Creative Homemaking . . . Dedicated to your homemaking needs
~   Vegetable gardening, growing flowers, herbs, landscaping, composting, and more   ~
CLEANING BUDGET PLANNER STAIN REMOVAL HOME DECORATING COOKING FRUGAL LIVING
GARDENING HOLIDAYS ORGANIZE RECIPE DATABASE MESSAGE FORUMS GROCERY PRICE BOOK
FLOWER GARDENING
Planting Bare Roots
Growing Dahlias
Growing Strong Bulbs
Dividing Your Perennials
Meadows of Wildflowers
Pruning Roses
Decorative Window Boxes
HERB GARDENING
Growing Lavender
Basil Fact Sheet
Indoor Herb Garden
Ginger Growing Guide
Growing Ginseng
Growing Garlic
Craft Supplies
Wooden Letters
GARDEN
Kid-Friendly Gardening
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Strawberries
Organic Composting
Growing Asparagus
How to Make Compost
Homemade Weed Killer
CONTAINER GARDENING
Summer Container Garden
Fruits and Vegetables
Ornamental Grasses
Growing Herb Plants
TREES AND SHRUBS
Spring Pruning
Transplanting Trees
Growing Fruit Trees
Tree Selection Checklist
Easy Care Shrubs
HOLIDAY GARDENING
Christmas Cactus
Potted Christmas Trees
Easter Lilies
GARDEN RESOURCES
EZ Up Canopy
Tents
Gas Logs
Mosquito Magnet
Storage Sheds
Home => Gardening => Trees and Shrubs => How to Grow Plums
Related Articles: Smaller Trees for Greater Impact | How to Transplant Trees

How to Grow Plums
by Marilyn Pokorney

Description: Information on growing and caring for plum trees.

Sponsored links:

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


Comment on this article or submit your tip to CreativeHomemaking.com.
Click here for free cookbook download--great weeknight recipes!
Click here for a printer friendly version of this page.
Recommend this article to a friend!
Search our article archives.
Click here to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Join in a discussion or ask a question in our message forums.
Easy-to-use affordable grocery list software.
Ourstickfamily.com offers one of the largest selections of family stickers, family car decals, and stick family stickers. These easy to apply vinyl window family car stickers are available in several themes and sizes or customized to your request.


Google
 





Reprint Articles | Privacy Policy | Submit Article | Advertise | Affiliate Program | Contact Us
Copyright 1998 - 2008, Creative Homemaking, LLC. Clipart from CountryClipArt.com.