Spring chores in the fruit garden
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY COMMONS WIKIMEDIA.ORG (ACONCAGUA)
Blueberries begin ripening soon. After harvest, be sure to keep plants well watered and fertilized to promote new growth. Use a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants, and mulch with shredded pine bark.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY COMMONS WIKIMEDIA.ORG (JIM CLARK)
Blueberries begin ripening soon. After harvest, be sure to keep plants well watered and fertilized to promote new growth. Use a fertilizer formulated for acid loving plants, and mulch with shredded pine bark.
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY COMMONS WIKIMEDIA.ORG (FOREST AND KIM STARR)
Strawberry season is underway now. Harvest daily to keep plants producing. Florida strawberry varieties must be replanted every year, unlike the northern varieties that are often carried over several years. If you dont grow your own strawberries, strawberries are in good supply at produce stands.
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ARCADIAN PHOTO BY AL SMOKE
Loquat trees are maturing fruits now. Loquats taste similar to peaches and can be used in baking, or enjoy the fresh sweet to tart fruits out of hand. The handsome trees have large leaves and are a good choice for a productive landscape tree.
By KAREN SMOKE
Now is the time to pay attention to your fruit crops. Citrus trees should have already received their first fertilization of the year. Don’t make the mistake of putting out fertilizer and not watering it in. Much of the nitrogen will be lost to the air. Water before applying fertilizer and rake into the top inch of soil, or apply a half-inch inch of water after spreading fertilizer.
Typically the next three months are on the dry side. Most fruit trees should receive a thorough watering once every week. We still like the old-fashioned method of making a well about the tree at least the diameter of the canopy, and let a sprinkler or hose run to flood the area with about an inch of water. When the rainy season begins, break down the sides of the well to prevent standing water.
