How to Quickly Grow Fruit Trees in the Backyard Orchard
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2023
- Here I explain our secret for quickly growing fruit trees in our backyard orchard. These are fruit trees bought from a box store and this is how we get them to quickly and consistently produce fruit. This method works especially well with clay soil. Planting fruit trees in your backyard ensures that you have a reliable food forest for generations to come.
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I planted both my apple trees in 42” wide 17” high raised beds haha. I control everything now :)
Im really loving my soil right now. Im in Massachusetts, i have big rocks that i usually have to dig out. BUT my soil is super dark. Looks like compost and every time I dig i hit tons of earthworms. I went to fertilize my fruit trees and so i moved the mulch to get to the top of the roots and soon as i move the mulch wow. It was like a worm farm. Very happy.
That is awesome! It definitely helps if you have good soil to start with.
We just planted 24 varieties of fruit trees this spring. I agree we prefer to plant in fall but we just moved to our homestead here late summer...we have clay too and our garden soil had to be mixed with sand and a mixture of similar things you mixed yours with. The deer here are very aggressive so we did plan that extra mile and wrapped the tree with ten feet of 7 ft fencing with chicken wire around the bottom to keep rabbits out as well. We learned the hard way at our other place we lost about 8 out of our 12 fruit trees deers munching them down. It was a lot of work but worth it. We tamped three t bars into the ground and wrapped the wire fencing around the t bars. Some of our trees may need burlap wrapped around the fencing in winter we get -35 f at times.
There is a method called 'Hugelkultur' from Germany in the mountainous regions (we used this method to amazing results). The hole is dug a little deeper and wider. Soak roots of tree for an hour. Pour couple gallons water into hole. We gather rotted tree branches and small stumps and that becomes first layer on bottom, then composted soil mix on top, then layer of soaked cardboard, then soil, then tree. Wouldn't hurt to add composted manure in between the soil.
We learned that its the organisms in the soil that are alive and seeking starches from the tree roots in exchange for predigested minerals, that create the condition of strong immunity of the tree. When a tree is strong and healthy, pests and their larvae are not attracted to this tree, but they are drawn to a distressed and struggling tree especially those tree never pruned.
I assure you that clay rich soils contain plenty of nutrients. All I have is clay and sedimentary rock and everything I have planted (that is indigenous) thrives very well.
I agree. Clay soils are fundamentally the finest soil mix one can have in their garden and orchards...but the proportions are 40 clay/40 sand/20 black rich compost soil. This mix is a great target to aim for. Lots of hard work will pay off in future growing seasons.
So one of the problems with doing the hole this way, is that the roots grow easily in the compost but won't penetrate the hard clay. In five or so years the tree is totally root bound. Often when they die and you pull them up, there is a very tight root ball the exact size of the original hole just like when they come out of a pot that they have been in to long.
At least, rough up the sides of the hole.
That's exactly what happens with fruit trees that are planted in compost. Ideally, a little bit of compost can go in when planting, but it's much better to dress the tree with compost after planting so that nutrients are released slowly; this forces the tree to expand its roots. Also, fall planting is fine for southern areas, but spring will give the trees more time to establish roots before it's too cold here in the north country.
This can be the case in some instances. roughing the holes edges, a little bit of amendment in the hole and top dressing can help give the trees a better chance. Some of the trees on the orchard had to be moved a few years ago, and the roots were very impressive. Many of these trees are on their 7-8 years in the ground here. We are constantly working towards bettering our soils.
Thank you for this tip
This can be remedied by mixing compost into native soil which will stimulate roots to go out. However, plants will spread roots naturally with normal environmental pressures. If it dries out plants will expand roots to search for water.
Try planting Rosemary around the edges of the orchard to deter the deer.
Ive grown fruit trees for 20 years all ages, as expanding the orchard through time. Always fertilize under the tree, then add a bit of dirt so it doesnt touch the roots and the new roots grow into it. .
