When, where and how to properly plant an apple tree on the territory of a country house
A fruit tree with beautiful juicy fruits is found in almost every garden. To enjoy its fruits all year round, it is important to know how to properly plant an apple tree in your area. There are several principles that will help you achieve your desired goal. Let's analyze them step by step.
Choosing the right time
If time, for some reason, is lost, the seedlings are stored in the ground until spring. A hole is pulled out about 60 cm deep. The north side is made vertical, and the south, with a gentle exit. The trees are carefully laid so that the roots do not come into contact with each other. Sprinkle on top with coarse sand and watered. When frosts come, the seedlings are completely covered with earth, leaving only the tips of young shoots on the surface.
If the apple tree is planted in the spring (in the south), then more efforts are made to preserve the culture. The planting deadline is mid-April. In such a short time, the apple tree will not be able to take root and gain strength. In addition, the crop is regularly watered with plenty of water. And to protect from the scorching sun, they build a temporary shelter.
In the middle latitudes, apple trees are planted in spring. For example, in the middle lane, around the 20th of April. In the Urals and Siberia, the right time is after May 15. Thanks to the cool climate, the tree will successfully root and even grow. After 7 months, it is ready for the first wintering (we are talking about seedlings with an open root system). Instances with closed roots are planted from April to mid-autumn.
Regardless of the season chosen, planting begins before the buds swell or after the foliage is shedding.
Choosing a quality seedling
Most often, gardeners purchase planting material from specialized nurseries or on the market. First of all, they learn:
- fruit crop variety;
- suitable soil composition;
- terms of placement;
- care rules.
Then they decide what size of an adult tree they want to see in their garden. And whether it is suitable for this site. It is important to consider the depth of groundwater. For example, tall varieties of apple trees are suitable for areas where groundwater is at a depth of 3 m. They usually grow up to 8 m in height. The maximum crown diameter is up to 5 m. The distance between crops is about 6 m.
Apple trees, up to 4 m in height and 3 m crown, successfully develop on a site with an average water occurrence of 2.5 m.Dwarf varieties are planted at a minimum level of about 1.5 m.
Long-term contact of the apple tree root system with groundwater gradually weakens it.
Regarding the age of the plant, we note that one- or two-year-old seedlings are considered the most successful options. Determine it by the number of young branches. Those apple trees that have lived for 1 year do not have shoots. And biennials have a maximum of 3 branches located at an acute (45 °) or right (90 °) angle from the main trunk.
When examining the proposed trees, several important points should be considered:
- flawless appearance of the root system;
- shoots without growths;
- lack of blossoming leaves;
- bright green color of the wood under the bark.
The quality of the roots is checked using a simple procedure. Gently pull on the root, holding the young trunk. If it breaks, it means that the decay process has begun in the system. It is better to refuse a seedling.
To protect the roots from damage, they are wrapped with a wet rag during transportation. Cover the top with a film and carefully tie it with twine.
Selection of varieties by region
Before figuring out how to plant an apple tree correctly, choose suitable varieties.
For the Moscow region and middle latitudes, agronomists offer varieties:
- "Helena";
- "Moskvichka";
- "Imant";
- "Pippin".
In the Urals, it is preferable to grow:
- summer variety "Melba";
- autumn view "Medunitsa";
- winter apples "Antonovka", "Ligol".
In Siberia "White filling", "Ranetka", "Souvenir of Altai" feel wonderful. In Ukraine: Williams Pride, Gala Mast, Rubin. On the territory of Belarus: "Champion", "Luchezarnoe", "Aydared", "Koshtela", "Antey". There are many other varieties that you need to consult with experts before planting in your area.
Characteristics of a suitable site
To grow a good culture, it is important to take a responsible approach to the preparation of the territory. After all, the duration of her life depends on this, as well as the annual yield. The apple tree does not like cold northern winds, which means that a site with natural or artificial protection is suitable.
It is served by:
- tall trees;
- dense fences;
- utility or residential buildings.
It is good if they are located on the north side of the selected area. However, at such a distance that there is no shade. Tall varieties are planted about 6 m from artificial protection, dwarf species, at least 3 m.Otherwise, the culture will stretch upward, dampness will form around it, which will lead to various diseases.
Wetlands are not suitable for a tree, as well as places with a close location of groundwater (depth 1-2 m). The best option for planting a fruit crop is a rested land. Especially if it was grown on it for 3-4 years mustard, alfalfa, rape or wheat.
It is strictly forbidden to plant an apple tree in the place of an old tree.
Ideal soil for fruit crops
There is an opinion that the apple tree develops successfully on any type of soil. In fact, this is a great delusion. The yield, appearance and taste of the crop depend on the composition of the soil.
