There are no apple trees in the rare garden. They grow almost everywhere: almost from the Far North to the southern regions of Russia. What gardener can refuse this tree, the fruits of which are good not only processed (preserves, compotes, juices, jams, jam), but also fresh? Apples contain a huge amount of trace elements that are useful for the human body. In this regard, novice gardeners are concerned with an important question: how to plant an apple tree correctly and at what time of the year to do it?

It is best to plant trees in early spring and late autumn. In this case, the seedlings take root well and grow quickly. Recently, however, many nurseries have been offering gardeners a huge range of closed-root planting material (in pots and containers). Such seedlings can be purchased and planted in your garden not only in spring and autumn, but also in summer. True, in this case, you should pay attention to the weather conditions: if there is a strong heat, it is extremely undesirable to plant even such seedlings. The optimal time for planting seedlings with a closed root system is May-June, August-September.

Where is it better to plant an apple tree on the site

First of all, on the personal plot, you need to choose the right place where the apple tree will grow. This business must be approached seriously, it is unacceptable to plant seedlings anywhere. Attention should be paid to the illumination of the site. The apple tree, like many other garden plants, does not tolerate shading by other crops. In no case should it be planted next to tall wild-growing neighbors (oak, pine, birch, maple). The best neighbors for her will be other apple trees, pears, plums, apricots (giving fruits with seeds).

Best neighbors are other apple trees

It is also necessary to remember about the distance between plants. Tall apple trees are planted 5 m from each other, between medium-sized ones should be from 3 to 4 m, and undersized and dwarf apple trees can be safely planted at a distance of 1.5-2 m from neighbors.

Important! Columnar apple trees are planted even less frequently. The optimal spacing between them is 50-60 cm in a row and 1 m between rows.

Another important factor when choosing a site is that the site must be protected from cold northerly winds. The southern slopes are best suited. In addition, the apple tree has a negative attitude towards groundwater located close to the soil surface. It is strongly not recommended to plant trees on swampy, saline soils. Plants will be hard to grow, and if they do, they will not give a big harvest.

What kind of soil does the apple tree like?

The queen of the garden, as the apple tree is sometimes also called, is generally not demanding on the soil. It can grow and bear fruit well on completely different types of soil, but, as previously mentioned, it is best to avoid saline and swampy areas.

The apple tree grows well and bears fruit on sod-podzolic, gray forest, chernozem soils. However, it is recommended to bring them to neutral before planting. In extreme cases, the soil for the apple tree should be slightly acidic. Also, apple plantings will grow well on loam and sandy loam soils.

Important! It is recommended to lay apple orchards in areas where vegetables previously grew. Experienced gardeners are advised to refrain from planting seedlings in places where similar trees have recently been uprooted. The soil should rest for 5 years. At this time, it is better to plant garden crops there.

Novice gardeners are often interested in how to plant an apple tree on clay soil? The landing in this case is somewhat different from the standard one. First of all, you need to know that it is not worth digging a planting hole deeply - a maximum of 50 cm. But the hole is made wide enough in width - about 1 m.All clay soil is thrown out of the hole and fertile soil is poured there. It is also recommended to add 3-4 buckets of humus or compost to each pit, mixing with soil.

What kind of soil does the apple tree like?

Experienced gardeners also recommend making drainage grooves for rainwater to drain. This should be done due to the fact that clay soil does not absorb moisture well, as a result, the water will stagnate, and this will negatively affect the growth and development of almost any garden culture. In this case, the drainage system is not necessary. Branch ditches or grooves will do the job well.

How to plant an apple tree in spring: a step-by-step guide

Most often, gardeners plant apple seedlings in the spring. This is explained by the fact that before the onset of low temperatures in the fall, the young plant adapts to the conditions of a particular area and leaves in winter already strengthened.

It is possible to start planting trees in spring when the soil thaws and warms up. It is best to do this in the second half of April - the first ten days of May.

Prepare the pit

A pit must be prepared at least a week before planting. Dig it 60 cm deep and 60-80 cm wide. If the soil is poor, then first fill it with good soil (compost, humus). You should also apply mineral fertilizers, which will provide the seedlings with nutrition in the first 2-3 years of their growth. To do this, add 50 g of urea or ammonium nitrate and 50 g of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers to each planting hole.

Important! It is advisable to prepare a pit for spring planting of an apple tree in the fall.

Before sending the roots of the seedling to the hole, it is recommended to place it in a solution with root for a day. During planting, the tree is not buried, since the grafting site should be 5 cm above the soil level. The planted plant is watered abundantly, 1-2 buckets of water are poured onto each seedling. After that, the hole is mulched to keep moisture in the soil longer.

Important! It is better to install a strong peg next to the seedling, to which the tree should be tied. This is necessary so that a strong wind does not break the young apple tree.

How to plant an apple tree in autumn

The autumn planting of an apple tree is also practiced, but unlike the spring one, in no case should you be late with it. The seedling must settle in a new place (give new roots) before the onset of low temperatures. That is why in central Russia the optimal time for planting young apple trees is early October. Most often, autumn planting is carried out in the southern regions, where there is stable warm weather throughout October. In the northern regions, planting apple trees in the fall is not recommended.

