How to Grow Fruit Trees - Part 6 : Fertilising Fruit Trees
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For strong vigorous trees, feed with Garden Time Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser in early spring when plants are coming into growth.
Timing
September to mid-December: Feed with Garden Time Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser or Daltons Premium Fruit & Citrus Fertiliser every 4-6 weeks.
December to January: Do not fertilise during summer.
February to April: Feed every 4-6 weeks.
Applying fertiliser
When using fertiliser, always follow the quantities on the packet and water well so nutrients are washed down to the tree's roots.
In the garden: Apply fertiliser around the ‘drip line’ of the tree branches, dig it in lightly.
For pots/containers: Spread fertiliser evenly around the top of container avoiding direct contact with foliage and water well.
Watering Fruit Trees
Give your fruit trees a deep watering two to three times a week during the growing season which is around mid to late October till April/May. Remember that potted trees require more frequent watering, especially in the heat of summer. Keep a good layer of mulch around the tree to retain moisture, add nutrition and suppress weeds.
Pests and Diseases
Check trees regularly to head off any potential problems before they occur. Common fruit tree pests and diseases are leaf curl, brown rot, and codling moth. Read our Q&A’s for more fruit tree help.
Birds: Make sure birds don’t get to your fruit before you do by covering them with bird netting as it starts to ripen.
Natural growth marks: The big advantage of growing your fruit in your backyard is that they are homegrown and are tree-ripened for maximum flavour. Although some fruit may end up with the odd natural mark, they will still taste delicious!
General Care and Maintenance
A number of fruit tree varieties available have been grown on dwarf rootstock, which keeps the trees smaller and more accessible for pruning and collecting fruit, some examples being apples and citrus.
Pruning
Regular pruning is essential for pip and stone fruit trees in your backyard orchard to maintain their size and health. Without it, they can become large, and difficult to harvest fruit or care for. Aim to keep trees around 4 meters tall. Pruning enhances sunlight exposure, aiding fruit ripening, and improves air circulation, which deters pests from affecting fruits or leaves.
Pruning tips:
- Clean your pruning tools thoroughly to prevent the spread of disease between trees.
- Remove spindly (smaller than pencil or finger size) growth and any inward-growing branches (or where they are crossing over).
- Thin out any obvious overcrowding of branches to improve airflow and light penetration within the canopy.
- After pruning, apply a copper compound like Copper Oxychloride to create a protective barrier against various fungal diseases.
Learn more about fruit trees with our Q&A section below.
READ OUR Q&As