YOUNG FRUIT TREES

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 201, 22 May 1936, Page 18

YOUNG FRUIT TREES

Manures They Need No hard-and-fast rule can bo made regarding the manuring of newly-plant-ed fruit trees, as so much depends on the natural fertility of the soil. Fruit trees planted in a kitchen garden which has been heavily manured for years will require different treatment from those planted in light., sandy soil in a low state of fertility. If the soil is in fairly good condition it is probably best to defer manuring until spring. For some lime the trees will be occupied in establishing themselves and during that period heavy manuring is not. advisable. In spring a good mulch of decayed stable manure, decayed vegetable refuse or leaf-mould should be given. This will keep the soil cool and moist during late spring and early summer, and will prove of special value if the early summer is dry. Remember that most garden soils contain enough nitrogen to supply a newly-planted fruit-tree for some time, but the great need of most fruit plants is potash. Most cases of severe stunting of apple, and other fruit trees in gardens are due to a deficiency of potash in the soil. If you have other fruit, trees in the garden and noticed Hie foliage of these withering last summer you can be sure that they and the newly-planted fruittrees will appreciate a dressing of sulphate of potash, which may be applied between now and spring. A dressing of three ounces per square yard should be given. On light, sandy soil this is most likely to needed, for this sort of soil is generally deficient in potash. As regards nitrogenous manures, only a very light dressing need be given; if the trees appear to be well established and to be making good growth, it can be dispensed with altogether. In any ease, quick-acting nitrogenous manures should not be applied until spring. It is important to avoid the use of excessive quantities of nitrogen; loz. per square yard will be ample.