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How to Grow Plums
by Marilyn Pokorney
Description: Information on growing and caring for plum trees.
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Plums are an easy to grow fruit that is delicious and
healthful. Here are some tips on growing plums.
Plum trees will grow almost anywhere in the United States.
Research the type of tree being planted before purchasing.
Some varieties require another tree for pollination while
some are self-fertile. Pollination only occurs during a ten
day period.
Plum trees should be planted about 20 feet apart.
Plums prefer fertile and well drained soil.
Plum trees should be planted in late fall or early spring.
Do not add any fertilizer at planting time. Once
established an early spring application of a 10-10-10
fertilizer can be applied. Use eight ounces of fertilizer
for each year of the age of the tree. Or a fall application
of bonemeal can be applied instead.
In the early spring apply a layer of compost around the tree
to the drip line. But do not allow the compost to touch the
trunk of the tree.
Also apply a mulch of straw or woodchips around the tree.
This will help retain moisture and prevent weeds from
growing.
In areas where spring frosts occur the plum trees must be
protected if they are in bloom when the frost occurs.
In June, prune the tree in order to prevent breakage of
branches later in the summer. Open wounds are an invitation
for a fungal infection called silver leaf disease. Thinning
the growing fruits will also help to prevent the branches
from becoming too heavy.
When fruit starts forming, cover the tree with bird netting
to protect the fruit from birds.
Harvest the fruit when the plums just starting to soften. A
refrigerator is the best place to store the harvested fruit.
It will remain fresh for 2 to 4 weeks.
While plum trees are susceptible to mites and other fungal
diseases plum curculio is the most common.
For more information on plum curculio and bird netting
visit:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/plumcare.htm
Marilyn Pokorney is a
freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
