after the lime sulphur treatment, apply a winter oil spray to your trees. This is a great winter clean-up to eliminate pests.
- Copper Oxychloride Spray: In late September, after the buds have burst and fruitlets have begun to form, use copper oxychloride as a spray. Apply this treatment twice a month to keep your trees clean and prevent issues like black spot.
Products Available
We offer all the treatments mentioned above in convenient 500ml bottles, priced at just $20.00 per bottle—a great value for keeping your fruit trees in peak condition year-round.
By following these steps and using the right care techniques, your fruit trees will flourish and reward you with years of healthy growth and abundant fruit. Happy planting!