That rootball was fine, lots of feeder roots that he destroyed,without and large roots circling the bottom. If you do see circiling roots at the bottom, cut them by 1/2. My career was growing fruit trees.
Good advice. What fertilizer do you use?
Make sure you dont cover graft point with dirt or it will turn back into a crab apple
Deer will eat that sob down to the graft if u dont set up wire around it. Takes little effort to keep the tree protected from wildlife. I laughed at him saying "we scare the deer away when we see them"😂
Idiot deer favorite food! Can't be here 24 hrs!!!
@@Maugwabest method (affordable) for keeping out deer from new fruit trees, please? We cannot afford a fence around the perimeter right now.
"Great Channel, Instruction,
Instructor !"
Thank You Great Shepherd !"❤
😁👍
Thank you
Good job! Thanks for sharing your insights.
Make your own tree tubes with clear poly roofing, two sheets drill small holes down each edge, wire or zip tie together. Any size tree tube you need.
For deer get the Orbit motion activated sprinklers around perimeter (and a trail cam because deer reactions are cartoon level hilarious).
Add 2-3" of mulch on top of soil, your trees will be very happy.
I have hard clay soil as well in south Texas and follow the exact same steps with great results (fruit in second year mostly). It helps the tree get established faster instead of fighting for its life. Great video!
That's awesome. It really does make a difference in the overall health and production of the tree.
I have hard clay soil as well in south Louisiana. One thing I do different is I take as much of the top soil as I can get and some of the native clay from the hole I dug, throw it in a wheelbarrow and break it up into smaller pieces and do a 50/50 mix with my mix. As far as the water not draining, I use a plumbers probe and pop a few holes in the bottom to allow for faster draining. I also plant the tree about 4-6 inches higher than the ground level to allow for settling. So far it seems to be working like a charm
@@nuttygnomehomestead you should look into Korean natural farming it has things that help with hard clay soil using bacteria and fungus(the good kind)that is found in nature that can help soften the soil and fight bad bacteria and fungus in the soil it can also be used in many other was in farms if you raise animals that smell bad if can be used to remove the smell or at least lessen it
Thanks so much. I’ve lost several because I didn’t know what I was doing! I so appreciate your time and sharing. You’re a wise dude!
I'm glad I could help.
Should be square hole so roots break through corners and don't spiral. Should also plant them high because you don't want them to settle low which can lead to trouble. Thanks for sharing.
Absolutely we always ensure our trees are above the graft line. I have had to dig up several trees a few years ago to move them in our orchard. None of the roots were spiraled.
@@nuttygnomehomestead yeah the square hole vs circle is a myth, but something to consider is to mix the compost/potting mix with the clay you took out of the hole. the reason i learned from another tree planting video is if the soil you plant the tree in is way nicer than the clay it eventually has to grow into, the tree will be reluctant to do so and can cause the tree's roots to coil around in the rich dirt. that is why people think its because the hole was round.
I roughen/score the walls of the hole.
I also make my hole a lot wider.
@@kathleenredick275 that sounds dirty.... :P
@@noyoudontgettoknow8586 😂😂
May you be blessed from all yer hard work. I just got 8 fruit trees put in, just heard of permaculture orchard...trying that route. Nitrogen fixer then 2 trees & another nitrogen fixer, & so on. 2 shrubs between trees, on treeline, also 10-15 edible perennials around @ tree. Working on shrubs & perennials now. Stefan out of Southern Quebec is a great teacher on subject. I'm excited to get my hands back in the dirt !
There is nothing more therapeutic than getting your hands dirty. All of your hard work now will pay off big dividends later. Take pride in your hard work, you've earned it.
I definitely learned first hand about air pockets. Had leaves keep dying till i got that corrected
It happens, ive done the same thing. Glad you got it figured out.
Can you elaborate about gaps of air? Don't you want nicely aerated soil? I can see huge gaps being problems but isn't aerated soil good?
@@richc.2968 , yes absolutely, but aeration isn't something you control. When you put enough things into the ground you tend to realize what watering in the plant actually does. You gotta settle the roots calmly. You can't just drop a plug of dirt and plant in the hole and cover. That's the best way to look at it. Cover. It's not filling in which watering in does.
