How to grow trees in your garden... Trees Step 4 FEEDING •Keep your trees happy and healthy by using organic based fertilisers. These products do more than feed the plants they also feed the soil and encourage earthworm and soil microbial activity. •Feed fruit trees annually after flowering finishes in Spring using a complete fertiliser, then monthly using either seaweed based tonic or a flower and fruit fertiliser. •Add a handful of fertiliser per square metre once a season, then cover with mulch. •Use a Lime Sulphur spray to protect your tree against pests and disease. Step 5 PRUNING •Prune early with clean sharp secateurs. •All branches except the central leader should be cut back about 2/3rds. This will give the tree an attractive shape and let air into the centre of the plant. How to grow trees in your garden... Tips! 1.Dig a hole 2-3 times the size of the root ball and mix in plenty of compost with your existing soil. 2. Never put fertiliser down the hole! It will burn the roots and kill your tree. Seasol planting gel is the exception. 3. Remove the plastic and sawdust and trim any broken roots. Gently place tree roots in prepared hole and backfill with soil and compost mix. If grafted, keep the graft above the soil surface. 4. Create a well around your tree (or use a greenwell) 5. Water in very well with a Seasol solution. 6. Continue deep soakings 2-3 times per week throughout first and second season until tree has established. NOTE: Water until area is saturated. Scan this QR code with your smartphone to view more inspirational ideas! www.plantsplus.com.au îs.27164_JUNE 2013 Trees Trees can provide the perfect framework for your garden. There are so many varieties to choose from, such as shade trees, ornamentals and fruit trees, which can reward you with Spring blossoms, Summer fruit and Autumn colour displays. Step 1 CHOOSING THE RIGHT TREE Bare Rooted Purchasing bare rooted deciduous trees and shrubs is the most economical way to establish your garden. Popular varieties include Cherries, Apricots, Plums and selected Autumn foliage trees. •Look for plants with strong main roots. •Choose the plant with the shape you want as the shape won’t change much from now until maturity. •If selecting a weeping specimen such as Cherries or Elms the branches should be spread like spokes on a wheel. Dwarf Trees There is no need to avoid trees just because your backyard is small. Many compact trees with non-invasive roots and well-behaved limbs fit into today’s smaller gardens, even into courtyards. Japanese Maples, Silver Birches and Magnolia Little Gem are some varieties that grown well in small areas. Fruit trees also grow well on patios and in courtyards. Dwarf fruit trees still produce full sized fruit and often have good yields. Try a Meyer Lemon or Golden Delicious Apple. •When planting dwarf trees in pots, use a good quality potting mix such as Plants Plus Terracotta and Tub. •Water regularly and feed with an organic fertiliser such as Plants Plus All Purpose Fertiliser. Step 2 SOIL PREPARATION AND PLANTING •Give deciduous trees and shrubs the best start by planting them in Winter. •During the cooler months deciduous trees slow their growth and become dormant. During these months it is the best time to plant new trees and shrubs before new growth occurs. •Keep the roots moist until planting. •Before planting consider how big the tree or shrub will be at maturity, think about where you want it planted for shade or the view from your window. •Ensure the graft is kept well above soil level (at least 10cm). •When planting your tree, loosen the topsoil, add some gypsum, then cover the roots with organic matter. •Make sure the hole is broader than the extended roots. •Back fill the hole with organic compost. •Water in well to remove air pockets, then gently trample down soil. •If your tree doesn’t display good growth in Spring it may be planted in a damp or too shady position. Consider moving it to a sheltered full sun position in Winter when growth is dormant. Step 3 WATERING Tip! Fertilise bare rooted trees in Spring after rain with a well-balanced organic fertiliser such as Plants Plus All Purpose Fertiliser. Trees love to be drip fed as it delivers slow trickle of water that seeps down into the soil to the roots. Ask your local Plants Plus Garden Centre about an irrigation system today.
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