Content
The apple tree is the most common fruit tree throughout Russia, and the Leningrad region is no exception. However, for its successful cultivation it is necessary to take into account the climate of this region. Therefore, planting an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad region should be carried out taking into account the requirements of the culture and within a clearly defined time frame. After all, it depends on how quickly the seedling can adapt to a new place and grow.
For the Leningrad region you need to choose zoned varieties of apple trees
Climate features in the Leningrad region
The climate in this region is temperate continental, due to the close proximity of the Atlantic. In the Leningrad region there is high air humidity against the background of frequent precipitation and low temperatures prevail in the summer and winter periods. Cold arctic masses that regularly break through make the weather unsettled. In winter, there are frequent changes from severe frosts to thaws.
Summers in this region are usually cool.There is frequent rain, fog, and the average temperature fluctuates around +25 °C. In spring, recurrent frosts are not uncommon, which occur even in mid-May. And in autumn the cold comes early with frequent rains and sleet.
The soil fertility in the Leningrad region is also not conducive to the development of apple trees. The region has mostly depleted podzolic soil with a small humus layer. Also in some places there are loams, wet peat bogs and sandy soil mixed with crushed stone. All this significantly complicates the cultivation of apple trees in the Leningrad region. But if you choose the right variety and prepare the site, this fruit tree will develop and produce a generous harvest for many years.
When to plant apple trees in spring in the Leningrad region
It is recommended to plant apple trees in the spring at the end of April. It is important that the tree does not begin to grow. Otherwise, the seedling will have to spend energy not only on rooting, but also on developing the crown. And this will weaken his immunity.
When planting in spring, weather conditions must also be taken into account. It is recommended to carry it out in the Leningrad region only after the snow has completely melted and the soil has warmed to a depth of 15 cm.
It is also necessary to take into account that in the spring, namely in May, there may be recurrent frosts. And if there is a threat of sudden temperature changes, it is necessary to wrap the seedling with agrofibre several times, and insulate it at the base with humus.
When planted in the spring in the Leningrad region, an apple tree manages to get stronger before winter
Planting apple trees in the spring with seedlings in the Leningrad region
To quickly adapt a tree, it is necessary to select a site taking into account its requirements, as well as prepare a hole and a seedling. You can see how to properly plant an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad region in the video:
Preparation of seedlings
You need to purchase seedlings from nurseries that specialize in growing zoned varieties of crops. This condition guarantees that the tree is already fully adapted to the climate of the Leningrad region and will be able to quickly take root in a new place.
For planting in spring, it is better to give preference to one-year-old seedlings with a height of 0.8-1.2 m. If the apple tree is smaller than the recommended level, then errors in care were made during its cultivation, which slowed down development. And exceeding the maximum height indicates excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers. Both options are unacceptable for the apple tree to fully develop in the future.
A tree to be planted in spring must have no signs of damage to the bark or disease. It must be watered two days before planting, which will prevent damage to the roots when removed from the shipping container.
It is not recommended to purchase a seedling with signs of vegetation for planting in spring.
Selecting a location
A well-lit area throughout the day is suitable for planting an apple tree, which is especially important in the conditions of the Leningrad region. It is best if this is the south or east side of the garden. The place for the apple tree should be protected from drafts.
To successfully plant an apple tree, the groundwater level in the area must be at least 2 m. Otherwise, after a few years, its root system will be washed away by water and it will die.
Pit preparation
Before planting a fruit tree in the spring in the Leningrad region, it is necessary to prepare the hole in the fall or at least two weeks in advance. It should be 80 cm deep and 120 cm wide. A 10-15 cm layer of drainage should be placed at the bottom of the planting hole. And the rest of the space should be filled to the top with nutritious soil mixture. It should consist of humus, turf, leaf soil, sand in equal proportions. It is also necessary to add 50 g of superphosphate and 35 g of potassium sulfide to the hole and mix everything with the soil.
When planting apple trees in the Leningrad region, the composition of the soil must also be taken into account. If the soil is peaty, it is recommended to additionally add 200 g of dolomite flour to the hole in the fall or 300 g of wood ash in the spring.