Agronomists advise you to pay attention to a number of serious points of suitable soil:
- loose structure;
- slightly acidic pH level from 5 to 7.5;
- the presence of humus (up to 2%) and an abundance of microorganisms.
If you do not take into account generally accepted norms, the apple tree will suffer. For example, clay soil delays the flow of oxygen to the underground part of the plant. As a result, a number of diseases appear. The culture withers, yield decreases and frost resistance is lost. Acidic and alkaline soil has a similar effect. To be sure, it is advisable to do an agronomic study of the soil.
If this is not possible, observe the vegetation of the territory:
- acidic soil - moss, mariannik, crowberry;
- medium acid soil - wild rosemary, mint, bearberry;
- neutral surface - quinoa, nettle;
- alkaline earth - sagebrush, sedge.
As you know, the apple tree prefers moist and well-plowed soil. The ideal soil for a plant is:
- black soil;
- loam;
- sandy loam appearance.
The increased level of acidity of the ground cover is treated with an alkaline solution. To do this, dilute 100 g of lime in 5 liters of pure water. The poor soil is fertilized immediately before planting a fruit crop on the site. Fertile land brought from a forest or field is poured into the pit. The soil is re-cultivated every 3 years. Deep holes are dug around the apple tree, and then filled with fresh soil.
Weakly acidic soil is fertilized with horse manure or wood ash is added.A high alkali value is neutralized with:
- vermiculite;
- sand;
- high-moor peat.
River sand, humus, slaked lime and sawdust are added to the heavy clay soil. Before planting apple tree seedlings, sow any siderates... Before flowering, they are mowed and the land is thoroughly plowed. If the soil is sandy, humus, lime, clay and potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are added to it. Even peat land needs nutrients. Compost, sawdust, manure, phosphorus and potassium substances are added to it. Of course, black soil is the ideal soil for culture.
For the fruit tree to develop successfully, the topsoil must be fluffed regularly.
How to plant an apple tree in the country: preparing a pit
After determining the soil, proceed to the arrangement of the funnel. As a rule, it is dug in the spring for 2.5, and in the fall 6 months before planting. Ideally, it should meet agronomic standards for funnel width and depth. Also, the parameters of the pit depend on the type of soil and plant variety. For tall trees, it is dug with a depth of 70 cm and a width of 90 cm. For medium-sized species, a size of 70 to 80 is suitable. For dwarf apple trees, 60 to 70 is enough.
On the stony ground, a funnel is hollowed out with a depth and width of about 70 cm. Two perpendicular trenches (40:40) 4 m long are dug along the center. They are covered with fertile soil and special fascines made of metal rods are installed. They are located at a distance of 60 cm from the center of the pit. Thanks to this design, moisture and liquid fertilizing goes directly to the root system.
You can protect the rods from silt with the help of roofing material, which is used to cover the structure. In late autumn, the top is covered with earth or peat.
Although clayey soil is not entirely suitable, there are some things that can be done. The goal is achieved due to the width of the pit. Since the clay layer begins at a depth of 50 cm, the funnel is dug about 20 cm.At the same time, its diameter is made about 150 cm.
If you plan to plant an apple tree in the fall, dig a hole in mid-April. Before starting work, spread a strong plastic wrap, where the earth is folded. On the right, put the top layer, on the left - the bottom. They try to loosen the bottom with the help of construction scrap. Then wood ash, humus and nitroammofoska are added to the soil and mixed thoroughly. First, the upper soil is returned to the pit, and then the lower layer is put. In a few months, the fertile land will settle and will be ready to "accept" a young tree into a new garden.
How to properly plant an apple tree with an open root system
When the time comes, a seedling is taken out of the shelter or purchased at the nursery. Examine its root system, the condition of the bark and branches. Next, a solution is prepared. A growth stimulator ("Zircon", "Kornevin" or "Epin") is added to pure water, mixed and poured into a volumetric container. The rhizome of the tree is lowered there for 2-3 hours. While the reaction is going on, a funnel is being prepared.
A hole is dug in the central part of a previously prepared hole, and a small mound is formed inside. It should match the size of the roots of the young tree. Next to it (distance 15 cm), a wooden pole up to 1.2 m high is hammered.
Next, they apply the basic rules of how to plant an apple tree correctly, following them in stages:
- the seedling is carefully lowered into the hole;
- the rhizome is placed on a mound so that the neck is at its top;
- carefully cover with earth;
- periodically compact the soil.
After planting the apple tree, the root collar of the tree should be 3 cm above ground level. A similar rule applies to grafted plants. The points of connection with the crop should rise above the soil.
It is convenient to adjust the planting depth using a wooden lath.
