How to Prepare Soil for Fruit Trees
- 1). Conduct a soil pH test. You can purchase a test kit at a local gardening supply store. The type of fruit tree you want to grow will determine the pH balance you need for the soil. Citrus trees need to grow in a pH balance between 5.5 to 6.5. Most other fruit trees prefer a balance of 6.0 to 6.5. Collect samples from between the top 8 to16 inches of soil.
- 2). Add additional phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium or lime to the soil according to the results of the soil test. Improve your soil's pH balance a few months before planting. Lime raises the pH balance of the soil. Wait a month prior to adding any nitrogen to the soil, because lime and nitrogen counteract each other. Nitrogen increases the chlorophyll production in plants, thus promoting fruit tree growth. Phosphorus is essential for good root development and potassium helps the plant with photosynthesis.
- 3). Test the soil's moisture draining capabilities. Fruit trees must be planted on well-drained soil. Grab a fistful of soil and squeeze. Soil that easily breaks up is too dry, soil that produces water droplets is too wet and soil that is malleable in the hand is adequate for planting fruit trees. Avoid planting a tree in an area with improper drainage.
- 4). Clear the planting area of any grass, weeds or other plants. New fruit tree seedlings may fail if they have to compete for water and nutrients with other plants. Avoid using weed killers by digging up the vegetation a foot away from the area being sure you get all of the roots.
- 5). Dig a hole that is at least two times the width of the fruit tree's root ball. Avoid digging a hole that is any deeper than the root ball. If the soil is compacted, make the depth of the hole slightly larger. Refrain from disturbing the bottom of the hole, so that the fruit tree won't sink into the ground.
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