Bloom was about seven days earlier than usual for our orchard. It was beautiful against the backdrop of the blue skies of Spring and gentle warm breezes. Being earlier than most years we were cautiously optimistic that we’d be able to avoid any pockets of cold that sometimes hit our region in Spring. That optimistic outlook was reversed by overnight temperatures dipping as low as 27 degrees last weekend. These temperatures were just too cold for the delicate fruit buds and we are now in “damage control” mode. When working in agriculture a producer never knows what Mother Nature will throw at you and every day is important. This year we were double whammied. The first blooms (King blooms) were destroyed by the freeze and now we are waiting to see if any second blooms will be pollinated and set fruit. A waiting game at this point.
Regardless of what comes next for our fruit outlook, we continue to follow through on the fertilization and care of the trees. Fertilizers are somewhat similar to vitamins, coming in many shapes and kinds. When choosing a fertilizer it is important to check the label on the bag. All fertilizers are labeled and the labels indicate the percentage of each of the three major plant nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. At times you will see these nutrients referred to by their chemical element symbols, N for nitrogen, P for phosphorus and K for potassium. You may also see numbers such as 15-5-10. These numbers indicate 15 percent nitrogen per pound of fertilizer, 5 percent phosphorus per pound and 10 percent potassium per pound. Fertilizers that include all three of these major nutrients are called “complete” fertilizers.
Nitrogen is necessary for shoot growth and green color in the leaves. It is sometimes in low supply and the fruit tree heavily uses nitrogen. BUT too much nitrogen can cause too much shoot growth and thus, will decrease the production of fruit buds. All nitrogen applications need to be applied in moderation. Phosphorus helps the tree in the growth of roots, seeds and early leaves. Phosphorus is not easily dissolved and works slowly into the soil. Potassium is necessary for the tree to produce fruit, grow good root systems and resist diseases. Potassium helps to transport sugar and starch through the tree.
How much fertilizer to apply is difficult to answer. The amount of fertilizer to use varies with soil type, amount of soil, organic matter, age of the trees and volume of the crop. A soil test would be recommended to determine the type and amount of fertilizer to apply. Local extension offices can help with soil tests. Fertilizer specialists and nursery stores can also be a starting point. We contacted a plant pathologist at a university who did our samplings.
No matter how it looks from the outside, nothing is easy in growing fruit.