For watering your trees and making it less intensive, you might consider trying Remiawy 20 gallon watering bags for trees. They slow drip and water your trees, and they can help protect them from deer 🦌 as they wrap around the tree trunks.
Thanks for sharing 👍 ❤
I just bought a couple fruit trees and I'm excited to get them in the ground. Thanks for the tips!
You are welcome! What kind of trees did you get?
Great video! I learned a lot sir! Keep making videos!
Unfortunately you created an in ground “pot” for the tree. In the future you should put 50% of the soil back into the hole with your soil recipe. The roots will grow extremely well for the first 5 years and when the roots hit that clay soil they will start to choke itself out because it’s used to “stress free soil.” It’s never had to grow into thick tough clay and will take the path of least resistant and turn on its self. Also I’d recommend making the hole 3x the root ball size (for areas of clay soil) in width as well. Hope that’s helps and happy growing. (Just want ya to get the most from your trees)
Nice video. I suggest one thing. Before putting soil, make small holes in the bottom with crow bar or some iron rod. At the cent make a big hole with rod and rotate the rod so that it makes a canonical hole then put the soil. Roots will pernitrate into those holes and holds tight. It will give extra strength to the plant. I do with my plants like Mangos, Guava etc. Also it is better to put some stones. Roots will catch the stones and become strong. Plant will stand still for high winds.
That's a good idea.
Excellent information. Thank you
Never leave the walls of the hole slick and smooth!
You can use your shovel or spade to cut slices that will give the roots a starter slot to move out rather than going in circles. I also the spike side of a mattock to stab into the wall and then pry back just until I see the soil crack and lift a little. More pathways for roots to get through.
Great video. I'm going to try this with my new fruit trees
❤❤thanks a bunch, I am growing apple trees
Thank you allways learning
Nothing better than southern Illinois clay
Yep. But over the years we have been able to improve the soil. It's a slow process for sure.
you can strategically use some gypsum in your land if you have clay soil.
Absolutely! Gypsum is great for clay soil.
That’s exactly how I planted my fruit trees because my yard has very hard clay and you have to make it easier for the roots to grow strong and then they can go through the clay
Absolutely. We are always trying to improve our soil. We had gypsum and organic matter when we can. This helps break up the clay. We also plant cover crops that adds organic matter as well
THANKS FOR THE INFO,,, MANY BLESSINGS ❤❤❤❤
Thank you I have 2 peach 2 apples and a plumb I need to get planted so thank you for this vid
You're welcome
I'm happy fir you😊
Excellent information.....truly appreciate your video....The common sense approach, your speaking and sound levels are excellent. Thank you.
Thank you for the feedback
Great Video Sir
Thank you
Good content. Thank you.
To keep Deer away from any garden or orchard just run 30lb clear mono film fishing line about 18 inches high off ground. Then about every 8 ft tie on 1 foot of surveyor ribbon. they slow down at the ribbon and can't see the fishing line. When they touch the fishing line it freaks them out and they will not pass, and cant jump what they can't see. I have used this for years without any deer what so ever come into my garden. Thanks for the planting tips.... Kevin
That's a good idea. I'll have to try it. Thanks
I really like your idea of planting. Thank you this is very smart
Very good info. I have some apple trees
Just found your channel. Southern illinois here also. Union county. Thanks for the info.
You're welcome.
Wow learned a lot. Subscribed. Thanks. I was amazed over the angle of the branches and that you mentioned how you could use weights to make the branches 90 degrees. Made sense. Thanks. I want to buy a plum tree next month and was very interested in this.
Thank you!
I like to add a 4 inch layer of mulch in the spring before i plant in winter. The worms start breaking down the whole area making for easier planting. After planting i add 4 inches of mulch as well. I also mulch about a 6' square so the roots will grow wide.
Great advice. The mulch does well for weed suppression. And since the feeder roots are towards the surface, as the mulch breaks down it will feed the trees.