Add fertilizer

A planting hole for a seedling is prepared in a month or at least 2 weeks. The depth and width are the same as in spring - 60 and 80 cm, respectively. If the soil is poor, then it is enriched with compost or humus. Mineral fertilizers are also added - 50 g of urea or ammonium nitrate and 50 g of phosphorus fertilizers. The seedling should not be deepened; the root collar should be 5 cm above the ground level. In this case, the trees must be tied to a strong support, since winter strong winds can easily break a young plant. After planting, the apple tree is watered abundantly, 2-3 buckets of water are poured onto each seedling. The soil is mulched.

Planting a closed-root apple tree in spring and summer

Seedlings with a closed root system have a particular advantage over conventional planting material. They can be planted outdoors almost at any time of the year. However, in the hot season, it is better to plant seedlings with a closed root system in cloudy weather or late in the evening, when the air temperature drops and the sun goes down.

Preparing a pit for a seedling with a closed root system is no different from a standard planting, but there is one difference - a tree planted in summer must be protected from the bright rays of the sun at first. For this, four strong pegs are driven in around the young plant. A thin material is attached to them. An old sheet will work, but not a thick one. It will scatter the sun's rays and protect the young plant from sunburn.

Note! In extreme heat, it is recommended to abandon planting apple trees with a closed root system. It is better to land on days when the air temperature during the daytime does not rise above 25 ° C, taking into account the long-term weather forecast

Planted seedlings with a closed root system are thoroughly watered. Immediately after planting, 2 buckets of water are poured onto each plant. Watering is done throughout the season: in dry weather 1 time per week, and in cool weather - 1 every 2 weeks. In this case, the soil should also be mulched so that the moisture does not evaporate quickly.

How to plant an apple tree in the Middle Lane and Yaroslavl in the spring

It is necessary to start planting in Central Russia and Yaroslavl in the spring season only when the soil thaws to a depth of 60 cm and warms up. As a rule, this period occurs at the end of April or at the beginning of May. A pit is prepared before planting. It is dug to a depth of 50-60 cm and 80 cm wide. The pit is filled with fertile soil, since it is no secret that many summer residents of the Moscow region have heavy and clayey soil.

Important! If the soil is clay, metal sheets can be driven into the ground along the edges of the planting hole. They will prevent excess moisture from getting to the root system of the tree.

Organic matter (compost, humus) and mineral fertilizers are added to each pit. The seedlings are attached to strong supports so that the strong wind does not break them. For columnar apple trees, dough is not required, since they themselves do not grow too large. After planting, the trees are watered and mulched abundantly. Sawdust, humus, compost or peat can be used as mulch.

Features of planting an apple tree in spring, purchased at the nursery

In recent years, many summer residents, including beginners, tend to buy planting material not from ordinary sellers on the market, but in special nurseries. This is explained by the fact that they will not slip a "pig in a poke" there, but will offer the variety that the gardener was looking for. In addition, nurseries often offer interesting varieties and species.

It is also necessary to plant the seedlings purchased in the nursery correctly, first of all, choosing the best place for them in the country. The seedling area should be sunny and protected from strong winds. To do this, you should study the wind rose and in no case should you plant trees where the north wind often blows (the most dangerous for many cultures). Apple trees grow well on almost all types of soils, but they do not like clay, swampy and salty soils. Loamy and sandy loam, light soils are well suited for her. A seedling bought from a nursery is also watered abundantly and attached to a peg so that it will not be broken by a hurricane.

The plot must be sunny

At the same time, experienced gardeners do not recommend grabbing all saplings in nurseries. First of all, you need to find out what varieties the garden center offers. It is advisable to write them down and study them calmly at home (you can find descriptions and instructions for growing any varieties on the Internet). Next, you should pay close attention to the winter hardiness of the variety. If a seedling does not withstand severe winters, and its planting is designed in such an area, then it is better to abandon this variety and choose a more frost-resistant one.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the age of the seedling. One-year-olds and two-year-olds take root best of all, but three-year-olds will adapt for a long time after planting. Considering all these conditions, it is not difficult to choose a variety that will not only perfectly accept and grow, but will also give an excellent harvest of delicious apples in a couple of years.

Not all gardeners know how to plant an apple tree in the spring so that it has time to strengthen before the onset of cold weather. Obtaining valuable and useful fruits is a goal that all summer residents strive for. To get a good harvest after planting in spring, you just need to adhere to some simple rules.

Choosing the right time for planting will not be difficult, as soon as the thermometer began to show above zero, you can start work. If you live in southern latitudes, planting can be carried out as early as mid-April. In the middle lane, work will begin a few weeks later, but in the North it will be possible to plant an apple tree only in May.

Purchase of seedlings

If a 2 year old seedling is being sold to you, then it must have several skeletal branches and a well-formed root system. Pay attention to the bark, there should be no cracks or other damage on it. The height of the seedling should not be less than one and a half meters.

