How to plant cherry seedlings in summer, spring or autumn correctly

Regardless of the size of the garden, the owners certainly try to give the most space to cherries - lush trees regularly delight with a plentiful harvest of tasty and he althy berries. Fruiting largely depends on how correctly it was possible to choose a variety for a particular region. Mistakes made during planting can also adversely affect the growth, development and fruit of the tree. In order to prevent unfortunate consequences, it is better to figure out in advance how to plant cherries so that they quickly take root and grow rapidly.

What seedlings should be

Get a lush cherry orchard even for novice gardeners who have taken care of he althy and high-quality planting material. It is better to choose seedlings in proven nurseries with an impeccable reputation. It is recommended to go to buy a seedling in autumn.

When purchasing cherries, attention should be paid to the following details:

• the root system is well developed, has many lateral processes, it should not have rot, dry areas;
• there should not be many branches, they will quickly grow later;
• seedling height not less than a meter;
• bark, branches must be clean, no damage, mold.

It's better to get plants with a closed root system, you don't have to worry about how to properly store cherries until spring. The tree will overwinter well in a cool cellar.If it is not possible to send it to the cellar, it is recommended to simply dig a seedling in the area, cover it with spruce branches and sawdust for the winter.

Nuances when choosing a variety for different regions

Before you go to the nursery, it is recommended to study the varieties that are most suitable for the region. For cool, harsh conditions, it is better to choose hardy crops of early ripening. If you buy late varieties and plant them in the Urals or Siberia, it will be problematic to get a harvest - ripening may not occur.

For warm areas, late varieties are perfect. Be sure to purchase several early crops - fruiting will come in early summer. For the Leningrad region, cherries with medium ripening periods are recommended - it will be possible to harvest the crop even in a cool summer. Be sure to familiarize yourself with other characteristics - wintering requirements, endurance, frost resistance.

Pampered crops that thrive in medium or warm zones will certainly die in harsh conditions, even if they hibernate under cover.

Timing

It is recommended to plant young trees in autumn, but only in warm regions - a temperate climate will allow the seedlings to take root well and, with the advent of spring days, actively start growing. Cool areas are not so careful about cherries - it is better to go with plants to the garden in the spring, after the frost has completely left, otherwise there is a risk of destroying the seedlings. If you need to plant before winter, it is better to start the process in August, the roots will have time to take root well.

Some gardeners manage to plant cherries even in summer, but you should be prepared for the fact that you will have to make a lot of effort for the tree to take root. You will have to create an artificial shade for the plant, otherwise the hot rays of the sun will cause a burn, water abundantly and regularly.

Benefits of spring planting

In temperate regions, it is recommended to start planting cherries in the spring - this is the best time for the process.

There are many benefits of spring planting:

• roots will quickly take root, melt water will provide the necessary moisture;
• easy to follow the growth, development of the tree;
• you can prepare in advance for planting - add nutrients to the soil, dig it up, by spring the soil will sag and be completely ready for planting trees;
• the plant will have time to prepare for wintering.

A significant drawback of spring planting - along with the growth of roots, the aerial part of the tree will actively begin to develop. It will take a lot of strength for this, so you will have to take care of the timely application of dressings.

Pros and cons of autumn planting

Autumn planting cherries, if not late with the timing, has its own number of advantages. The tree will have time to take root, it will not be threatened by hot sunlight, sharp night and daytime temperature changes.

The dormant period, which lasts all winter, also plays an important role - the seedling will actively start growing after the onset of heat.

The downside of planting cherries in the fall is if winter comes too early, frost can kill the plant. The only way to protect the seedling is to use a cover, put a layer of mulch.

How to plant cherries

Choosing a seedling, it is important to plant correctly. There are many rules that are better to learn in advance, this will prevent unpleasant mistakes that subsequently affect the development and growth of the tree. It is important to choose the most comfortable place, prepare the soil (it is recommended to do this in advance), and study the intricacies of care.Watering and adding nutrients also play an important role - it's better to figure out how to do it without harming the cherry.

