Growing a classic fruit tree - Van Meuwen

Aug. 16, 2011 - PRLog -- How to grow

Plant the plum tree in a sunny border in any well drained soil. Prior to planting, incorporate plenty of well rotted manure or garden compost into the planting hole. Fruit trees should be fastened to a stake to prevent them from rocking in windy weather. Drive the stake into the ground prior to planting. Staking after planting may result in damage to the root ball of the tree. Plant fruit trees at the same soil level as they were in their original pots and firm them into the ground. Fasten the tree to the stake using a tree tie, and water well.

Aftercare

In spring, while the ground is moist, apply a mulch of well rotted manure or garden compost to the base of the tree. This will help to retain moisture throughout the summer.Feed and water plum trees regularly throughout the summer, particularly during their first two years. Fruit trees do not suffer weed competition well. Keep weeds and grass clear from within a 30cm radius of base of the tree. Thin out fruits by up to 75% to reduce the weight on the branches and produce the best quality, largest plums.Pruning plum trees should be undertaken in early summer to avoid the risk of bacterial infection. Immediately after planting cut back the central stem by about a third to encourage side branches to grow from the main stem. For the following 3 years, prune only the tips of the remaining main branches by one third. Aim for about ten main branches which will form the frame of your tree, with fruiting sub branches growing off of them. From the fifth year, some sub branches can be pruned out at the union where they join the main branch, to allow new sub branches to take their place.

Delivery

We will do our best to ship your plants or bulbs to you at the ideal time for planting as stated against each product. We recommend that you prepare your soil, planting beds or patio containers ahead of time so you are ready to plant out, or pot on, just as soon as your order arrives. You will find the name of the variety printed on the top line of the address label on your package. Please ensure that you open the packaging immediately and carefully read through the instruction leaflet provided. For greatest success, please pot on or plant out as soon as possible, following the cultural instructions enclosed with your order.

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Established as a producer of tulip and daffodil bulbs in 1973, Van Meuwen diversified into mail order in 1977. Today Van meuwen is a horticultural mail order specialist, http://www.vanmeuwen.com