A plant below such a mark indicates that the care for it was incorrect, but an apple tree that was too tall did not receive enough fertilizer and moisture.

Pay attention to the fact that the purchase of seedlings in October is not permissible, as there should be no leaves on the young tree. At the end of the summer season, the apple tree begins to prepare for the winter cold.

The seedling that was dug up in September did not pass the preparation stage. The leaves on the tree help the moisture evaporate. It is unlikely that such a plant will be able to survive in winter.

The harvest will depend on regional conditions. It is better if the tree is adapted to the climate in which it will grow. If the conditions are too different, the plant may not bear fruit at all.

Pay attention to the roots of the seedling, they should not be dry. When transporting the plant to the site, cover the roots with damp material and wrap in a plastic bag.

Site selection

When determining the place of residence of the apple tree, remember that it should grow 3 meters further from the edge of the site. Groundwater should flow at a distance of one meter from the soil surface. If the groundwater runs higher, then the seedling is planted at a height of about a meter.

An ideal place would be to grow an apple tree where fruit trees have not yet grown. Rowan and pear will be excellent neighbors for this tree. Better not to plant an apple tree next to a walnut. The peach will have a bad effect on the development of the tree, but there will be no problems with the plum.

The planting site is selected taking into account the type of tree. If the apple tree is tall, then it is better to place it on the north side of the site, but the undersized one, on the contrary, on the south.

So lighting for any tree will be quite enough and no one will shade each other. Save 4 free meters between planting pits. The crowns of trees should not interfere with each other, just like the roots.

Planting instructions

Before planting, a pit is being prepared. Preparations begin in the spring. If you skipped this step, then start preparing the pit at least 10 days in advance. The topsoil is the most fertile. When you start digging the planting hole, divide the soil into 2 layers and spread them separately.

Pit size parameters:

• For trees growing from 2 meters, the diameter of the pit should be 1 meter, and its depth should be 70 cm;
• Trees from 1.2 meters in height require holes with a diameter of a meter and a depth of 60 cm;
• For trees below 1 meter, the hole should be 90 cm in diameter and 50 cm deep.

Soil preparation

It is quite simple to check the condition of the soil, drip the earth with a shovel, if it easily passed through the soil, then it is ready for planting an apple tree. If the soil is too clayey, add a little sand to it. On the contrary, sandy soil can be diluted with peat and humus.

Yes, the bottom of the landing pit is covered with chipped brick. It's great if you use walnut shells instead of bricks. This will ensure good drainage and retain moisture and nutrients.

Planting stages:

1. Yes, the bottom of the pit, add fertilizers in the form of superphosphate and sulfuric acid, you can also add wood ash and humus. Fertilizers are mixed with the soil of the upper layer, and half of the pit is filled up;
2. Fill the rest of the pit with fertile soil so that a hill 20 cm high is formed. So you exclude the option of subsidence of the seedling;
3. A peg must be placed in the center of the elevation. Place the young plant in the center of the hole, spread the roots well and cover with earth. Tamp the edges of the planting pit more. Water the plant well;
4. Shorten the seedling into several branches, this will help the formation of the crown in the future;
5. After planting, you need to make a hole and water it with water, you need about 40 liters of liquid. The next watering of the plant is done in a week.

More details about spring planting in the video:

Thus, a short landing pattern can be defined, namely:

• Place the seedling in water for a couple of hours before planting;
• A hole is dug in a pre-prepared planting pit;
• Place the plant in the hole so that the peg is on the south side;
• Spread out the roots gently;
• Water the plant with water at room temperature;
• Fill in the earth quickly before the moisture has yet had time to absorb;
• Wait a little and start compacting the soil;
• Tie a young apple tree to a peg;
• Water the hole;
• Lay a layer of mulch in the form of cut grass or hay;
• Trim the seedling to form a crown.

Possible problems

When planting, thickening should not be allowed, as this can lead to the following problems:

1. The likelihood of contracting fungal diseases will increase;
2. In close-packed thickets, insects and pests are more common;
3. The quality of apples will become worse, their size will decrease;
4. The fruits will ripen much longer, and the harvest will be small.

Planting an apple tree near large trees is not worth it, they take a lot of nutrients and moisture from the soil. This can help dry out the plant.

Remember to use a drainage layer when planting, otherwise the ground will expel air and the plant will suffocate. With the wrong choice of the site, moisture may accumulate in the depression, from which the apple tree will die.

The orchard has always been an attribute of the dacha economy. This is an integral part of the personal plot. One of the main fruit trees is the apple tree. Newly made summer residents strive to buy high-quality apple seedlings in order to create a beautiful, fertile garden. When the seedlings are purchased, the next step is to prepare them and plant them in the soil. But how to plant an apple tree correctly and avoid mistakes?

The apple tree planting technology is very simple. A novice summer resident can also do this. It is only necessary to observe some generally accepted rules so that in the future the tree will bear fruit normally and please with a good harvest.

