Apple tree is a fruit tree that is especially popular among gardeners. Many plant several varieties at once on their site. Thanks to this diversity, you can stock up on vitamins for the whole year. The plant is unpretentious and resistant to various climatic conditions. It is best to grow an apple tree in the middle lane.
The traditional cultivation of apple trees, at first glance, seems easy and simple. But it is not so. To grow a healthy, well-bearing tree, you must initially plant it in accordance with all the rules.
When to plant apple trees
Seedlings can be planted in autumn, summer and spring. Each period has its pros and cons. The gardener needs to focus on the climate, landscape and characteristics of the variety. In the south, trees are placed in the ground in the fall. This is due to the lack of severe frosts and sufficient rainfall. In the northern regions they prefer spring.
Autumn pros and cons
It is held from September to November. The exact date is determined based on climatic conditions. Rooting lasts 4-5 weeks. The growth of the root system continues until the air temperature drops below +4 ° C. Additional advantages include the cost of seedlings, the absence of the need for frequent watering. The disadvantages of this method include severe frosts, snowfalls, wind and rodents. Planting in the autumn period may result in the death of young trees. They, unlike adults, are afraid of low temperature.
In spring, the pros and cons
Seedlings are moved to the soil after it thaws. Another prerequisite is the presence of unblown kidneys. When buying plants from which they have already blossomed, the habituation period will greatly increase. Signs of fungal diseases may appear. Among the advantages are the rapid development of roots and the absence of the need for long-term storage of seedlings. Before purchasing a tree, the gardener gets the opportunity to assess its condition.
The assortment when buying planting material in spring does not differ in variety. Difficulties arise with seedlings, whose buds opened before the plants were placed in the ground. It is necessary to acquire early varieties before sap flow begins. Many note that manufacturers do not always label products, so determining the species affiliation is quite problematic.
Planting a seedling in the spring should be completed before mid-May.
The main plus is that the rooting of the tree will take place at positive temperatures (short-term return frosts are not terrible). In the summer, the apple tree will grow up and will easily endure the winter period. Therefore, in Siberia, only spring planting is used.
Summer landing
This option is used in case of emergency. Before planting, the gardener must make fertilizers in the soil, shed the plot with anti-insect compounds, and get rid of weed grass. The technology remains the same. Monitoring the state of the seedling is stricter than when planting at other times of the year. This is because the plant after a summer transplant is sick much longer.
Apple tree seedling selection
Each variety has its own characteristics. One of the defining qualities is resistance to frost.
- Among the ripe are: Early sweet and White filling.
- Of mid-season varieties, Uralets is especially popular. These apples have an impressive aroma, bright blush, sweet and sour taste.
- Antonovka is a representative of late varieties. Juicy fruits can be stored for a long time.
- Severe seedlings can carry seedlings from varieties such as Veteran, Anis white and Velvet.
Choosing a tree is the first step. Its importance is difficult to exaggerate. The algorithm is pretty simple:
- Find out which varieties are suitable for growing in the region.
- Contact the nursery, in its absence - to a gardening organization or to private traders.
- Purchase a seedling. To do this, you need to determine indicators such as the fruiting period, stock level, soil characteristics, the depth of groundwater, the age and general condition of the plant.
- The cost largely depends on the "packaging". The root system can be left open or placed in a special container. The latter option guarantees the required moisture and preservation of the processes.
Seedlings place soil as soon as possible after acquisition to prevent the death of the root system from drying out.
Location
The choice of location for the apple tree is an important component. Pick it up in advance. It is good if fruit trees did not grow there before. The plot for the apple tree seedling must meet the following criteria:
- Good light.
- Lack of drafts.
- Ground water level. They must pass no higher than 2 m from the surface. To avoid unwanted contact, a slate sheet is placed at the bottom of the pit. Due to this, the root system will grow to the sides, but not inland.
- The distance between the seedlings is at least 2 m. The length of the gap should be equal to the height of an adult plant. Thus, they ensure that the trees do not interfere with each other.
- Diversity. The apple tree is classified as a cross-pollinated plant. The presence of seedlings belonging to several varieties.
- Location Each variety has its own requirements. Apple trees should not be planted in areas close to the main trail. Otherwise, in the future, the crown will become not an ornament, but an obstacle.
