Apple Tree Wakes Up Hungry

If you want your apple tree to please you with a bountiful harvest, it is important not to miss proper fertilizing in the spring, before flowering. During this period, trees especially need nutrients, as they gain strength after winter and prepare for active growth. But what to feed an apple tree with so as not to harm it and really increase fruiting?

After the winter period, the apple tree experiences a deficiency of nutrients, because the roots work slowly in the cold soil. Therefore, it is important to help the tree by choosing the right fertilizers. If you do not do this, you may encounter problems: weak flowering, small fruits or even their complete absence.

Experienced gardeners recommend applying fertilizers in April, immediately after pruning the tree. It is important that the soil is sufficiently moist, but not yet overdried. Fertilizer can be applied both in liquid form and in dry granules, which are then embedded in the soil.

There are several options for feeding that will help the apple tree gain strength before flowering. This is one of the best sources of nitrogen, which the tree needs in spring. It stimulates the growth of foliage and shoots, and also improves flowering. Add 3 tablespoons of urea to a bucket of water (10 litres).

This solution is poured around the tree trunk, avoiding the trunk. You can also use the dry method - just scatter the fertilizer on the ground and lightly dig it into the soil. To ensure that the apple tree receives not only nitrogen, but also phosphorus and potassium, a mixture of fertilizers is used. For 10 litres of water, take 100 grams of superphosphate and 60 grams of potassium sulfate. This will provide the tree with complete nutrition, improve fruit setting and their quality.

If you prefer natural fertilizers, use an infusion of mullein or bird droppings. Mullein is diluted in a ratio of 1:10, bird droppings - 1:15. Such an infusion not only nourishes the soil, but also improves its structure. If you do not want to use mineral fertilizers, you can replace them with wood ash. It contains potassium, calcium and other microelements. It is enough to scatter 300-400 grams of ash around the tree and dig up the soil slightly.

To ensure that the feeding is beneficial, it is important to follow a few simple rules: Do not pour fertilizer directly onto the roots. The solution is applied to the tree trunk circle, at a distance of 40-50 cm from the trunk. Do not overdo it with the dosage. Excessive fertilizers can cause root burns.

It is better to apply fertilizer in cloudy weather or in the evening. This reduces moisture evaporation and improves the absorption of nutrients. After applying liquid fertilizers, be sure to water the apple tree with clean water. This will help avoid soil salinization and distribute nutrients evenly.

If you choose the right spring fertilizer and apply it on time, the apple tree will not only delight you with active flowering, but will also lay the foundation for a rich harvest.

- pravda.ru