There are 6 technologies for growing seedlings.

• One-year-old.
• A branched one-year-old.
• Two-year plan.
• Clip baum.
• Modified two-year plan.
• Modified clip baum.

Each of these technologies has advantages and disadvantages. One of the most common seedlings is the standard biennial tree. But there is an innovative approach to the germination of seedlings, which is much more effective - the Clip baum technology. The finished seedlings are planted directly into the open ground. This must be done no later than 24 hours after purchase.

When is the best time to plant apple trees?

Many summer residents are interested in the question - when is it better to plant an apple tree? The most optimal period for most regions is mid-October. This time is characterized by high air humidity and frequent precipitation. In such conditions, the seedling easily adapts to the external environment. In addition, this is the period when the sap flow inside the tree stops, and it prepares for winter. Autumn planting of apple trees is carried out according to the standard scheme:

• Digging holes (up to 60 cm deep).
• Planting the tree and spreading the roots in the hole.
• Filling the hole with soil.
• First watering.
• Filling up the soil.
• Second watering.
• A few days later, cracks may form in the soil, they need to be loosened and filled up with soil.
• Since sap flow in the trees stops in autumn, further watering will not make sense and will not bring any benefit to the young seedling, and may even harm.

In winter, the trees are in a state of complete dormancy, and vital activity is maintained at a very low level. Despite this factor, it is not recommended to plant apple seedlings in frozen soil, since the root system simply dies off when exposed to harsh conditions.

There are some cases when it is allowed to plant young tree seedlings in the soil in winter. This process depends entirely on the region, weather conditions and extreme necessity. In addition, only two-year-old or more mature trees (up to 5 years old) are planted.

If by mid-October the climate in the region is too harsh for planting seedlings (severe frosts appear, too cold and damp), this event should be postponed to spring. How to plant an apple tree seedling in the spring?

The apple tree should be planted or transplanted in the spring in late March - early April. If by this time the first flowers have appeared on the tree, they must be removed in order to allow the tree to grow stronger and gain strength.

The planting process is very simple:

It should be remembered that it is strictly forbidden to tamp the soil with your feet, as this can damage the root system. A weakened tree will not be able to recover and may dry out.

In both spring and autumn, a young apple tree needs to be supported. It can be placed at a distance of 20-30 cm and a tree can be tied to it. Some summer residents recommend creating a triangle of three supports, reinforced with each other. This is necessary in order to protect the tree from strong gusts of wind and to provide a clear vertical orientation of growth.

In addition to the autumn and spring planting of seedlings, the summer period is also suitable for this event. But it should be noted right away that this should be done only with a closed root system. This is due to the fact that during the active growing season, the seedling simply may not take root in a new place. Therefore, in the summer, apple trees are planted in very extreme cases.

What are the requirements for a site for planting apple trees?

The selection and preparation of a site for a young garden plays an important role in obtaining a large yield, normal development and the formation of an apple tree crown in a young tree. These factors depend on compliance with the following requirements:

For more efficient development and pollination, young apple seedlings should be placed close to each other. Tearing them apart with another kind of fruit tree is not recommended.

At what distance to plant young apple seedlings?

Some summer residents, striving to get a good harvest, try to plant the maximum number of seedlings in the allotted area for a young garden. This is a wrong action, since limited space is not beneficial, but detrimental to future trees and, accordingly, to the harvest. How to plant apple trees on the site?

There are several rules that must be followed and considered when creating an apple orchard:

• Landing scheme... By adhering to the planting scheme of seedlings, you can provide the necessary space for each young tree. Distance indicators completely depend on the variety and technology of seedlings germination. The optimal planting scheme is 2.5x4 m.Apple trees, rooted in a wild supply, are placed according to the 3.5x5 m scheme. If the future trees are tall, the distance between them should not be less than 4 m.
• Accommodation... It is best to place trees in strict squares (you should measure the corresponding square - its corners will be the places for planting apple seedlings).

Columnar apple trees do not require much space. How to plant a columnar yulon? Its shape allows it to be placed at a smaller distance from each other, since they do not take up much space. Such apple trees usually do not grow tall. It is very convenient to harvest from them. Columnar apple trees are placed in a line at a distance of about 1.5-2.5 m. You can plant them in a checkerboard pattern, but such a scheme will significantly complicate care and harvesting.

Planting and survival of an apple tree seedling, video

A rich apple orchard is the pride of any summer resident. It bewitches in spring with a white fragrant cloud of flowers and pleases with bright colors of ripe fruits in summer and autumn. To grow healthy trees and get good yields, you need to know the rules for planting seedlings and the peculiarities of caring for them.

When is it better to plant an apple tree

Apple trees can be planted in both spring and fall. Planting dates depend on the climate of a particular region. The main condition is that the plant must be dormant.

Spring is the best time for the central and northern regions

For the central and northern regions of Russia, it is preferable to plant seedlings in the spring, as soon as the air warms up and the soil thaws to a depth sufficient to dig a hole. But it is necessary to carry out planting work before the buds swell. Depending on weather conditions, the favorable period is from mid-April to 10 May. During the spring planting, the trees will have time to take root well, increase the aboveground part, get stronger and more easily survive the winter cold.