Good info! Thx!
You are welcome
Thank you
Thks fo great advise putting manure in the hole with potting soil is very healthy fo trees becos rain washed them away if put around plants.
Thanks!
You are welcome
Super Cool video! Loved the content and just subscribed!
Thank you!
When I plant my trees I leave the root ball one to two inches above ground in December about 4 months in April i have a few small fruits starting to show I'm in mid Mississippi red clay soil
think i need to do that with my next trees
Learned that if you will pop off a few firecrackers you won't have time worry about the deer
Every night?
I honestly see trees and plants as life. I actually feel sad when i see a plant fell in the store & is laying on the floor. Also ill go around like an employee and just lossen the dam tags because every time i check out fruit trees, the tags are all choking the tree and ill losen them all & i apologize to the trees for others not fixing it lmao. I do though
The tags do irritate me. I hate seeing trees with the tag so tight it starts girdling the tree.
I thought I was the only person that felt that way. I thought about volunteering to just water these tree in stores!
me too😊
I feel so bad when the plants and trees aren't watered in the stores, I don't understand why they bother even selling them if they don't care that they die.
@@gailsegal6843 same. It hurts me seeing that stuff. It makes me want to ask to keep it since I would take care of it better than they do.
Very informative,,thanks for shring,I'm planing tohelp my young friend and i mentioned he should planting fruit tree's and berry bush's thanks
You are welcome. Let us know how the planting goes!
what location is this in? we are in zone 8 b down in NC.. I am very piqued by what you have done. thank you for the detailed video !! congrats on working this on horse pasture .. we have to take what our developoers and builders have done - basically strip everything before they dumped sheet rock bits and shards and nails and stuff - sift through and rejuvenate our yard ..
same! And then they drove over it 1000 times with a bulldozer and compacted it to the point it may as well be concrete!
We're in zone 7a. Southern Illinois
I have hard red clay soil . I used weathered bales of straw and alfalfa and added it to the whole to help weather retention through our dry late spring through fall
That's a good idea. With heavy amounts of clay, we like to add a lot of organic matter as well as some gypsum to help break up the clay molecules. Bales of straw and hay are an excellent source of organic matter.
I would have mixed up all of it with som of that clay so no to get heavy light soil problem . looking like your doing well with it good for you.
Thanks
You're welcome
❤❤❤❤❤love your video from Gardening with kirk
Thank you
I have soil very similiar to yours. Two things that I also do in addition to everything shown is to take a pitch fork and stab the sides of the hole, otherwise the tree can become pot bound in the hole. I also mix about 40% of the native soil in with the added "good soil" to ensure soil capillary action brings water in from the surrounding ground.
Good advice.
We have started using a drill with wood bit to make deep holes throughout the lower sides and bottom.
I might raise up the tree a bit higher above original soil line(More of your good stuff in hole before putting in tree).
Really nice peach bud's started, will frost hurt already started tiny peach starts?
Unfortunately, yes. The frost can damage the peaches. However, the leaves on the trees may protect some of the peaches that already started to grow. We had a light frost this morning, and after checking our fruit, it does not appear we had too much damage.
Have you ever had an issue with the tree becoming root bound in the hole with all the loose easy soil? Do you have experience with it eventually breaking through the clay soil? Logically, it would make sense that the roots would eventually branch out and go through the clay soil to avoid turning on itself and dying.
No, many of the trees in Our orchard are going on 10 years in the ground. We have even dug up and moved a couple of the trees. Yes, they eventually expand into the heavy clay soil.
That is cool the way you plant you apples.
But have and Idea for the first time you
any tree. Use a pvc pipe. You find more information in " youtube."
👏👍🇺🇲
The PVC pipe method works. We have tried it.
kinda feel sorry for it. < -- Love that!
, N. How do you plant a cherry tree a black tartan cherry? What do you need to put in with its roots? I got the title up but I don’t know what to do next.
