To ensure our Fruit Plants And Trees yield the best crop each year one of the things we must do is to ensure that soil around our Fruit Plants And Trees is in good condition. In this article we will explain step-by- step how to do this.
To facilitate seed germination, maintain hydration and provide nutrients in forests, nature provides a ground cover of organic material (mostly leaves) over the soil in the forest. 'To mulch' is therefore when gardeners imitate nature in providing this covering over the soil around plants, shrubs and trees.
What do gardeners use as mulch?
Gardeners can either use organic or inorganic material to mulch. There are various types of organic and inorganic materials that gardeners use. There are also advantages and disadvantages to using each material. For example, on the one hand, leaf mould (an organic material) is great for enhancing the condition of the soil but leaf mould requires a little management and takes awhile to decompose and become compost. On the other hand, black plastic polythene (an inorganic material) is easily available and cheap but doesn't look good.
Select what mulch you are going to use. As it is our aim is to get the best from our plants (so we can ultimately enjoy the maximum yield in fruit the plant can give) it is recommended that you use an organic mulch. Why? Your soil will benefit more from an organic mulch than an inorganic one. Organic mulch will (apart from providing a secure cover, help with hydration and stop weed growth) also assist in feeding the soil and in keeping away soil-borne diseases. Examples of organic mulch are: manure, leaf mould, mushroom compost, etc.
The optimal time to start mulching is during spring. Spring is the start of your gardening year. The decomposition process in your compost heap picks up as a result of the increased temperatures. Starting to mulch at this time is great because if you also are planning to commence planting in spring you need to ensure your bedding soil is well insulated should there be any sudden turns in the weather (as is not uncommon during spring). Mulching will provide this insulation.
Prepare the soil. Remove any weeds and ensure you get the roots out as well so they don't grow back into your mulch later on. Make sure that any mulch left over from the previous season is worked into the soil. Also, you need to ensure the soil is properly hydrated before you can commence adding your new spring mulch.
Ensure that the soil around your fruit trees is covered with a generous layer of mulch. Cover the soil with approximately 8 centimeter (3.1 in) of organic mulch. Spread evenly and not just at the base of the plants and trees. Add mulch to the soil of all the surrounding plants and shrubs. Be generous. You are looking for the mulch to commence a slow decay process and work its magic thereby enriching the soil around your fruit trees.
Well done. The soil around your Fruit Plants And Trees has now been enriched by mulching.
How much sunlight should an avocado plant get when it is moved outside? The plant is about 8 feet tall.
Plants being moved outside need some time to adjust to the high UV radiation in sunlight, so it should spend a couple days in dappled shade or the side of a building that gets morning sun only. After it has adapted to the UV, it can be planted in its final position. Make sure it is hardy enough to plant outside where you live.
The figs on my tree never ripen, what can cause this? I know others have been able to pick ripe figs in my area.
Make sure you have an edible species of ficus. The domesticated fig is the most common fig eaten, but others are also edible. Many wild ficus, however, have inedible figs.
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