Growing an apple orchard!
Even knowing about the general principles of growing such a fruit tree as an apple tree, with each time and season, summer residents learn about new tricks and nuances. Apple orchard ... you can talk about it endlessly, but here we will try to highlight only the specifics about those points that were not touched upon in the general information.
With the onset of frost, summer residents rarely worry about the apple tree, and not to say that this is a mistake - after all, the tree is one of the most resistant to low temperatures. However, what if your tree still suffers from frost and freezes?
To prevent this problem, it is necessary to organize the correct protection of the apple tree - the base of the branches and the bole must be wrapped with a net, then with tar paper or paper previously impregnated with bitumen, any other non-woven material is also suitable.
The trunks must be covered with loosened soil, which can be taken directly from the aisles. Remember that the soil layer should not be less than 30 centimeters, otherwise the tree will freeze somehow. Although such cases with frost damage to an apple tree are rare, you just need to be prepared for them.
Proper care of the apple tree begins with fertilizing with fertilizers containing a sufficient amount of nitrogen. The first feeding should be root, i.e. refer to the enrichment of nutrients directly to the root system, it occurs in the early spring season.
But already from May to June it is necessary to feed the plant several more times, only now its foliar part. In subsequent years, even before the apple tree begins to bear fruit, it is recommended to make another root dressing in September, using fertilizers containing substances such as potassium and phosphorus - on average, it is necessary to dilute 2 tablespoons of potassium sulfate and superphosphate per 10 liters of water ... Regardless of whether the tree is young or old, consumption is about 25 liters each.
We did not mention the proximity of the apple tree with other plants, which can also contribute to the dynamics of its growth. Row spacing near young trees that have not yet turned more than 5 years old is quite allowed in order to grow vegetables.
The most favorable for the neighborhood are legumes, early radish and cabbage, physalis. These crops are good in that their root system, as a rule, does not go deep over long distances, and regular care for them, including loosening the soil, weeding, watering, and so on, also has a beneficial effect on the growth and development of the apple tree.
However, you should not plant too tall and sweeping plants, such as sunflowers and corn, as they not only can block the apple tree from the sun's rays, but also significantly contribute to the desiccation of the soil. Crops with tall stems are generally not recommended to be planted in close proximity to the tree.
Green manures are also suitable for growing - lupine, mustard, phacelia and so on. In the gardens that are located on the slopes, they reveal their potential even better, because it is the green manure that protects the soil from erosion and excessive freezing in winter. Therefore, thanks to these plants, your apple tree will be able to survive in seemingly completely unfavorable conditions for it.
As for soil moisture, a moderate level is allowed here - not too dry and not too wet.During the cloudy season, when there is a large amount of precipitation, floods are observed, it is just necessary to regularly loosen the soil, thereby providing air access to the most important organ - the root system.
It is recommended to make punctures around the perimeter of the apple tree, deepening by an average of 30 or 40 centimeters. Again, if dry weather is expected, do not neglect regular watering in the evening, using the sprinkler method. Such a kind of shower is necessary for cleansing from insect pests, as well as a favorable process for the development of the crown of a tree.
You should not water the tree during the daytime, especially if the temperature is high enough - with a sharp drop, the plant can get burned. As a rule, the water consumption per young tree is characterized by values of 20-30 liters of water.
The harvest time of an apple tree is determined by external signs - the fruits of summer varieties should acquire a color from yellowish to white, have a peculiar aroma and reach the desired size, and also be easily separated from the branch itself.
If an early harvest is planned, oddly enough, in some cases it is even more welcomed - slightly, slightly unripe fruits are characterized by a longer shelf life than those that are already fully ripe and are about to fall to the ground.
The apple tree is one of the most common trees that delight you and me every year with its delicious and ripe fruits, which are also incredibly useful for the human body.
Grow your apple orchard correctly, take care of it and do not be too lazy to huddle it up for the winter - one way or another, and she will be especially grateful to you for additional protection during the harvest season. Good luck to you!