For the deer find a companion nitrogen fixer plant that the deer don’t like so much whether it’s by smell or thorns. Some do exist but it varies depending upon your area
That's a good idea.
Miracle grow and water is the easiest way
You should dig your holes square to help prevent being root bound. The roots are just going to go around and around in the easy soil. With square walls the roots are better able to punch through and spread out more. You also should have included more of the native soil. I think you will run into issues in a few years with trees being too root bound.
I use chicken manure worm castings perlite top soil mix.
That's a great mix. Hopefully my worms will be multiplying soon.
I just planted Persian lime, great Fruit, mango here in zone 9 question is how many years before producing fruit maybe they were in a gallon container Thanks
My Meyer lemon produced the very first year. However, to help establish a good root system I picked all the fruit off the first year. This allows them to establish well into their container before they begin to set fruit.
👍
I am retired in California. Now I am looking for modest home in suburban, where I can grow my own fruit garden and keep chickens.
May I ask is there any affordable homes with space for garden in were you live?
It's mostly farm land here. Occassionally you can find a house in the country with a little bit of land. But those are usually sold before they even hit the market. It's an absolute blessing I was able to get my farm.
How do you keep the bugs/insects and wasps off the fruit to keep it healthy and edible? We had fruit on our tree the second year but it was eaten by wasps. Peach tree in west Texas. Thanks
We like neem oil for pest control. Kaolin clay can be sprayed on the fruit to help prevent them from eating/boring into them. If wasp are an issue, hang a brown paper bag in a location close to the orchard. It mimics a hornet's nest, and hornets prey on wasp. Works well in your shop/garage too for wasp deterrent.
@@nuttygnomehomesteadthanks! We also had bores on our Red Oak that was a few years old and pretty much killed it. It is about 13’ tall and has 2-3 branches that are producing leaves. I dug up some around the bottom and the soil has white almost powdered looking substance about 5-6” down.
Hint he didn’t mention; always buy trees & shrubs in containers with real root. Bare root trees will barely survive summer.
Hi just found your channel
Thank you for sharing
What kind of grass is that you was saving to ues some were elsewhere
Thank
It's zoysia grass. Very sick lush green carpet-like grass. Makes for beautiful lawns. It spreads quickly, up to 10% or so annually. Anytime we disturb or zoysia grass, We save the patch for somewhere else in the yard.
Thank you so much for getting back I appreciate it
Week
How do you plant a sweet cherry tree a tartan, sweet cherry? How do you handle it?
We have only grown bush cherries on our farm. I don't have any experience with the Tartan sweet cherries. Our bush cherries we grow in larger containers.
Your soil is very much like mine but I'm on an island in the PNW with massive amounts of glacier rocks. My planting holes were done much like yours but the outer areas were jackhammered out to allow root growth expansion. So many of my neighbors put their trees and bushes in holes just like this and they go root bound. They literally choke the life out of themselves.
That's horrible. To put in that much work for them to get root bound.
Well crap I been planting trees the wrong way all my life here in red clay in Tennessee!I do have right around 16 fruit trees and put in 5 paw paw trees 2 years ago!have plenty of blueberries blackberries and all still living and will picking fruit this year good lord willing.i dig a hole set the tree or bush in put compost on top and pick fruit off in several years..who knew
How many years of growth do you have for reference with this method?
These trees have been planted between 1-6 years. All of our trees are grafted, which allows us to harvest fruit sooner. Being grafted, we typically seen fruit the 2nd or 3rd season.
what state are you in to give us more background, SW Florida here, alot of sand, small amount soil
We are in Southern Illinois, zone 7A
I have started an apple tree from seed. When should the first pruning be?
Starting apples from seed candy be a lot of fun. Often, the seedlings grow slowly. I would wait until the the seedlings are around 4-5' tall before attempting to prune. You can however train the tree for form. As a matter of fact, doing so at an early age will make pruning easier later.
We have new barefoot apples coming in a month or two… I need to find a way to protect them from voles!