Apple tree seedlings are planted in early spring, before the buds swell

Do not wait until the soil is completely thawed and the plant begins to flow. If planting too late, the tree will not have enough moisture, it will become sore and stunted.

However, during spring planting, you should regularly take care of the seedlings in the future: cover them with agrofibre during return frosts or too bright sun, observe the watering regime so that they do not die from drought. In addition, at the beginning of the season there is a much smaller selection of planting material than in autumn.

In southern Russia, gardeners plant apple trees in the fall

Planting apple trees in the fall should be carried out 3 weeks before the onset of frost, so that the earth is still warm and the plants have time to take root in a new place. Autumn planting is best suited for the southern regions, where the air temperature remains above zero until the beginning of November, and in winter the thermometer usually does not drop below -10 ° C.

In autumn, apple seedlings must be planted 3 weeks before the onset of cold weather

If the plants are planted too early in the ground, due to long daylight hours and high air temperatures, they may begin to grow shoots and foliage, as a result, immature seedlings will not have time to prepare for winter and will freeze. If you postpone planting to a later date, the trees will not have enough time to take root before the onset of cold weather and freezing of the soil. And, even having managed to grow new roots and take root, seedlings in a winter with little snow, when the temperature drops, can freeze and die.

A young apple tree, planted in the fall in compliance with agricultural technology, will survive the winter without damage and in the spring will delight you with the first flowering

The optimal timing for autumn planting in central Russia and in the north is September, until mid-October, in the south - October, until mid-November. When exactly depends on the variety of apple trees. After all, trees can only be planted at rest, when they drop their foliage. And for varieties with different ripening periods, such a period does not occur simultaneously. Weather conditions also have an impact.

Video: in what time frame is it better to plant seedlings of fruit trees

Planting fruit trees according to the lunar calendar

Experienced gardeners carry out planting work on the site in accordance with the lunar calendar. After all, it is known that the phases of the moon and its passage through different zodiacal constellations affect the development of plants. Planting on a certain lunar day can accelerate their survival and growth.

When determining the timing of planting an apple tree, you should take into account the recommendations of the lunar calendar

The most favorable period for planting apple trees coincides with the growing moon. Lunar energy stimulates sap flow up the branches and leaves. It will be easy for even demanding and delicate plants to take root in a new place; by the next lunar phase they will have time to gain strength and get stronger. Small damage to the roots at this time when planting or replanting is not so dangerous.

Seedlings planted taking into account the lunar calendar will take root faster: this is not superstition, but a proven fact

On the waning moon, the life of plants slows down, the juices rush down to the roots. When planting, you can accidentally touch the root system, which will lead to a deterioration in the condition of the seedlings and even their complete death. Therefore, it is undesirable to carry out planting work on these days. It is not recommended to plant and transplant fruit trees also in the new moon and full moon - they will be especially vulnerable, significantly lagging behind in growth. On the waning moon, they only prune branches and form the crown of trees, treat pests and diseases. Having chosen the days when planting work is most effective with the help of the lunar calendar, one can confidently expect that new apple trees will quickly take root and begin to bear crops very soon.

Features of planting container seedlings

Seedlings with a closed root system can be planted in the garden all season, even in summer. They are planted by the transshipment method, without freeing the roots from the soil. Container plants are easier to transport and take root in a new place painlessly.

Container seedlings can be planted all season, they have 100% survival rate

In summer, it is advisable to choose cloudy weather for planting or in the evening hours after sunset. The planted apple trees are initially shaded from direct sunlight with a white cloth, and the soil is kept moist. In hot weather, spray with water in the morning and evening.

Apple tree planting scheme

The correct choice of site largely determines the longevity and productivity of the apple orchard.

Where is better to plant

Apple trees are best planted on a flat area with a slight slope to the south, southwest or southeast. With this arrangement, the garden will be well lit, evenly warmed up by the sun. So that gusts of wind do not damage the young plantings, and in winter the snow does not blow off, it is advisable to place them along the fence or outbuildings, but not in the shade.

When preparing a site for an apple orchard, make sure that there is enough space between the plants, they should not shade each other

It is not recommended to plant young trees in the place of uprooted old ones. The roots of a dying apple tree secrete phloridzin into the soil, which will oppress the seedlings. Better to plan your landing a short distance from this location.

Our ancestors necessarily planted an apple tree near the house, believing that it has magical and healing properties: it bestows beauty, health, attracts happiness and wealth.

Wetlands, closed pits are not suitable for an apple tree: stagnant water can cause root rot. Vigorous apple trees with a height of more than 8 m with a powerful root system, penetrating to a considerable depth, can be planted in areas with occurrence of water layers at least 3 m from the surface. For semi-dwarf trees with a height of 4–5 m, the location of groundwater at least 1.5 m will be optimal. Apple trees on a dwarf rootstock with a more superficial root system will be quite comfortable in areas with a groundwater level of 1 m.

