2021 Spring Home and Garden

Page 36 2021 Spring Home & Garden LINCOLN DAILY NEWS April 22, 2021 Regular fertilization programs using the major nutrients should begin in the second year, if it is even needed. The best time to apply is during early spring in the Midwest to allow the tree to best use the fertilizer. For the home orchard, fertilize with an even analysis fertilizer such as 10-10-10. The first number is nitrogen, the second is phosphorus, and the third is potassium. Fertilize fruit trees based on nitrogen needs. Many rules of thumb exist for fertilizer rates and growth rates of trees. Fertilizer rates are .1 pounds of nitrogen per years you have had the tree in the ground. A tree you planted 10 years ago would be one pound of nitrogen, so 10 pounds of 10-10-10 spread in the root zone of the tree. For growth rates, trees which haven’t started bearing fruit should grow about 15 to 30 inches per year. Trees bearing fruit should grow about half of that per year. Less growth means add some fertilizer, and excess growth means cut back. The last item to cover is spray programs. These are really necessary to produce quality fruit, and keep leaves healthy. For the most part, sprays are needed every 10 days to two weeks from spring to fall. Start when the leaves are about a half inch long, and stop CONTINUED u