I am in southeast Idaho… high desert mountains
Have been told to wrap the deep holes 6-12 inches deep with 1/8” hard wire
And then wrap the tree in hardwire as well…
If rabbits and voles are an issue, I highly recommend using the hardware cloth for protection. When deer are a concern, I use tree tubes.
😊 thank you
Every body does it differently.
Will the roots of the tree actually grow through the clay? I've heard that the clay will work like a pot and the tree can end up root bound even though it's in the ground. I have clay here in TN that's been heavily compacted because the house/subdivision is new.
Yes, they will grow through the clay.
❓ No cardboard on top for weed suppression?
No. We get a lot of wind here, and cardboard would just blow away. We have zoysia grass in part of our orchard, and the other part is in clover.
I mix my native soil with rabbit manure and compost. What’s your though
That will work. Anytime we can feed our soils and make them more fertile it's a good thing.
Hi , i recently bought persian lime tree from home depot its foot or more in height, should i plant it ground or wait n potted up bigger pot as scale till it gets bigger? I live in Houston tx.
I'm a big fan of sizing the pot to the plant. When I started my lemon tree, it was in a 1 gallon pot. Then I upgraded to a 5 gallon bucket. And then finally to a 25 gallon mineral tub. That allows me to keep a better adjustment on the soil. And it's easier to move around.
Hi. Houston TX too. Plant your lime in soil. Now okay. Make certain hole is draining good. Nice 1' wide donut mulch 8 " from trunk. If wilted in morning needs some water. Keep calendar of rain. Use a good organic mulch, none of that dyed stuff. Feed every few months w microlife, rabbit, chicken litter, guinea pig manure. Prepare to protect from any freeze, low temp, below 34°. Lightweight frost cloth cover, surround base w bags of oak leaves. After low temps return to 40's, uncover, remove bags. Keep trees below 7-10' to easily cover yr after yr. Contrary to the warming hype, Houston winters are increasingly erratic with frequent hard freezes. It's worth the effort to cover and protect your citrus. One grapefruit tree can yield 50 delicious juicy fruit. Sure go ahead and plant your little tree. Do it right and maybe put a white 1' high clrcle fencing to protect from traffic. Give her a name and keep a planting journal. Your little lime is now a member of the family. 🌱
Do I have to have more than 1 apple trree to produce fruit. I'm not sure what Strain, it is but I picked it up at homedepot. Any insite would be appreciated.
No, however having more than one can greatly increase production because of cross pollination.
That is the same that I have found, no longer are they using soil in potted trees or rose bushes, or berry bushes
Yes, it's those wood chips/shredded bark. A month sitting in the hot sun at the store and they look pitiful.
How far south are you? Started building my home orchard and vineyard in southern IL also. Upto 25 or so planted and 15 personal grafts il plant next year if they take.
We are in zone 7A. There are lots of orchards and wineries around here. Sounds like you are well on your way for getting an orchard started.
Yeah I think I'm on the new verge of 7a. But still 6b like I was last year.
Their isn't many more towns south of me in IL. I'm way down here
@@newbie_nugs Southern illinois here also. Union county. They changed our grow zone from 6b to 7a early this year. Used to be zone 7a started just north of Ullin where the hills end. Now 7a has extended north. I have planted 3 apple trees and a peach tree like 4 years ago. they seem to be doing great without any maintenance. gonna try different fruit trees this year.
What about squrls or other animals might try to devour the fruit from the trees?
Where do a pretty good job of thinning our squirrels out during season. The dog does a pretty good job at running off the ones we miss.
Hello I have fruit apples but they became rotten do you spray them with some
It's important to know what to spray for and when. Are you dealing with insects, if so what kind? Or is it fungal issues causing the problem?
When bying fruit trees the tag stated not to add amy fertilizer until next season. Im confused now.
Synthetic fertilizers are the most common, and can severely burn new roots. That is why the tag says not to add it. However, natural organic fertilizers like compost or rabbit manure are not as aggressive and can be added when planting. This kind of fertilizer well not damage your roots.
