Since I was small the plants and trees always fascinated me, I used to put kernels of corn and wheat in the small pots to see how it grows.
One fine day I decided to grow apples in my backyard and reached the local nursery where I can get good apple trees. I picked up the healthy looking one without knowing how it looks. This was my first time so I took all the tools and with the help of my neighbor decided a place and started digging. I did not know we needed so much digging, and did not know anything about the roots which should be fully into the ground and it was such a strenuous job by the time we finished I was all sweaty and ready to give up.
But as determined as I am I gave it a shot and today, after so many years I am so proud of my tree which gives me lovely apples and I can sit under the tree shade event though scared that one of the apple will fall over my head. I have cared for it for so many years that it seems like just the other day I was planting it.
My kids both love to pluck the fruit from the tree and are so proud of me that I am all smiles and think of the day I had planted that tree.
Taking care of plants is just like taking care of a small child. It not only needs loving care, it also needs proper nutrition. Therefore, you have planted a fruit tree in your garden for the first time; here are some tips to nurture that. Fruit trees die in the beginning years not due to any sicknesses or pests but due to lack of proper care. See your fruit trees flourish by following the below mentioned tips.
Support:
Initially the tree is very weak, as roots, trunk and branches do not have strength to support it since it is not developed. If the tree already has fruits growing on it, it would need support on the top priority basis. The lack of support with the added weight of the fruit may break the branch of the tree. Immediately give external support by boarding them with the plank, or tie the drooping branch with the rope at a higher point. Once tree is taken at this early stage, later on it will take care of itself.
Nutrition:
Any tree to grow needs good nutrition. This need is more so for a fruit tree to give healthy fruits. It ensures not only good fruit it also increases the chances of survival of the tree and to give fruits year after year. The local plant nurseries will try to sell the fertilizers available with them. You must take into consideration about the area, climate, kind of tree, condition and the general health of the tree, before opting out the type of fertilizer to buy.
Myths:
It is a myth that to make fruit tree healthy, the plant should be watered in excess. It is harmful to give more water to the tree. Rather the tree remains thirsty than over watered. By giving more water, the tree will die. Examine the cause of the diseased tree and then only try to solve it, do not just use your judgement.
Treatment
If you notice dead, unhealthy or injured branches on the tree, it is better to cut if off. This option is better than sharing of the nutrients with the branch, which anyhow cannot be saved. This treatment is a drastic one but it is a sure shot method.
Do not keep the fruits on the tree, once the fruits are ripe and ready. Also make sure to pluck the unwanted fruits also from the tree as these bad fruits will make a home for insects thus, causing disease which can be transferred to the tree itself. Keep the vicinity of the tree clean for the same reason.
It is a big responsibility to take care of the fruit tree, but the rewards that we get in return is immense. We not only get to enjoy the tasty fruit but also the mental satisfaction that can be derived due to the hard work. Just taking care of the above basic tips will ensure to get tasty fruits year after year.