How to Transplant Fruit Tree Seedlings
The best time to plant your fruit tree seedling depends on the area you live in. If you live in zone 8 or above, you can transplant your fruit tree seedlings in the warm fall. If you live in zones below eight, transplant your fruit tree seedlings in the spring after April 1. By transplanting at this time, the top will grow slowly, but the roots will tap into their new soil home. Your fruit tree will become established and have a better chance of survival. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Pick the location where you want to plant your fruit tree seedling. The ideal place is one that has full sun and an open space to grow. Remove all weeds growing in a 3-foot circle.
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Dig a hole that is 12 inches wider in diameter than the container your fruit tree seedling is growing in. Keep the depth the same as the container.
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Fill the hole with water. As the water drains away, proceed to the next step.
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4
Add equal parts of the soil and compost together. Use the soil you removed from the hole.
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Remove the fruit tree seedling from the pot and look at the root ball. If the roots are growing around the outside, tease them free. To skip this step will result in the roots wrapping themselves around the rootball instead of growing out into the soil.
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Place the fruit tree seedling into the hole and add the amended soil around the rootball. Gently firm the soil down to remove air pockets.
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Water the tree thoroughly.
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Put 3 inches of mulch around the tree and in a 3-foot circle around the tree. This will help keep the moisture in the soil and keep weeds from growing.
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Tips & Warnings
Water the seedling fruit tree at least once a week for the first year. If the weather is unusually dry, water more often. After the first year, you can cut back on the water.
If the fruit tree seedling is small, you might want to put a stick in the ground to serve as a marker.
Remove any tags or labels that may have been hung on the trees branches.
References
- Photo Credit white flowers of the fruit-tree image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