My golden delicious apple keeps getting yellow leaves, ive fertilized, watered im about to give up on it this is second year, i have clay soil also i did amend it at planting. Mine was horse pasture too.
Please don't give up, fruit trees are a wonderful gift that keeps on giving.
Do you have cedar trees around? Cedar apple rust will leave yellow/brown leaves.
No Cedar trees around but started when my neigh ors apple tree turned yellow but he somehow fixed it, I asked him but he wouldnt tell me what he did. I cut off the bad looking yellowing leaves added magnesim and Calcium. See what happens. Hopefully it helps.
I live in California I have fertilizer 999 in my shed. Can I use that for fertilizing my plants?
Absolutely, use what you have. A 9-9-9 is a balanced fertilizer. The NPK is represented by all numbers relatively equally . I recommend fertilizing no more than once every 7 to 10 days.
Should I water my fruit trees every day?
No. What fruit trees we recommend if 5 gallon bucket once a week. Especially if you plant them in the spring. Fall tends to be a little more wet around here, so we can get away with water in them every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the conditions.
Too bad Iowa farmers didn't think about topsoil instead of money and chemicals, oh and the check in the mailbox(no tax)
Here in Southern Illinois, we are seeing more farmers move to cover crops to help build soils and reduce the application of fertilizer and weed killer.
What do you use to keep the squrls from eating the fruit or all other animals from eating or damaging the trees? Mabe bugs too?
For bugs we use neem oil. For squirrels and other animals, we have dogs that run them off.
Eat the squirrels
Unless the tree has been grafted the tree needs
to only be planted as deep as the graft in fact just under the graft ….. ❤
Yep. We don't want any sprouts coming off from under the root stock. We try to go about an inch below the graft.
I was at Lowe's yesterday. All of their berry bushes were dead! They let them just dry up and die. How is that cost effective to anyone?
That's such a waste
I have noticed that myself everywhere I go, the plants are all dying from lack of water.
watched a video on young apple trees....guy said, first 5 years pick off all the blossoms, so you don't have ANY apples.....It lets the tree get taller & stronger....then at year 6, let it take off....it makes a better tree long term...
Absolutely, that is a good way to get a good established tree. Our first year we pick the blooms off the trees. And any subsequent apples we may have missed. We like to let the tree establish a good root system before they attempt to put on fruit. This little sacrifice early will allow us to reap big rewards later.
@@nuttygnomehomestead In the past, when i planted apple trees, they all died w/ in 2 years....I think my soil, isn't "good enough"....just too many problems so....this time i went w/ a persimmon & two Pear trees...maybe they'll survive...?
I don’t have rabbits but I do have cows. Can I do the same with cow manure?
Cow manure needs to be composted before being used due to weed seeds. I like to compost my cow manure for 6-9 months with wood chips and grass clippings. This tends to get it hot enough to kill the weed seeds.
Cow and horse manure good. Compost for 6 months min, keep lightly moist. OR soak the manure in construction tub for a few weeks. Rot out the weed seeds and beware the high acid ph. Dilute 2 parts water-1 part tea The tea makes good fertilizer, both on soil and/or aerial spray. Shred the well soaked manure to mix in garden, top off pots. Worm love it.
I’ve given up on growing anything, the bloody squirrels are stripping everything bare before they are ripe.
Don't give up. I plan on doing a video on how we mitigate squirrel, deer, and raccoon damage later this year.
They may be thirsty, try setting up a bird bath or just put a large planter saucer on the ground nearby and fill it every day with fresh water; then they may be less likely to take a bite out of fruit. You can also add some hot sauce to water in a spray bottle and spray it on to deter them and deer.
Get some cats
We have new barefoot apples coming in a month or two… I need to find a way to protect them from voles!
I am in southeast Idaho… high desert mountains
Have been told to wrap the deep holes 6-12 inches deep with 1/8” hard wire
And then wrap the tree in hardwire as well…
6:41
Yes, lol, however.....as kittens they will be swinging on the branches....mine have broken branches on several fruit trees....can't win!