| |
Below are some simple
steps to ensure your fruit trees get off to a good start.
Step
1
Dig a hole at least twice as wide as the container and approximately 1
1/2 to 2 times the depth of the container. |
|
 |
| |
Step
2
Now backfill the hole half way with a mix of compost and the original
soil from the hole. For heavy clay soils, we recommend a 50 percent compost and
50 percent original soil mix. For better soils, we recommend 33 percent compost
to 66 percent original soil mix. For most plants, we recommend the Master
Nursery Gold Rush. This consists of high quality Fir mulch and 15 percent
Chicken Manure. If this compost is not available, use other high quality
mulches. |
| |
 |
| |
Step
3
If you use a starting fertilizer, now is the time to apply it. Work it
in to the top few inches of the freshly mixed ammended soil. We recommend using
the Master Start. It's NPK ratio is 5-20-10 with minors(iron, calcium, zinc,
and manganese). It helps develop the root system of the plant. When applying
starting fertilizers, be sure to follow the instructions on the bag. For
example, when using Master Start, you only need to mix 2 tablespoons of it into
the soil when planting a one gallon size plant. |
| |
Step 4
Carefully remove
the plant from the container. If necessary, cut the can. Place the plant in the
center of the hole. The top of the root ball should be about level with the
ground or slightly higher. For fruit trees that are grafted, be sure to leave
the graft above the ground. Be careful not to plant bareroot fruit trees too
deeply. |
 |
| |
Step 5
Now fill in the
hole with the compost and original soil mix in the same ratio as discussed in
step 2. Lightly tamp the soil down to help get rid of large air
pockets.
Step 6
Water well immediately after planting and again
the following day.
|
 |
| |
Step
7
Continue to water on a regular basis. For most fruit trees one good
watering once a week is sufficient. Water more often during hot summer months
and less often in the winter Also, when planting during warm or hot weather,
plants will need to be watered several times during the first couple of weeks
to keep from drying out. Keep an eye on the newly planted trees. Check the soil
to make sure they are getting enough water.
Step 8
Don't be afraid
to ask questions. If you have any questions regarding how to plant something or
your plant is not performing like you think it should, talk to your local
nursery professional or e-mail
us. |