Apple trees require a neutral acidity level
Planting scheme
Planting apple trees in the Leningrad region must be carried out in the same way as for other fruit trees. This means that there should be a distance of 3 m between seedlings, and a distance of 5 m in the row.
Procedure:
- Make an elevation in the center of the hole.
- Carefully remove the root system of the seedling from the pot.
- Place the apple tree on a hill.
- Cover the roots with soil and shake gently to fill any voids.
- Compact the surface of the soil at its base.
- Water generously.
Caring for apple trees in spring in the Leningrad region
In order for a fruit tree in the Leningrad region to quickly adapt and grow after planting in the spring, it is necessary to provide it with proper care. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of agricultural technology.
Watering
After planting an apple tree, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of soil moisture, since the root system of the seedling should not dry out. It is necessary to water a young apple tree regularly 1-2 times a week, depending on the air temperature. During hot periods, which is rare for the Leningrad region, it is recommended to place a layer of humus in the root circle to reduce moisture evaporation. You can use settled water for irrigation.
Mature apple trees in the Leningrad region practically do not require watering due to the climate. Humidification can only be carried out in the absence of rain for a long time. In this case, watering should be carried out in the evening at the rate of 30-50 liters per tree.
Top dressing
In the first year after planting, there is no need to fertilize the apple tree, as it uses up the nutritional components added to the hole. And in the future, fertilizing is necessary three times per season. It is recommended to carry it out for the first time in the spring at the beginning of the growing season. To do this, you can use urea 30-80 g per 10 liters of water.
The second and third feedings are recommended when the buds are coming out and after flowering. During these periods, you need to use superphosphate 40-100 g and potassium sulfide 30-80 g per 10 liters of water.
Trimming
The main conductor of the tree after planting in the spring must be cut to 1/3 of its length. Next year, lateral shoots are formed from the remaining buds, among which the three strongest ones should be distinguished. They need to be shortened by a third and the rest removed. In the third year after planting in the spring, another 2-3 lateral branches should be left, located along the trunk 25 cm above the first tier and shortened to 20 cm.You also need to cut the main conductor annually so that it remains 20 cm above the side branches. This completes the formation of the tree crown.
The apple tree also needs sanitary pruning. This procedure involves clearing the crown of thickening branches growing inward, as well as damaged shoots. Such pruning can be carried out not only in spring, but also in summer, as well as in autumn.
Graft
Sometimes experienced gardeners use grafting to preserve a certain variety of apple tree. It is important to carry it out during active sap flow in the tissues of the tree. In the Leningrad region, the optimal period is mid-April and early August.
Experienced gardeners use the following types of grafting:
- budding;
- bridge;
- into the cleft;
- for the bark;
- copulation;
- into the side cut.
You need to understand that a certain amount of experience is required to successfully carry out the procedure. Therefore, you should not immediately expect a 100% result.
Preparing for winter
In the Leningrad region, young apple trees need shelter for the winter until they acquire a high level of frost resistance. Therefore, in late autumn it is recommended to wrap the seedlings with agrofibre. It is also necessary to lay humus in a 10 cm layer. It is recommended to insulate apple trees for three years after planting.
Protection from diseases and pests
High air humidity in the Leningrad region and moderate temperatures in summer contribute to the development of fungal diseases. To protect the tree from damage, it is recommended in spring and autumn before the beginning of the growing season and at the end of it to spray it with 3% copper sulfate or Bordeaux mixture.
The apple tree can also suffer from pests. Therefore, when the first alarming signs appear, it is necessary to treat with insecticides or acaricides.
When repeated spraying, it is recommended to alternate the preparations
Conclusion
Planting an apple tree in the spring in the Leningrad region, as in other regions of the country, requires strict adherence to the recommendations. Only in this case can you count on the tree to easily adapt and get stronger before the onset of winter. Otherwise, the apple tree will not be able to produce a good harvest and develop, since improper planting will negatively affect the functionality of the root system.
