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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 11, 2006 12:26:37 GMT
I bought an apple tree last year, and planted it in a half barrel, it did very poorly, fruit wise (just one apple) and I think it needs to be planted properly in soil, (its in a mix of JI no.3 and manure) as its still got most of its leaves should I plant it now, or wait until the leaves fall?  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 11, 2006 22:11:36 GMT
Anybody?
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Post by Plocket on Oct 12, 2006 7:26:28 GMT
I don't think you'll have any problems if you plant it now - autumn is actually a good time to plant trees and shrubs because the ground is more moist and the air cooler. If you think about it, it's not going to be really cold for a long time yet, so your tree will have a chance to settle in a bit before winter. We planted up our miniature apple tree at a similar time and it's doing fine. Good luck!
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2006 7:37:14 GMT
yes, sweetleaf, Plocket's absolutely right... it's probably semi dormant and you can treat it like an overgrown containerised plant, it's all Plocket's points plus: with most trees/shrubs the root system will continue to 'work', maybe right through to spring, but certainly until low temperatures drive it into dormancy, so any damage done will be repaired and the plant back in 'balance' by new growth time.
Try to keep the rootball as intact as poss - moist but not wet, roll the tub on its side at the planting position to loosen its 'hold', and with any luck the tree won't even know it's been moved (other than to reward you with a better crop next year).
DD.
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 12, 2006 7:57:50 GMT
Thanks Plocket and Dilodaff Ill move it today I only thought that as autumn planting of trees is usually done after leaf fall it might be better to wait, but what you say makes more sense.
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 12, 2006 19:10:35 GMT
ok I did it,  Its still wet out, so Ill tweak the presentation when its a bit drier ie get the lawn mowed lol ;D |
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Post by Plocket on Oct 13, 2006 7:25:54 GMT
Well done Sweetleaf! I bet you feel relieved now it's done! ;D
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 13, 2006 7:39:01 GMT
Certainly do Plocket, the root ball had completely filled the half barrel, only about a teaspoonful of the compost /manure mix fell away!
Lots of lovely fibrous root, Im sure it will settle in its new spot very well, and the move was just at the right moment, I put some blood fish and bone in with it too so it wont go hungry.
Now of course I have an empty half barrel for my "Golden Tiara" babies!
(I love it when a plan comes together) ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Plocket on Oct 13, 2006 11:51:45 GMT
Hurrah! Well done you! Are you going to underplant the apple tree or keep weeding? ;D
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Post by Deleted on Oct 13, 2006 12:24:49 GMT
I'm sure I can see the apple tree smiling now sweetleaf  |
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 13, 2006 12:34:26 GMT
Hurrah! Well done you! Are you going to underplant the apple tree or keep weeding? ;D Ive still got some alliums to plant (christophii) and Im off to the GC for some more Daffs tomorrow other than that, no ideas, as that only provides ground cover for spring, early summer....suggestions? |
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 13, 2006 12:35:51 GMT
I'm sure I can see the apple tree smiling now sweetleaf I can too, and wiggling its toes, as though let out of shoes that pinch ;D |
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Post by Plocket on Oct 13, 2006 15:47:42 GMT
Hurrah! Well done you! Are you going to underplant the apple tree or keep weeding? ;D Ive still got some alliums to plant (christophii) and Im off to the GC for some more Daffs tomorrow other than that, no ideas, as that only provides ground cover for spring, early summer....suggestions? Oh crumbs I don't know! I've got bulbs and a low growing euphorbia under mine. Heucheras are always good for year round ground cover. Erm...... You'll have to start a new thread and ask for suggestions! ;D |
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Post by oldmoleskins on Oct 13, 2006 17:24:06 GMT
don't want to rain on the parade...but try to keep at least an area say the size of the old tub clear of 'underplanting' - huge and solid tho' trees appear, they don't like competition in their early years...
OM
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 14, 2006 9:30:50 GMT
That makes sense OM. It would have been hard to plant into the rootball anyway, as I said the roots had completely filled the barrel... no wonder it didnt fruit well, it put all its effort into root growth.
I think Ill just plant around it, and perhaps put a mulch under the tree.
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Post by sweetleaf on Oct 15, 2006 21:15:25 GMT
Planted Allium Christophii behind and Tulips Praestans Fusilier (scarlet in colour) around the edges in front, I can picture it already! ........Yum.
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