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Choosing the Best Fruit Tree Fertilizer for Your Garden
One of the most enjoyable things to have in your home garden is a few fruit trees. Whether or not you decide to plant apple, pear or peach, having them will provide shade, draw wildlife into your yard, and of course supply you with years of fruit if properly cared for.
Two of the major items in caring for such specialized plants are to choose the correct fruit tree fertilizer, and the correct application of it. Below is a brief summary of the best ways to apply fruit tree fertilizer, and some of the many choices available today.
Types of Fruit Tree Fertilizer
Unlike fertilizers for your general lawn, fruit tree fertilizer comes in specific formulas for each plant that promotes bloom, such as 0-10-10 or 15-30-15 fertilizers. Each of these numbers represents the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contained in the fruit tree fertilizer.
Most often, fruit tree fertilizer is provided in the granular form, and for most part this is done to provide the best amount of nutrients to the plant over a longer period of time. Liquid fertilizers, although popular with a more grassy area are not as effective as granular kind, simply because there is a good chance of them being washed away before the plant can absorb its affects.
Granular fertilizer, because of its size, can often adhere itself to the leaves and branches of the tree, providing nutrients over a prolonged period of time.
When to Apply the Fertilizer
Besides the type of fruit tree fertilizer, one must also consider when and how to apply it. Again, this is often dictated by the type of fruit tree in question. As a general rule, however, fertilizing is best done in early spring before new growth begins. In this way the nutrients can be easily applied to the new blooms and producing more and better fruit come harvest time.
Fortunately, as a general rule, fruit trees need very little fertilizing, and usually can give their fruit tree fertilizer at the same time as the other portions of the garden or yard are fed. Just remember to use the right balance of nitrogen and phosphorous.
When Not to Fertilize
Perhaps one of the most common mistakes made by those who wish to grow fruit trees is fertilizing too much. Deciding when to, and when not to use fruit tree fertilizer can be a daunting task.
The best idea is to take a look at your fruit tree. Does it look healthy? Are the branches strong, the leaves healthy and have a good color to them? Is the tree growing as expected? If you answered yes to all these things, chances are fertilization is not so necessary at this time.
So, when using a fruit tree fertilizer, remember to choose one specifically designed for your type of fruit, use it sparingly, and allow for nature to do most of the work. In a few short seasons, youll have a fruit crop that will make you proud. |