To give the apple tree stability, it is tied to a pole, previously dug near the hole. Then a trench is formed around the trunk for irrigation. Fill it with water several times after it is absorbed.The seedling is pruned, leaving a maximum height of 100 cm. Tall trees are placed in an area a maximum of 8 m from other fruit or ornamental crops. For undersized, 5 m is enough.
Planting apple trees with ZKS
Seedlings with a closed root system (ZKS) are planted in open ground according to the classic scenario. There are only a few nuances.
Let's consider in stages how to properly plant apple trees from the ZKS, at their summer cottage:
- the seedlings are taken outside for acclimatization along with the container;
- the funnel is pulled out in accordance with the size of the soil clod;
- remove the plant from the container, after filling it with water.
If you cannot remove the seedling from the container, it is carefully cut. When the roots are packed in a metal mesh or burlap, the tree is planted with them. In the ground, the fabric will rot, and the metal will gradually lose its properties. A young fruit crop will appear in the garden next year.
Columnar apple varieties are placed at a distance of 100 cm from each other.
Spring planting of cuttings
Gardeners who love what they do often experiment. It turns out that you can grow an apple tree from cuttings. Only small-fruited varieties are suitable for the case.
The procedure consists of a number of works:
- in early January, a lignified branch is chosen on a tree up to 2 years old;
- make several breaks at a distance of 20 cm from each other;
- the marked places are covered with a plaster or electrical tape;
- the branch is fixed and left on the tree until spring.
Thanks to the procedure, the plant releases growth components that are aimed at eliminating damage. In the spring, the bandages are removed and the branch is cut into cuttings at the fracture points. Place them in a container. Pour in water mixed with activated carbon. After a month, the cuttings will take root. When they grow up to 15 cm, they are transferred to the territory of the future garden. Consider how to plant an apple tree with cuttings to get the perfect tree.
First, prepare the bed. Dig it up thoroughly. Depending on the type of soil, fertilizers and additional components (sand, peat, humus) are applied. Make holes according to the size of the root system. Cover with glass jars. Water it regularly. After a while, planting material for the garden will appear on the site.
It is advisable to dig up the soil one day after precipitation. If there is a drought in the yard, it is first watered abundantly, and then they begin to work.
Using green branches
There is another way to plant an apple tree on the territory of a country house. For the process, you will need green cuttings, which are chosen during the first month of summer. In the early morning, young shoots up to 30 cm long are found on the tree. They are cut and then divided into cuttings. Each leaves 4 kidneys. The upper cut is made above it, and the lower one - immediately after the kidney. The leaf plates in the place of future roots are removed. The upper leaves are shortened by 2 times.
They are planted in a container or on a site, following the instructions:
- prepare loose soil (add humus or compost);
- sand is poured on top (level about 5 cm);
- poured abundantly with water;
- cuttings are planted at a distance of 2 cm from each other.
Above the landing site, a small greenhouse is made of transparent plastic film stretched over arcs. From above it is slightly shaded so that the sun does not scorch the green cuttings. Water the plants 2 times a week with a spray bottle. For acclimatization, the film is regularly removed. Thanks to this, the seedlings will be able to grow in height and take root.
Long-lasting method - from seed
Growing a crop with such a laborious method requires special efforts. It is mainly used by breeders. However, assertive gardeners can still try.
The process consists in the following actions:
- choose ripe fruits that hang on the periphery of the culture;
- cut in half;
- remove seeds;
- choose the best specimens.
The planting material must be undamaged, fully matured and colored bright brown. It is thoroughly washed with water several times, stirring actively with a wooden spatula. Due to this, an inhibitory substance will leave the surface of the seeds, which inhibits germination. The resulting material is soaked for 4 days. The water is changed daily. Then the seeds are stratified.
A substrate is poured into small trays, which is prepared from sand and peat (3: 1). Sprinkle abundantly with water. Place the seeds so that they do not touch each other. Leave it indoors for 7 days. Then they are sent to the refrigerator for up to 3 months, where the temperature is maintained at + 4-5 ° C.
The prepared seeds are planted in spacious boxes. Drainage is poured at the bottom. On top of it is fertile black soil. Tamp down slightly. Make holes 2 cm deep at a distance of 20 cm from each other. Seeds are placed at intervals of a maximum of 3 cm. Crops are moistened with a spray bottle. The emerging and hardened shoots are transplanted into separate trays. Rooted trees are transferred to the garden bed.
In the article, we told how to properly plant an apple tree at a summer cottage. We noted the terms. Sorted out the varieties by region. We learned how to choose a suitable place for culture. Investigated the types of soil and ways to improve its properties. It turns out that planting an apple tree is not at all difficult. The main thing is to take into account the advice of specialists.