Welcome back for Part 2 of this fruit tree series! Now that you've pruned, we're going to tackle two key things: fertilizing & spraying. Note that everything here is specific to stone fruit.
0:42 When & How to Fertilize
You prune when the tree is dormant, but you DON'T want to fertilize at the same time because the plant isn't going to absorb the nutrients. Flowers will be the first sign that the tree is waking up, and that is the time to fertilize.
Start with compost. This will feed the soil some organic matter which will allow your trees to take in nutrients. You then protect that damp compost with mulch. Note that mulch should not go right up against your tree trunk. Give it a drink and then add in fertilizer too if you need it.
We always recommend an organic fertilizer, and there are some that are specific to your tree. Think of fertilizer as steroids, so it's more of an emergency item than something you have to do all of the time. You should always measure the amount. There is certainly a thing as TOO MUCH fertilizer.
When applying fertilizer, it should go around the dripline, not close to the trunk. Imagine a line going down straight from your tree branches down under the ground.
8:52 Spraying Trees
Horticultural oil suffocates insects and should be applied 3-4 times during the winter. You want to be careful with oil. That means you don't want to apply it right in the middle of the day, and you also don't want to apply it if rain is in the forecast.
Copper fungicide helps prevent things like leaf curl. You want to get as many as five applications starting once the leaves have started to drop. All applications need to happen BEFORE you get flowers.
Throughout the year, also wash your trees with a jet spray. This can help remove insects that are taking up residence on your trees. A clean tree will be able to stay healthier for more time throughout the year.
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15 фев 2023
