April!

FRUIT GARDENER'S DIARY - APRIL

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Once the autumn rains arrive, while the soil is still warm, it’s another good time to plant fruit trees and plants. Planting in the autumn allows the fruits to establish their root systems over the winter in preparation for the following fruiting season.

PICK

Grapes, apples, Chilean guava, pears, rhubarb, walnuts, passion fruit, late peaches.

PLANT

• Plant evergreen frost hardy fruits such as feijoa (see the feijoa growing guide here) and Chilean guavas.
• Remove runners from strawberry plants and pot up into Tui Strawberry Mix ready for planting out in the winter.
• Remember - fruit requires a position in full sun. Shelter from prevailing winds is preferable.

TASKS

Protect

• Aphids, whitefly and scale insects may be about, spray with Tui Insect Control for Fruit & Veges to control.

Prune

• Once nectarines, peaches and plums have finished fruiting prune to shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches.

Weeds

• Keep orchards and the areas around fruit trees weed free.
• Only use weed sprays that are non-residual near fruit trees.

Mulch

• Add a layer of Tui Mulch & Feed around the base of fruit trees, to keep the soil warmer over the winter months and keep the area weed free.
• As the mulch breaks down it adds nutrients to the soil as well.