FEEDING FOR A BUMPER CROP

Feeding fruit trees, such as apple, pear, plum, peach and cherry, should be carried out in late winter or early spring, before the start of the growing season, when the soil is still moist. The type of fertiliser used will depend on the variety of tree, though the three main components needed usually consist of potassium for a plentiful crop, nitrogen for healthy growth and phosphorous for the roots. The soil surrounding the tree should be carefully turned over with a fork and the fertiliser sprinkled over the rooting area.