Prepare Soil Now for Successful Berry Bush and Fruit Tree Growth
Gardeners, take note: preparing your soil and planting holes correctly is key to successful sapling and fruit tree growth. Here's a step-by-step guide from horticulturists and agricultural experts.
Start a week early by digging holes for saplings. This allows the soil to settle, providing a stable base for your plants. For berry bushes, enrich the soil with compost, superphosphate, and potassium salt or wood ash. A hole 50-60 cm in diameter and 40-50 cm deep is sufficient for these bushes. For fruit trees, go bigger: 80-100 cm in diameter and 60-80 cm deep. Ensure the hole size accommodates the root system.
Place a 10-15 cm layer of drainage material at the bottom of each hole. Crushed brick, gravel, expanded clay, or pebbles work well. This prevents waterlogging, keeping roots healthy. When digging, separate the top fertile layer from the bottom infertile layer. Experts like Erwin Seidemann recommend this for optimal nutrient management.
Thorough fall preparation of planting holes ensures sapling roots grow stress-free and receive nutrients for years. Follow these steps for successful berry bush and fruit tree planting.