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The apple tree is the most common fruit tree throughout Our Country, and the Leningrad Region is no exception. However, for its successful cultivation, it is necessary to take into account the peculiarities of the climate of this region. Therefore, planting an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad Region should be carried out taking into account the requirements of the culture and within a clearly defined timeframe. After all, it depends on her how quickly the seedling can adapt to a new place and grow.
For the Leningrad region, you need to choose zoned apple varieties
Climate features in the Leningrad Region
In this region, the climate is temperate continental, due to the close proximity of the Atlantic. The Leningrad region has high air humidity against the background of frequent precipitation and low temperatures prevail in summer and winter. The cold arctic masses that erupt regularly make the weather unsettled. In winter, there are frequent drops from severe frosts to thaws.
Summers in this region are usually cool. There are frequent rains, nebula, and the average temperature fluctuates around +25 °C. In spring, return frosts are not uncommon, which occur even in mid-May. And in autumn, the cold comes early with frequent rains and sleet.
Soil fertility in the Leningrad region also does not contribute to the development of apple trees. The region has mostly depleted podzolic soil with a small humus layer. Also in some places there are loams, wet peat bogs and sandy soil with an admixture of rubble. All this greatly complicates the cultivation of apple trees in the Leningrad region. But if you choose the right variety and prepare the site, then this fruit tree will develop and give a generous harvest for many years.
When to plant apple trees in the spring in the Leningrad region
Apple trees are recommended to be planted in spring at the end of April. It is important that the vegetation of the tree does not begin. Otherwise, the seedling will have to spend energy not only on rooting, but also on the development of the crown. This will weaken his immune system.
When planting in the spring, weather conditions must also be taken into account. It is recommended to carry it out in the Leningrad region only after the snow has completely melted and the soil has warmed up to a depth of 15 cm.
It is also necessary to take into account that in the spring, namely in May, there may be return frosts. And with the threat of sudden temperature changes, it is necessary to wrap the seedling with agrofiber several times, and insulate it with humus at the base.
An apple tree, when planted in the spring in the Leningrad Region, manages to get stronger before winter
Planting an apple tree in spring with seedlings in the Leningrad Region
For a quick adaptation of a tree, it is necessary to choose a site taking into account its requirements, as well as prepare a pit and a seedling. And how to plant an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad region, you can see in the video:
Seedlings preparation
You need to purchase seedlings in nurseries that specialize in growing zoned crop varieties. This condition is a guarantee that the tree is already fully adapted to the climate of the Leningrad region and can quickly take root in a new place.
For planting in spring, it is better to give preference to one-year-old seedlings with a height of 0,8-1,2 m. If the apple tree is less than the recommended level, then care mistakes were made during its cultivation, which slowed down development. And exceeding the maximum height indicates excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers. Both options are unacceptable so that the apple tree can fully develop in the future.
A tree to be planted in spring should be free from bark damage and disease. Two days before planting, it must be watered, which will prevent damage to the roots when removed from the shipping container.
It is not recommended to purchase a seedling with signs of vegetation for planting in the spring.
Site Selection
A well-lit area is suitable for planting an apple tree throughout the day, which is especially important in the conditions of the Leningrad Region. It is best if it is the south or east side of the garden. The place for the apple tree should be protected from drafts.
For successful planting of an apple tree, it is necessary that the groundwater level on the site be at least 2 m. Otherwise, after a few years, water will wash away its root system and it will die.
Pit preparation
Before planting a fruit tree in the spring on the territory of the Leningrad Region, it is necessary to prepare a hole in the fall or at least two weeks in advance. It should be 80 cm deep and 120 cm wide. At the bottom of the planting pit, you need to put drainage with a layer of 10-15 cm. And fill the rest of the space to the top with nutrient soil mixture. It should consist of humus, sod, leafy soil, sand in the same proportion. It is also necessary to add 50 g of superphosphate and 35 g of potassium sulfide to the hole and mix everything with the soil.
When planting an apple tree on the territory of the Leningrad Region, the composition of the soil must also be taken into account. If the soil is peaty, then it is recommended to additionally add 200 g of dolomite flour to the hole in the fall or 300 g of wood ash in the spring.
