Why supplements are so important
Fruit feeding relies on one thing and that is potassium. this essential element helps fruit trees, bushes and canes to initiate and form buds. it also boosts wood ripening and maturity.
the effect is a profusion of blossom and fruit. You can apply potassium in a variety of ways, the most regularly quoted being sulphate of potash.
this powdery formulation can be sprinkled over moist root zones in spring, where it’s broken down by soil organisms to eventually release its nutrients. it’s a great crop booster for all fruit trees, canes, bushes and berries.
if you want a quicker-acting feed that can be applied during the summer months, opt for any form of liquid tomato feed. Being dissolved in water it’s taken up by plant roots very quickly and all formulations are high in potash (don’t worry, you won’t get tomatoes on your cherry trees!). Nitrogen is also in demand by a few hungry fruit crops – pears, cooking apples, cherries and plums – poultry pellets are a good source.
there are a few ‘must do’s’ when feeding fruit. Only apply fertilisers to moist soil (especially for potted fruits), don’t over-apply in the hope of getting more berries (you’ll scorch and damage the roots) and for best results clear away any grass under your fruit trees’ canopies (replace it with a deep, organic mulch) so that the fertiliser can be readily taken up.
Blueberries and other acid-loving crops (e.g. raspberries) can be given sulphate of potash in spring because the sulphur is naturally acidifying. in summer, opt for an ericaceous liquid feed.