Growing apricots in the dachas of the Moscow region
Apricots in the suburbs - growing them in recent times was considered an empty idea. The heat-loving delicate fruit demanded warm winters, hot summers and southern sun. New varieties of winter-hardy self-fertile apricots have been created by the labor of breeders. But a stable harvest can be expected from them, observing agricultural techniques. Therefore, it is important not only to choose a zoned variety, but to observe agricultural technology.
Choosing a place for setting up a garden
When choosing a planting site, it is better to arrange a tree on the south side of a building or fence. You can put a reflective board painted with white. The more light hits the tree, the better for the apricot in the Moscow region, where there is a shortage of sun.
Light loam or loam is considered the best soil for planting. In this case, the reaction of the soil should be neutral. It is optimal to place the tree on a raised flower bed. It is guaranteed that the roots will not reach the water table. The soil itself must be fertile, moisture-permeable. The fertility indicator is the presence of earthworms in the trunk circle. An adult apricot is less demanding for summer watering than other trees.
When growing apricots in the Moscow region, it should be borne in mind that the plant is early flowering, suffers from recurrent frosts, it is necessary to provide a frame under the cover of agril in 1-2 layers.
Planting pit and seedlings requirement
Saplings are grown on the rootstock of Chinese or home plum or cherry plum. At the same time, the root system is more stable compared to plants grown on their own rootstock. A good survival rate, the preservation of varietal characteristics is obtained by planting material purchased in nurseries in Kaluga and the Moscow region. Apricots in containers take root well and bear fruit quickly. Planting apricots in the Moscow region is a responsible event.
It is possible to grow an apricot tree from seeds, but you need to take drupes from zoned varieties. Splitting of properties can occur. The tree may turn out better than the parent, or completely sterile. The result will be visible in 6-7 years.
It is necessary to place planting holes according to the 6x4 scheme, where 4 m is the row spacing, and 6 m is the distance between trees in a row. The root system of the seedling is located in the upper fertile layer up to 40 cm deep. Planting of apricots in the Moscow region is carried out in spring. The pit is prepared in a few weeks or from autumn with a size of 70x70x70 cm.The planting pit is filled with fertilizers:
- 1-2 buckets of manure - horse, cow;
- granular superphosphate - 500-600 g;
- potassium sulfate - 400-500 g.
The placement of the root system is superficial, the neck is not deepened, the earth is compacted, a peg is placed to tie the stem. In the first year, the seedling is watered 5-6 times per season, pouring 2-3 buckets into a deep hole. Mulching the trunk circle is vital for a young plant.
Young seedlings, regardless of the winter hardiness of the variety, are covered with burlap or other material from freezing for the cold season. Lower skeletal branches are especially vulnerable.
Care of young plantings
Trees that have not entered the fruiting season require special care. It was during that period of life that the plant's immunity and its commercial qualities were laid. Planting and caring for apricot seedlings in the Moscow region includes:
- preservation of seedlings from freezing and frost damage;
- fertilizer:
- crown formation;
- protection from pests and diseases.
Wrap the trunks for the winter with breathable material, or use antiquated methods of protection - everyone decides for himself. But it is important that the seedling does not puff up from excessive wrapping in the spring and during thaws, so that mice and hares do not gnaw it. The spring sun should not burn the thin bark.
For the accumulation of nutrients, rapid growth, each plant is fertilized with mullein or horse dung introduced into the trunk circle.
Crown formation - required only in conditions of strong growth, when immature wood will go into winter and freeze out.
But you need to systematically monitor the health of the garden. Not all varieties are resistant to diseases:
- moniliosis;
- clasterosporium disease;
- cytosporosis.
Apricot care in the Moscow region includes fungicidal treatments of plants, often with copper-containing preparations. During the flight of insect pests, it is necessary to carry out treatment with insecticides, protecting the young tree from loss of leaves.
Adult apricot care
For the harvest to please, care for apricots in the Moscow region must be systematic. You need to be especially careful about fruit buds. Spring frosts can ruin crops.
The garden must be fed. Apricot will accept the lack of phosphorus and nitrogen, but he needs potassium for the formation of fruits. At the end of July, watering is limited so that there is no increase in green mass. The garden must prepare itself for rest. Potassium chloride and superphosphate introduced after harvesting into the trunk circle will also increase winter hardiness.
Caring for the bark of a tree consists in treating wounds and open sections with garden pitch. In the spring, adults and young trees are whitewashed to prevent sunburn. Preventive treatment of the garden in spring will remove many problems during the growing season.
During the flowering period, you need to spray the tree with honey water to attract pollinators.
All of these activities are not difficult, available to every gardener. If necessary, you can read how to grow an apricot in the Moscow region from seeds. An exciting activity! Experts believe that a self-root tree is more resistant to weather disasters. It is necessary to grow several seedlings from seeds in order to choose the most successful specimen.