The removal of excess water from the summer cottage can be carried out using surface drainage

With high watering, you can make drainage grooves or fill in additional soil, raising the area by 80–100 cm. But you should be aware that apple trees planted on hills require frequent watering and a thick mulch layer.

For tall apple trees, a large area is required - it is necessary to leave 5–6 m between them so that over time the overgrown branches do not intertwine. Dwarf trees are planted at intervals of 1 m. Mini-apple trees of the columnar type can be compactly located in a small summer cottage at a distance of only 50 cm from each other.

Soil composition of the site

The best soil for an apple tree is loam... On such soil, a tree grows with dense wood, frost-resistant, giving more tasty fruits. It grows well in areas with loose sandy loam soil, which provides oxygen to the roots. Planting apple trees on clayey places is undesirable: they develop slowly, are susceptible to disease, and bear poor fruit. If it is not possible to find another place for the apple orchard, you can add sand to the clay soil, 2 buckets per 1 m 2: it will become looser, allowing air and water to pass through.

The best soil for apple trees is loam, they have a large supply of nutrients and do not cause difficulties in processing

The apple tree easily tolerates a slight acidification of the soil, but on strongly acidic soils it is inhibited. Excessive content of acidic compounds in the earth negatively affects the growth and development of plants. In this case, lime (500 g / m 2) is added to the site before planting.

Indicator plants will help determine the acidity level of the soil. Shepherd's purse, clover, cuff, coltsfoot grow in areas with neutral acidity. On acidic soils, sorrel, moss, horsetail, and cat's paw are often found.

Selection of seedlings

You can buy healthy seedlings in fruit nurseries, where each plant is supplied with a certificate indicating the variety, age and brief recommendations for planting and care. Experienced gardeners advise choosing one- or two-year-old apple trees with a smooth stem and a developed root system. At 7-10 cm from the root collar, the trunk should be compacted - this is the grafting zone, which means that the tree is varietal. If spots are visible on the branches, the bark is damaged, mold is on the roots - such a seedling should not be taken, it will not only hurt itself, but also be a source of infection for neighboring trees. Plants purchased on the eve of frost are added dropwise in the garden or stored in a cold basement until spring.

It is better to purchase annual apple tree seedlings, they take root well and allow the gardener to form the crown to his liking

How to properly plant apple seedlings

If the planting is planned to be carried out in the spring, the site is prepared in the fall. For autumn planting, preparatory work begins at the end of August. The soil is dug onto the bayonet of a shovel, after removing the weeds, it is leveled. At a high level of acidity, the soil must be alkalized with lime (500 g / m 2). Then they dig holes: for trees of vigorous varieties - 100 cm wide, 70 cm deep; for medium-sized people - 100x60 cm; for the undersized - 90x50 cm. 3 buckets of humus, 100 g of superphosphate and 100 g of potassium salt (or 500 g of ash) are added to the fertile layer.

Before planting an apple tree seedling in a pit, the soil should be fertilized; for this purpose, complex organic products are usually used

On loamy and clayey soils, and especially in areas with high groundwater levels, it is important to add loosening agents. You can fill the soil with organic fertilizer AgroProstrost: 10–20 liters of vermicompost is mixed with the ground before planting. The seedlings are kept in Kornevin's solution - a root formation stimulator for 24 hours.

Step by step guide

1. Pour a part of the earth mixed with fertilizer into the pit with a mound.
2. On the side, 5 cm from the center of the pit, a wooden stake 1 m high is driven in.
3. The seedling is placed in a pit. Spread the roots in different directions along the earthen mound. The container plant is transferred along with a clod of earth.

   An apple tree seedling is placed in a hole, leaving the root collar above ground level

4. Fill the hole with soil, holding the seedling by the stem and shaking it a little to tightly close the roots. Sprinkle the soil and trample down from the edge to the middle of the pit.

   The final stage of planting an apple tree: the seedling is carefully covered with fertile soil and the soil is well compacted

5. The root collar is not buried - it should be 5 cm higher than the ground. Gradually, the soil will settle, and the tree will take its normal position. With shallow planting, the roots of seedlings can freeze in winter and dry out in summer. With excessive deepening, the tree grows poorly and gradually dies.
6. The seedling is loosely tied with twine to a peg, making a loop in the form of a figure eight. This support contributes to the formation of an even trunk and keeps the fragile tree from swaying in the wind.

   The tie to the support "figure eight" protects the seedling from being swayed by the wind

7. A hole is made around the plant, pouring an earthen roller along its edges, and 2 buckets of water are poured in.
8. Well-moistened soil in the root zone is covered with a layer of hay and straw. Organic mulch improves soil structure, prevents moisture evaporation, and inhibits weed growth.
9. Immediately after planting, the seedling is pruned in the spring. For autumn planting, the shaping procedures are postponed to the beginning of the next season.

