Spring planting
Fri, 23 Sep 2011
In Queensland trees, shrubs and seedlings can be planted in early spring. Always remove any fruit on the young tree before planting, or better still select trees without fruit. Choose an open, sunny position, preferably north to north-east facing, with shelter from strong winds.
A fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of between 6 - 8 is best.
Ideally, prepare the soil several months ahead by digging over an area 1m in diameter and at least 30 cm deep. Add compost (half a barrow load), 2kg of gypsum (available at WLS) to the m2 if the soil is heavy and 300 - 400g of lime to the m2 if the soil is acid (ph below 6.5). Mulch heavily and leave to decompose. If the drainage is poor it may be necessary to create a mound to plant on.
When ready to plant dig the hole to twice the depth of the container and twice as wide. Add 1 kg of organic fertiliser(available at WLS) to the bottom and work thoroughly through the soil with a fork. Then backfill the hole so that the tree will be at the same depth it was in the pot. Soak the tree in water enriched with a small amount of seaweed fertiliser, but still in the container, for a couple of hours before planting.
Remove the tree from the container and gently tease out the roots so that they are not twisted together or circling. Trim off any damaged roots. Gently backfill with the soil, making sure there are no air pockets. Form a rim of soil about the same diameter as the container to aid in watering, so that water does not run off too fast. Give the tree a good soaking, remember to water again in a week but do not allow it to completely dry out. Mulch around the tree well, but keep the trunk free of mulch for about 10 cm.
ARMP#1077