Choosing a seat

For good growth, it is important to provide the cherry with the right conditions. Choose a comfortable, sunny place, without access to drafts. It is better to choose a site that is closed on all sides by tall trees or outbuildings.

You also need to consider which landing pattern will be used. It is recommended to leave a distance of at least 4 m between plants, this is enough for the full development of the crown. If large cherry varieties are grown, increase the spacing between trees.

Required soil composition

The most suitable land for growing cherries is light loam or sandy loam. Be sure to monitor the acidity, a neutral level is recommended. If the soil is too acidic, apply a little lime when planting.Sandy soil is also well suited for cherries, but you will have to regularly apply nutritional compounds after planting a tree in open ground. If fertilizer is not used, negligence will affect fruiting - the berries will be small, low in sugar.

Clay soils for growing cherries are not recommended. Heavy soil will certainly affect yields.

How far to plant

Mandatory condition - maintaining the distance between the seedlings. Much depends on the variety - plant large cherries, leaving a gap of 3.5 m between plants. Distance between rows - 4-5 m.

Planting hole preparation and depth

It is recommended to start preparing the pit no later than two weeks before planting cherries. Be sure to carry out deep digging, remove all weed roots. Pit up to half a meter wide.Depth - at least 80 cm. It is immediately advisable to drive in a support peg that will protect against gusts of wind and, if necessary, help align the trunk.

Feeding at planting

When planting a young tree in a hole, it is recommended to add a special soil mixture. Easy to prepare, mix:

• on the part of leaf soil, rotted manure;
• a handful of superphosphate (per plant);
• half handful of potassium sulfate;
• three parts of nutritious garden soil.

It is better not to apply nitrogen compounds - active growth of the aerial part will begin, the roots will not have time to supply it with nutrients.

Unwanted neighborhood

It is not recommended to plant cherries near too large trees. Unwanted neighbors - stone fruits (peaches, plums), shrubs (blackcurrant, raspberry).

Caring for a planted tree

There will be no particular difficulties in caring for the seedling, the cherry is extremely undemanding. You will have to monitor a sufficient amount of moisture, make timely nutrient formulations, protect the plant from pest invasion, disease damage.

Irrigation and fertilization

Overflows for cherries are detrimental, so immediately after planting you will have to monitor the amount of moisture in the soil. Watering is recommended only on dry days. Irrigation of the soil should be carried out with a warm liquid - first soak the water in the sun.

Feeding in the first season after planting is not worth it, the tree has enough nutrients that are in the ground.

Instilling cherry seedlings for the winter

It often happens that seedlings are purchased too late, weather conditions do not allow planting them in a permanent place. In such cases, it is recommended to carry out instillation.

There are a few rules to follow:

• choose a suitable sunny place, groundwater should not be near the surface;
• there should be no heaps of garbage nearby, rodents usually start there;
• remove all leaves, inspect roots;
• dig seedlings in a groove (depth up to half a meter);
• sprinkle the roots with your hands, compact the soil with a shovel;
• before frost, cover with spruce branches, straw.

After the snow falls, carry out hilling, pour high snowdrifts on dug cherries, which will protect from frost.

What problems can a gardener face

There are several problems that often await beginner gardeners. Usually, mistakes made during planting are to blame for growth, development, and lack of fruiting. In order to prevent trouble, it is better to study possible problems in advance and eliminate them in a timely manner:

• if the cherry does not grow in the first year, improper planting is to blame - the root neck is too deep into the ground, it is recommended to re-plant and raise the plant a few centimeters up;
• frequent diseases, poor growth - the seedling is more than two years old, the immune system is too weak, when buying, be sure to find out the age of the plant;
• pollination does not occur due to the lack of a pollinator nearby - it is recommended to plant cherries nearby, after making sure that different varieties are planted;
• plant death causes non-compliance with planting dates - it is recommended to monitor the weather conditions in the region.

Another important rule is to purchase planting material only from trusted sellers. Quality seedlings are the key to a good harvest. Planting cherries does not require special knowledge; even a novice gardener will cope with the process.The main thing is to study all the requirements and rules for planting, to purchase a quality seedling. The tree will certainly thank you for your efforts with generous harvests.

Recommended