Plum belongs to unpretentious fruit trees. It does not require special care and attention. But weather surprises can harm an abundantly flowering tree. Unexpected snow and frost on May days in the middle lane will lead to a minimal plum harvest. Experienced farmers and, by contrast, organic fans advise using fertilizing and mulching. They believe that this will help to get good results even in unfavorable climatic conditions.
Mulching and feeding plums in early spring
The first important period of plum tree care comes immediately after the snow melts. Growers must create favorable conditions for the growth and development of roots. Mulching fruit trees will help this process, will be able to warm the root system and it will begin its vigorous activity.
With the arrival of early spring, mulching of the root zones of the plum is carried out. A thick layer of compost or rotted manure is laid out in the trunk circles. The color of the mulch in this case is of great importance, since the sun's rays are attracted by dark colors. This means that the sun will warm up the mulched areas well and the roots will begin to actively take all the necessary nutrients from the soil.
If the root system is working actively, then the tree will not only bloom luxuriantly, but will soon receive a large amount of ovary. In the future, the mulched areas can be used for planting flowers or siderates. These plants will not only decorate the site, but will also maintain soil moisture and bring many more benefits.
To provide the tree with maximum help and support, mulching alone is not enough. Foliar dressing is also needed. Fruit trees during flowering, especially in unstable and often cold weather, need additional nutrients.
From the beginning of flowering to the formation of the ovary, fruit trees must be sprayed with special biological products once a week. You can prepare the spray mixture yourself. This will require one liter of water, one tablespoon of "Extasol" and a couple of "Healthy Garden" granules. This mixture will strengthen the plant's immunity, become a stimulant for its rapid growth and development of fruits, will prevent pests and become a prophylaxis against various diseases.
Such bio-spraying and mulching guarantees the fruit tree protection from adverse weather conditions, resistance to spring frosts and sudden snow. The trees are reliably protected and therefore can give the maximum possible fruit set, and in the future, a bountiful harvest.
Plum dressing after flowering
After the end of flowering and the completion of the formation of the ovary on plum trees, the next equally important period begins. It is at the time of fruit development that the tree will need even more nutrients. Root and foliar feeding will help to compensate for their lack. Spraying with biological products must be continued.And as a root top dressing, you can use "bread" fertilizer, which is poured into the tree trunks once a week.
It is prepared like this: for some time you need to collect and dry all grain waste, then put them in a large bucket (approximately filling a third of it), fill everything with warm water and add about a half-liter can of manure and ash. Leave all this mixture to infuse for a day. The finished top dressing must be diluted with water before watering (for one part of the fertilizer - ten parts of water). Fertilizer is desirable to apply to wet soil.
Mulching and feeding plums in autumn
When the last crop of this season is harvested, you can move on to the next step in caring for plum trees. Right now, the buds are being laid for the next year and the tree still needs support in the form of top dressing.
The biological products that were sprayed can now be spilled directly into the trunk circles (before the onset of the first frost). With the arrival of severe cold weather, re-mulch the soil around the trees. Use rotted manure as mulch. This will help the trees to protect themselves from various diseases and keep the moisture necessary for the plant.