How to transplant an adult apple tree

When laying an apple orchard, you should plan in advance the location of fruit trees so that they are far enough from buildings, do not shade each other, and no further transplantation is required. However, when the garden is thickened or when farm buildings are erected on the site, it may be necessary to transplant the apple tree to another place. It is better not to touch old trees; plants no older than 6 years are suitable for transplanting.

In early spring, before the beginning of the growing season, or in the fall, after leaf fall, the apple tree is dug in a radius of 80 cm, some of the roots located at a greater distance from the trunk can be chopped off. However, a significant part of the root system should not be deprived of it - this will inevitably lead to drying out, besides, a strong wind can pull it out and knock it down.

An apple tree with a large clod of earth (so as not to damage the roots) is carefully transferred to a new place

Transplant process

1. A dug tree with an earthen lump is transferred to a new planting site.
2. A hole is dug with a larger diameter - 1 m, so that the entire root system of the tree fits and there is free space.
3. A fertile soil layer is mixed with 2 buckets of humus, part of the hole is filled with it and a tree is placed.
4. Fall asleep with a 10-centimeter layer of earth, tamp it and fall asleep again.
5. The hole is filled with soil layer by layer and each time it is compacted, which will allow the tree to be securely fixed.

After planting, the apple tree is watered abundantly with 5–6 buckets of water. Then cover the root zone with a layer of hay, straw or humus. Organic mulch loosens the soil, replenishes it with nutrients, retains moisture during the growing season and protects the root system from freezing in winter.

Video: how to dig up a tree for transportation

How to care for a seedling after planting

The planted trees need to be looked after:

• water regularly;
• feed;
• form a crown;
• to carry out the prevention of diseases and pests;
• insulate for the winter.

Watering and loosening

Young plants primarily need watering. If the soil is not regularly moistened, the root system develops poorly, the seedlings begin to wither and may die. Water them every 7 days, and in severe drought and more often, 30 liters of water.

Summer residents usually use ring grooves made around the tree. Water is brought in from a bucket or watering can gradually so that the soil is well moistened to a half-meter depth and moisture penetrates to the roots. In wet weather, additional watering is not carried out so as not to provoke the development of rot.

Water is brought into the irrigation grooves from a bucket, gradually, in order to deeply moisten the soil

On hot days, you can shower apple trees by watering them with a spray hose or using impulse nozzles. When sprinkling, branches, foliage, earth under the crown are well moistened, air humidity rises. As a result of this method of irrigation, the microclimate and development of the root system are improved, assimilation processes are activated.

Sprinkling can be carried out only in the morning or evening hours, so that the hot sun does not burn young leaves and less moisture evaporates.

In the industrial cultivation of apple trees, a drip irrigation system is used. Water is automatically supplied through pipes laid along the rows of plants, and through dispensers it enters the soil. To make the seedlings easier to endure the winter frosts, they are watered abundantly just before the colds.

In large gardens, drip (automatic) irrigation is used to irrigate apple trees, it is more convenient and faster than manual work

After moistening the soil as a result of watering or natural precipitation, it is necessary to loosen the soil. Since the fibrous roots are located superficially, loosening is carried out shallow (8 cm). Such an agricultural technique does not allow the formation of a soil crust, and provides good aeration. After allowing moisture to be absorbed, the trunk circle is covered with mulch. The mulching layer will reliably protect the root system from overheating in the summer and from freezing in the winter cold.

Top dressing

Seedlings planted in fertilized soil in the first year of planting do not need additional feeding. In the first season, they have enough of those nutrients that were introduced into the soil during planting. However, in areas with poorly fertile, depleted soil, plants do not take root well, it is necessary to increase the humus content in the soil. You can add a solution of the preparation Economik Bioconstructor (200 ml \ 5 l) under the tree, containing the necessary batteries. Or add 0.5 kg / m 2 of vermicompost.

Vermicompost is an environmentally friendly fertilizer that surpasses humus in efficiency

To accelerate the growth of roots and the aerial part, as well as to increase stress resistance in conditions of drought or changes in air temperature, it is useful to spray the tree with a solution of the Zircon immunomodulator (0.5 ml \ 5 l) after the buds swell, and after 2 weeks, re-spray.

From the spring of next year, the established tree begins to be fed. During the period of intensive growth of roots and green mass, it especially needs nitrogenous substances. Urea (50 g / m 2) is embedded in the soil to a depth of 15 cm or the soil is spilled with a solution of ammonium nitrate (20 g / 10 l). Instead of mineral nitrogenous fertilizers, organic matter can be used: a solution of mullein, horse manure (1:10), chicken manure (1:20) is applied under the tree at the beginning of the growing season.

In the spring, it is useful to feed a young apple tree with rotted manure with the addition of mineral fertilizers

To strengthen the root system, increase frost resistance, young plants need potassium and phosphorus. Superphosphate (30 g) and potassium salt (30 g) are scattered around the crown perimeter in the fall. Mineral additives can be replaced with ash (300 g / m 2). Over time, a grown tree needs more nutrients, and the amount of fertilizer increases.

