Fertilizing apple and pear trees in the fall: do it before frost
Fall is the time when trees prepare for winter. To help them overwinter well and produce a good harvest next year, you need to fertilize them.
Apple and pear trees need to be fertilized with phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen. Phosphorus promotes the development of the root system, potassium increases frost and disease resistance, and nitrogen promotes leaf growth and fruit set.
In October, you can fertilize apple and pear trees with organic fertilizers such as manure, compost, or humus. Organic fertilizers not only provide trees with essential nutrients but also improve soil structure.
Read also: When to dig up gladioli in the fall and how to store them until spring
You can also fertilize apple and pear trees with mineral fertilizers in October. Fertilizers such as superphosphate can be used for this purpose.
Organic fertilizers are usually applied in the fall after the leaves have fallen. Mineral fertilizers are applied in dry weather. Before fertilizing, the soil must be dug to a depth of 10-15 cm. The fertilization rate depends on the age of the tree and soil fertility.
According to the Telegram channel "Dacha. Garden and Vegetable Garden", in October, pears and apple trees should be fertilized with potassium sulfate (30 g per 1 square meter of the trunk circle). You can also use a complex fertilizer according to the instructions on the package or feed trees with potassium monophosphate by diluting 10-15 g of the substance in 10 liters of water. Apply 10 liters of the solution per square meter of trunk soil.
It is noted that fall fertilizers should not contain nitrogen. Otherwise, the tree will begin to sprout shoots. In the fall, you need to promote the lignification of young shoots and bark to make it easier for trees to cope with winter frosts.
As a reminder, we've shared 5 useful tips for caring for indoor plants in the fall.
If you want to get the latest news about the war and events in Ukraine, subscribe to our Telegram channel!