How to use a garden pitch to "save" fruit plants
As a result of sanitary pruning, open "wounds" are left on trees and bushes. Therefore, it is important for every summer resident to know how to use a garden pitch in order to reliably protect fruit crops. After the autumn procedure, the substance protects the plants from severe frosts or icing. And in the spring, it becomes an obstacle for microorganisms that cause serious diseases. In addition, the drug stimulates the healing process. What is he like? What are the rules for using the substance? And how to make a garden pitch at home using traditional recipes.
Healing "ointment" for fruit trees and berry bushes
Traditionally, the garden var contains components:
- various types of vegetable oils;
- beeswax;
- resins obtained from coniferous crops;
- propolis (as a bioactive substance).
The mixture is usually used to disinfect "wounds" resulting from tree pruning and shrubs. After applying the substance, they do not lose their life-giving liquid.
In addition, experts note a number of advantages of garden varnish:
- perfect water resistance;
- the composition includes only natural substances;
- comfortable use;
- ease of making with your own hands;
- low cost of the finished product.
Unfortunately, the substance is not a panacea for all ills. It also has disadvantages. For example, a garden varnish applied to a tree cracks over time. It practically does not allow air to pass through, which is not always useful for plants. In addition, the drug cannot be used at low temperatures.
Extensive lesions treated with the mixture take a very long time to dry. As a result, signs of rot appear on the crop.
How to use a garden pitch - step-by-step instructions
The greatest joy for a person comes from the "fruits of his hands." This thought also applies to gardeners who have to work hard on their plots. In addition to watering and fertilizing, trees and shrubs require annual sanitary pruning. Usually, after the procedure, slices remain on the plants that need to be protected from external influences.
In addition, "wounds" are formed for other reasons.:
- damage to branches as a result of the elements;
- violation of the vaccination process;
- various diseases of crops;
- rodents;
- pests (birds and insects).
If this happens, it is important for trees and berry bushes to recover as quickly as possible. Thanks to this, they will direct their strength to the formation and ripening of fruits. Let's figure out how to use a garden pitch to achieve the cherished goal.
Preparation of damaged plants
First, consider the basic rules for preparing the affected area for the procedure.
They include a number of activities:
- the mixture is applied only to healthy areas of wood;
- dry or infected elements are removed;
- the rough surface is "leveled" with sandpaper;
- the resulting "wound" is washed with clean warm water.
The procedure is carried out in the warm season, when the weather is dry outside. If necessary, it is repeated throughout the season.If the product is applied in the area of the hollow, the surface is additionally wiped with ethyl alcohol or copper sulfate. Next, let's look at how to soften the garden var just before applying it to the cut.
To reduce the risk of infection, it is advisable to pre-disinfect all instruments and devices.
Substance technology
As you know, beeswax is a part of garden varnish, which quickly hardens under certain conditions. Therefore, immediately before use, the substance is warmed up to about 40 ° C. The container with the mixture is placed in a saucepan with hot water for 10 minutes or left under the scorching rays of the sun.
It is advisable to carry out the procedure with rubber gloves to protect the skin from the active components of the preparation.
Before applying the garden varnish to the damaged area, it is carefully checked. The treated surface must be absolutely dry and even. Then, using a spatula or a wooden spoon, the substance is applied to the "wound" with a uniform layer of about 3 mm. Most often, on a thick layer, under the influence of weather conditions, cracks form. As a result, moisture penetrates through the "seal", and its protective function loses its strength over time.
But how to use putty if old wounds are found on a tree or shrub?
Process order:
- First of all, they are thoroughly cleaned with a sharp garden knife so that living wood appears.
- Then the site is treated with a solution of copper sulfate.
- When it dries properly, a protective substance is applied.
- If the wound is too large, it is wrapped with a piece of cloth.
As you can see, the process of "healing" damage to fruit plants is quite simple. But how to cook a garden pitch at home in order to get a completely natural product. Let's look at several proven methods.
Recipes for preparing a life-giving substance
Nobody and nothing is safe from accidents. In addition, global warming causes all sorts of cataclysms that can damage the plantations that are dear to the heart. Therefore, summer residents always try to have a garden pitch at hand. Some people prepare it themselves using simple technology. Let's consider the 5 most popular options.
Recipe number 1
The case will require components:
- vegetable oil of any kind;
- rosin;
- paraffin.
Paraffin (2 kg) is heated in a refractory container. Add chopped rosin (1 kg) and mix thoroughly. Bring to a boil over low heat. Pour in vegetable oil (750 g) and simmer for about 10 minutes. The finished product is poured into a jar. When it cools down, cover with a tight lid. Store in a cool place.
Recipe number 2
Required "ingredients":
- rosin;
- paraffin;
- nigrol.
Each component is taken 1 kg. Preheated in different containers. Then they are poured into the "common pot". Mix thoroughly and transfer to glass jars.
Recipe number 3
For this option, take:
- 5 kg of paraffin;
- 1 kg of rosin;
- 250 g of drying oil.
Linseed oil and hot paraffin are poured into the heated rosin. The mixture is mixed well and laid out in glass containers. Cover with lids. Store at room temperature.
Recipe number 4
You will need products:
- wax;
- nutria fat;
- rosin.
In a separate container, 500 g of interior fat is heated. Then add 1 kg of beeswax. Stir and simmer in a water bath until a homogeneous mass is formed. At the end, put rosin (2 kg) and boil at a low temperature for about 30 minutes. The finished mixture is poured into a bowl of cold water. The resulting lump is carefully collected by hand. Store garden var in a glass container under a tight lid.
Recipe number 5
Set of components:
- beeswax (1.5 kg);
- turpentine (500 g);
- rosin (3 kg);
- propolis (1 kg).
Rosin, propolis and wax are heated in a water bath to a liquid texture. The mixture is thoroughly mixed. When it cools a little, add turpentine.The resulting substance is transferred to a dry container, covered with a lid. Store in a cool place.
Decent alternative
Unfortunately, not everyone manages to prepare or purchase a life-giving ointment on their own. Therefore, the question arises of how to replace the garden pitch when grafting fruit trees.
Experts advise using:
- clay;
- oil paint;
- cow dung;
- cellophane;
- wet soil.
Every summer resident has enough of such "goodness". The substance is applied according to the traditional scheme. First, the surface is prepared, and then, the "wound" is lubricated.
So, we examined the technology of how to use garden pitch to protect trees and shrubs. It consists of careful preparation of the affected area. This is followed by the process of applying the substance. If desired, it is prepared independently at home. In emergency cases, replace with improvised means. The main thing is that he takes care of his garden with love.