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ALMONDS - To get the best from your Almond, choose a sunny, frost free location. They prefer well drained soil and will not tolerate waterlogging. Apply a slow-release fruit tree fertiliser (Tui Fruit, Citrus Tree & Shrub or Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit) in autumn and spring. Liquid citrus or fruit tree plant foods can also be applied during the heavy flowering and fruiting seasons
APPLES - These summer fruiting trees loose their leaves in winter, so can be used where summer shade or winter sun is needed. Winter is a great planting time for deciduous trees, enabling them to get established prior to summer. Plant with Tui sheep pellets then as soon as growth starts in spring apply a slow-release fruit tree fertiliser- Tui Enrich Fruit, Citrus Tree & Shrub or Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit fertiliser. Pruning is better for your tree long term. If left unpruned, your apple will either develop long, lax branches that bend under the weight of their crop or will start fruiting towards the tips of long branches, failing to develop a good shape. Prune annually after harvest to maintain helath and shape and to avoid the necessity of a ladder come harvest time! Apples also espalier against a wall extremely well.
APRICOT - Apricots are very adaptable. Prune them in summer, never in winter. Create an open, vase-shaped framework that lets sunlight and air into the center of the tree. Do not cut back more than a third. Feed in early spring and late summer with Tui Enrich Fruit, Citrus Tree & Shrub or Yates Thrive Citrus & Fruit fertiliser and you will be rewarded. Replenish lost nutrients after harvesting with an application of Tui sheep pellets.
CHERRIES - Cherries love deep, well drained soil. Plant with sheep pellets to give them the best start. Prune in late winter or early spring. Apply Sulphate of Potash in Autumn for an extra boost along to suport flowering and fruiting.
CRAB APPLE - Crab apples enjoy full sun, well drained soil and regular watering until they are established. Mulch applied in early spring will aid in water retention over summer and help to supress weeds.
FIG - Figs don’t travel well so that’s one good reason to grow your own. Another is that they are a fine feature tree for your garden. Find a sunny, forst free spot that has well drained soil and you are off to a good start. Plant with Tui Citrus and Fruit mix and a side dressing of sheep pellets. Figs also do well in pots and containers. Select one that will be large enough to accomodate your plant and use a good quality potting mix.
NECTARINE - Select a sheltered, fertile spot for your nectarine. Prepare the area with garden mix and sheep pellets. In spring and summer apply a controlled release fertiliser like Tui Enrich Fruit, Citrus tree & Shrub. Prune straight after harvest in late summer or early autumn.
PEACH - Peaches are a summer staple. They require a sunny, sheltered spot and do not enjoy waterlogged soil. Plant with garden mix and sheep pellets. The dwarf varieties are perfect for pots and containers. Plant them directly into Tui Citrus and Fruit Mix.
PEAR - In New Zealand late autumn and winter are the optimum times to plant your pear tree. The roots of the tree enjoy a sunny position sheltered from strong winds. Pears are also inherently suitable for espalier training. They tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and wetter conditions than apples. It is a good idea to stake your tree when planting. Often, once established the stake can be removed. In the first year after planting your pear tree, remove any fruit that sets. This allows the tree to establish itself and encourages better fruiting in the following seasons. Over spring and summer your pear will enjoy a feed of Tui Citrus Superfood.
PLUM - Plums are easy to grow, with very little effort. Plant into well drained soil in a sunny position. If you have room in your garden, it's a good idea to plant more than one for pollination. Spring and Summer feeding will improve flowering and fruiting and Tui Enrich Fruit, Citrus, Tree and shrub will fed for a generous 6 months.
PLUMCOT - Plumcots enjoy very well drained soil and do not like wet feet. Plant with garden mix and sheep pellets. They require a pollinator and will perform better of planted close to Santa Rosa. An early spring feed could be repeated in early summer with a fruit tree fertiliser.
QUINCE - Quince thrive in moisture-retentive, fertile, and well-drained soil. Light soils require plenty of added compost and sheep pellets. Water well over the warmer months and applying a layer of mulch will help retain moisture. A lack of water can cause the fruit to drop prematurely. In early spring an application of a slow release fruit tree fertiliser will help production. Otherwise a light winter prune is all that is required.