The soil
The productivity of the apple tree depends on the composition of the soil. Culture loves light, loose, slightly acidic soil. It is desirable that it be loamy. Difficulties may arise if the land is swampy, rocky or gravel. It lacks nutrients, without which the seedling will not be able to develop normally. For the same reason, gardeners do not recommend planting a tree in place of the former apple tree. Earth needs to rest. To enrich the impoverished soil, it is mixed with mineral and organic fertilizers. Among the most sought after are wood ash and superphosphate.
Landing pit
This is the name of the depression, which is prepared 3-4 weeks before the apple tree is planted. Thus, they create the most comfortable conditions for the seedling. The pit, the diameter of which is 1 meter, manages to warm up and settle over the indicated period. The earth from the round recess is placed in two containers. Oilcloths can be used. The upper fertile layer is placed in the first pile, the impoverished lower layer in the second.
The walls of the pit are made steep. Its depth is determined by how developed the root system of the tree and the variety to which it belongs. A stake is located in the center of the recess, its diameter should be about 5 cm, and a height of about 1.5 m, so that it rises 40-50 cm above the ground. Part of the support that will be in the ground must be burned. This is necessary in order to prevent rot. All unnecessary components are removed from the soil obtained by digging, including stones, litter, and weed roots.
Fertilizers
For feeding apple trees use a mixture of mineral and organic substances. It can be purchased ready-made or made independently. When choosing the latter option, they are guided by the initial state of the soil and the pH level. Typically, a complex fertilizer includes humus, potassium salt, superphosphate.
If the soil is highly acidic, about 200 g of slaked lime can be added to the finished mixture.
How to plant an apple tree: step by step instructions
- On the eve of planting, the plant is placed in water. Thanks to this, the root system and the stem will be able to straighten out and be saturated with moisture.
- Before the event, all affected shoots are cut off from the seedling. Plaque, mold, damage should be absent.
- The seedling is placed, spreading the roots on the mound in the pit. Gently fall asleep and tamp, gently shaking the trunk so that there are no voids.
- To prevent breakage and increase resistance to wind, the tree is attached to a previously prepared support. For garter, it is allowed to use strips of soft tissue or film.
- Then it remains to pour the apple tree under the root. It will take 3 to 5 buckets of water. The amount of fluid is determined based on the landing time. The pit remaining after tamping the soil is mulched with humus or sawdust.
- The annual plant is pruned, leaving 75 cm. In a two-year-old plant, side shoots are shortened.
- After the seedling needs proper care. In its absence, the plant may die.
Mistakes when planting an apple tree
Among the most frequent oversights allowed when transplanting an apple tree, there are:
- Incorrect determination of the level of the root neck - plant growth is greatly slowed down. It is strictly forbidden to fill it with earth. Between it and the ground should be at least 5 cm. Otherwise, the apple tree will be sick for a long time.
- When landing in a pit that was not prepared in advance, the soil will settle, which will lead to an unnecessary deepening of the root neck.
- Excessively plentiful watering - positive microflora perishes.
- Violation of proportions in the preparation of combined fertilizers - oxygen starvation and death of tissues that provide nutrition.
- The use of fresh manure, which will release ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, which will only harm the young plant.
- Lack of support - damage to the stem.
Each of these errors will have a negative impact both on the general condition of the tree and on the future crop.
Mr. Summer resident recommends: tips for beginner gardeners
In order for the efforts spent on planting an apple tree to justify itself, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances:
- If there is clay soil in the area, drainage is required. As it is used cans, pieces of wood and stones. The depth of the pit will have to be increased. Under these conditions, an improvement in the development of the root system, prevention of fluid stagnation, and a reduction in the risk of fungal diseases will occur.
- The negative properties of sandy soil are eliminated through sludge. They cover the bottom of the landing pit. Thanks to this, the soil remains wet longer.
- In Siberia, apple trees are grown on gentle hills, which are prepared in the autumn.
- With a close occurrence of groundwater, one will have to abandon the technology involving the use of a landing pit. Under the circumstances, hills formed on a flat surface will be the best option. The soil is also dug up and fertilized. Such planting of an apple tree will complicate the care, but will protect the plant from decay.
- To achieve horizontal growth of the root system, cement can be used instead of drainage, slate and other devices. They fill the bottom of the pit immediately before planting an apple tree. The result is a tree that is protected from parasites, rot and excessive moisture.
With proper preparation for planting, quality care, strict adherence to step-by-step instructions and recommendations, the first crop will be obtained in 5-6 years.