On a note. By the appearance of the seedlings, one can judge what trace elements they lack. With a lack of nitrogen, young leaves develop poorly, become smaller, potassium deficiency is manifested by a pale color and deformation of the foliage, with a lack of phosphorus, the petioles and veins of the leaf plate turn red.

With a lack of nitrogen, the leaves turn yellow, plant growth slows down

Crown formation

They begin to form the crown of a fruit tree immediately after planting. A one-year-old sapling without branching is cut at a height of 80 cm. In a two-year-old, the central conductor is shortened, the branches are trimmed: they should be 15 cm shorter than the stem. During the next three seasons, they form a compact crown of a sparse-tiered type, laying one row of skeletal branches each spring. When a competitor appears - a strong shoot forming an acute angle with the guide, you should get rid of it. It is also necessary to remove tops, branches growing inside the crown.

They begin to form the crown immediately after planting the seedling, so you will quickly give the tree the desired look

Too much pruning of a young tree causes overgrowth of the shoots, reduces their winter hardiness and delays the onset of fruiting.

In a formed tree, the root is annually thinned out, getting rid of excess and diseased branches, and old apple trees are rejuvenated by pruning.

Video: pruning apple seedlings

Frost protection

For the central and northern regions, frost-resistant varieties adapted to cold climates should be selected. However, seedlings in the first 2-3 years should still be insulated. With a strong drop in temperature or a sharp change in frost with a thaw up to + 4 ° C, young apple trees may freeze the roots and the aboveground part. Spraying the crown before cooling with Silka, Ecosil, Novosil solutions (1.2 ml \ 6 l) will help to increase the viability of seedlings. The trunk circle should be covered with a 10-centimeter layer of humus, and the tree should be wrapped with agrofibre or burlap. The insulating material must pass air and water well, otherwise the bark of the tree will begin to heat up during the thaw. It will not be superfluous to tie it with prickly spruce branches on top to protect the seedling from mice and hares. You can spread poison baits nearby, updating them from time to time.

Before freezing, the seedling must be insulated with agrofibre, so the young tree will withstand the most severe frosts

Return frosts in spring are no less dangerous for young trees, especially during flowering. Delicate leaves and buds are incredibly sensitive to cold, the plant can stop growing and even die. Irrigation of the crowns with water or smoke will help to reduce losses from a sharp cold snap. When sprinkling water, freezing, gives off heat, saving the plants. You can simply moisten the soil with warm water (+10), spending 5–7 liters per tree.

Heaps of dry grass, branches, sprinkled with damp earth, with prolonged combustion, emit a lot of smoke, as a result, the air temperature rises slightly

Prevention of diseases and pests

Even after acquiring healthy seedlings, after planting them, you can sometimes notice signs of disease or pest damage. Unfavorable weather conditions, violation of agricultural techniques can affect. In this case, it is necessary to process the apple trees. It is advisable to use herbal decoctions for this, since chemicals can burn the delicate green foliage.

On young apple trees, especially those with external damage (frost holes, wounds after pruning) as a result of infection with a bacterial burn, the buds do not bloom, the tips turn black, and then all the shoots, the leaves curl, the bark cracks. The most favorable environment for the spread of bacteria is dampness at a moderate temperature. With the onset of the summer heat, the disease can fade away, and in the fall it can resume again.

Bacterial burn is considered a disease of young trees and is easier to prevent than cure

To prevent the occurrence of infection, it is necessary to carefully inspect the seedlings when buying, disinfect garden tools, and prevent plantings from thickening. As a preventive measure, trees can be sprayed with solutions of ash (200 g / 10 l), boric acid (10 g / 10 l), yeast (10 g of dry yeast pour 10 l of water, add 30 g of sugar, insist 2 hours), which suppress harmful microorganisms, increase the immunity of plants.

With significant damage, only antibiotics can save the apple tree. The trunk, crown and root zone are sprayed with solutions of Fitolavin (20 ml \ 10 l), Tetracycline No. tab. \ 5 l). Treatment is carried out at all phases of the growing season, alternating antibiotics with fungicides Skor (2 ml \ 10 l), Acrobat (4% solution).

The most dangerous pests of apple seedlings are aphids. Dry weather contributes to the rapid increase in the number of insects. In immature young animals, literally covered with sucking insects, the leaves turn yellow and curl, the twigs dry up, and growth stops.

Aphid colonies cling to shoots, apple leaves and suck out the juice, greatly weakening the plants

To combat the pest in early spring, when the buds are just beginning to open, it is necessary to treat the trees with solutions of ash (200 g \ 10 l), nettle (fill the bucket half with grass, fill it with water and leave it in the sun for a day. Then filter, add 100 g of soap and spray trees). In case of severe infection, the biological product Fitoverm (15 ml \ 10 l) will help to cope with pests, which does not cause burns to the foliage. Spraying of apple trees is carried out several times per season with an interval of 2 weeks.

It is better to use herbal remedies for processing seedlings, if this does not help, you need to move on to biological products

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How to plant an apple tree in the garden?