The apple tree requires a neutral level of acidity.
Landing scheme
Planting apple trees in the Leningrad region must be carried out in the same way as for other fruit trees. This means that between seedlings there should be a distance of 3 m, and in a row to maintain a distance of 5 m.
Procedure:
- Make an elevation in the center of the hole.
- Carefully remove the root system of the seedling from the pot.
- Put an apple tree on a hillock.
- Sprinkle the roots with earth, shake gently to fill in any voids.
- Compact the soil surface at its base.
- Liberally pour.
Caring for apple trees in the spring in the Leningrad region
In order for a fruit tree in the Leningrad Region to quickly adapt and grow after planting in the spring, it is necessary to provide it with proper care. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of agricultural technology.
Watering
After planting an apple tree, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of soil moisture, since the root system of the seedling should not dry out. It is necessary to water a young apple tree regularly 1-2 times a week, depending on the air temperature. In hot periods, which is rare for the Leningrad region, it is recommended to lay a layer of humus in the root circle in order to reduce moisture evaporation. For irrigation, you can use settled water.
Adult apple trees in the Leningrad region practically do not require watering due to the climate. Humidification can be carried out only in the absence of rain for a long time. In this case, watering should be carried out in the evening at the rate of 30-50 liters per tree.
Additional fertilizing
In the first year after planting, it is not necessary to fertilize the apple tree, as it consumes the nutrients added to the hole. And in the future, top dressing is necessary three times a season. The first time it is recommended to carry it out in the spring at the beginning of the growing season. To do this, you can use urea 30-80 g per 10 liters of water.
The second and third feedings are recommended when the buds are advanced and after flowering. During these periods, superphosphate 40-100 g and potassium sulfide 30-80 g per 10 liters of water should be used.
Trimming
The main conductor of the tree after planting in the spring should be cut to 1/3 of the length. The following year, lateral shoots form from the remaining buds, among which the three strongest should be distinguished. They must be shortened by a third, and the rest removed. In the third year after planting in the spring, 2-3 more lateral branches should be left, located along the trunk 25 cm above the first tier and shortened to 20 cm. Also, the main conductor must be cut annually so that it remains 20 cm higher than the lateral branches. On this formation tree crown ends.
The apple tree also needs sanitary pruning. This procedure involves cleaning the crown from thickening branches growing inward, as well as damaged shoots. Such pruning can be carried out not only in spring, but also in summer, as well as in autumn.
Graft
Sometimes experienced gardeners use grafting to preserve a certain variety of apple trees. It is relevant to conduct it during active sap flow in the tissues of the tree. In the Leningrad region, the optimal period is mid-April and early August.
Experienced gardeners use the following types of vaccinations:
- occlusion;
- bridge;
- into cleavage;
- for the crust;
- copulation;
- into the side cut.
You need to understand that for the successful implementation of the procedure requires some experience. Therefore, it is not worth counting on a XNUMX% result immediately.
Preparation for winter
In the Leningrad region, young apple trees need shelter for the winter until they acquire a high level of frost resistance. Therefore, in late autumn it is recommended to wrap seedlings with agrofibre. It is also necessary to lay humus with a layer of 10 cm. It is recommended to warm apple trees for three years after planting.
Protection against diseases and pests
High air humidity in the Leningrad region and moderate temperatures in summer contribute to the development of fungal diseases. To protect the tree from damage, it is recommended in spring and autumn before the start of the growing season and at the end of it, spray it with 3% copper sulphate or Bordeaux mixture.
Also, the apple tree can suffer from pests. Therefore, when the first warning signs appear, it is necessary to treat with insecticides or acaricides.
When repeated spraying drugs are recommended to alternate
Conclusion
Planting an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad Region, as in other regions of the country, requires strict adherence to the recommendations. Only in this case can we expect that the tree will easily adapt and get stronger before the onset of winter. Otherwise, the apple tree will not be able to produce a good harvest and develop, since improper planting will negatively affect the functionality of the root system.