feeding fruit bushes and trees.

[4390evans]

Ive been out getting some fruit bushes today and Ive already got some fruit trees but I was wondering what to feed them? I thought potash but someone on fb said only to do that in the spring?

What do you guys do ?

[Kristen]

Not sure I would give them anything when planting, now, whilst they are dormant. Used to use Bonemeal, around the roots, but seems to be mixed opinions on that nowadays (and it encourages Foxes around here to dig the plants up thinking there is something tasty buried underneath!)

Use Rootgrow perhaps? (mycorrhizal fungi which stimulate root growth significantly; must be in contact with the roots, so don't [for example] chuck a handful in the bottom of the planting hole; I dunk the roots / rootball in some water, and sprinkle the Rootgrow over it as the water makes it "stick" and then plant dislodging as little as possible)

[4390evans]

Great Ill have to get some.
When should I feed them and what with?

[Greenleaves]

Great Ill have to get some.
When should I feed them and what with?

On sale in Wilko's

[Philplot]

I have several types of fruit trees in large 100litre tubs.
The starting compost was mixed with a few handfulls of chicken pellets.
The trees grow at twice the speed of plants in the ground.
When the soil shrinks a little due to dry weather, I put some more enriched compost down the insides of the tub.
Each year the plants are heavily pruned back to 6 foot in height and width.
Just as an experiment, I left the Bramley apply tree to grow this year.
It is 12ft high, and 12ft wide. Now too heavy to move.

[KevinM67]

I've got some raspberry canes and strawberry plants coming the first week of November.

I've also got some chicken pellets in the shed - would it be beneficial to add some to the soil now, or should I just plant them and wait till Spring before adding?

[Kristen]

I had a look in my RHS "Growing Fruit" book. It makes the following points (WRT Raspberry planting in Autumn):

pH is important 6-6.7 ideal, if above 7 then treat to reduce pH otherwise Iron and Manganese deficiencies may occur.

Drainage is critical. Even occasional water logging can cause root rot.

Organic matter is very important. Incorporate plenty of rotted manure into the bottom of the planting trench (although it makes the point if planting in a virgin plot, if the turf is stripped off and buried face-down in the bottom of the trench that is sufficient - personally I would add the manure too)

Finally "Fork-in Growmore at 3 oz / sq. yard"

[KevinM67]

Thanks Kristen

[Martin H]

I've also got some chicken pellets in the shed - would it be beneficial to add some to the soil now, or should I just plant them and wait till Spring before adding?

Chicken pellets will tend to raise the pH. So unless your soil is on the acid side I'd tend to avoid them altogether for raspberries. Otherwise save till the spring.

[Philplot]

I've got some raspberry canes and strawberry plants coming the first week of November.

I've also got some chicken pellets in the shed - would it be beneficial to add some to the soil now, or should I just plant them and wait till Spring before adding?

I always add pellets to the roots when the plants are dormant.
This way when spring comes, you are not disturbing the roots, or shocking the plant

Works for me, but my plants are in tubs at the moment.

[Kristen]

I always add pellets to the roots when the plants are dormant.
This way when spring comes, you are not disturbing the roots, or shocking the plant

Interesting approach. I would have thought that some of the goodness would have been washed out by the winter rains, and thus there would be less when the plant is actively growing in the Spring and needs the nutrients. I avoid providing any Nitrogen when planting in (or shortly before) the dormant season so as not to promote any soft growth that Winter would kill.

I feed generously in the Spring when the plant is starting into active growth. I am very "Pro" Chicken Pellets, as I have found they give me the best response, but I only use them for Spring / Summer planting, and not late Autumn / Winter.