Tree planting tips for beginners?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009 at
7:23 pm
My husband and I do not have green thumbs. We love having plants, but we always forget to take care of them!
We really want to plant a pear tree…but I am worried that we are biting off more than we can chew.
Should we become more experienced gardeners before we plant a tree; and do fruit trees require more care from us than we can give?
Does anyone have any other tips for us to keep in mind when we are planting a tree?
Filed under: Planting
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Mix up a small amount of peat moss with the soil when you plant the tree. Water with 3 or 4 gallons when you plant.
I suggest you plant a sour cherry tree. "Montmorency" Will require little to no work. When it’s dormant all you need to do is trim the top to keep it from getting too tall.
A pear tree might work but stay away from the apple and peach trees unless you plan on spraying all the time.
Mandy, go right head and plant those pear trees
Pears are a good choice for beginning gardeners, since they don’t require the maintenance, pruning and spraying that apple trees do. Here’s a few tips.
You will need TWO pear trees so that they’ll pollinate each other. Be sure to plant them in full sun. Keep them well-watered during the first summer; once they’re established, they will be fairly maintenance-free. Unless your soil is very poor, there’s probably no need to fertilize this year, but you may wish to work some compost into the newly-dug hole when you’re planting them.
There are many good varieties of pears to choose from, but in my orchard, the best producers are the old standby "Bartlett". One important note, Mandy—you must harvest them before the pear turns yellow, and allow it to fully ripen OFF the tree. If you wait ’til they turn yellow to pick them, they’ll be over-ripe.
You’ll do fine if you remember to water them three times a week until they go dormant in fall (rainfall counts as a watering!) Good luck–enjoy your pears!
yes it would be a good idea to have 2 trees but if there is another pear tree in your neighborhood I would not worry about planting two. If you are not sure what variety grows well in your area contact your USDA county extension agent or consult with a good garden center. But I would choose a variety that is resistant to fire blight. When planting the tree dig a whole three times as big as the root ball and place the tree at the same level in the ground as it was in the container. I would not admend the soil you back fill with as the tree must get use to the soil it is going to grow in. Make a berm around your tree to help hold the water. Mulch around the tree well as this will help to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Always check the soil before you water the tree as too much water is just as bad as not enough. When you water the tree give it a long slow drink of water. If it is not raining one inch a week water your tree. Hope this helps