GARDENING: younger trees and shrubs as they become established should be fed annually

WE EXPECT a lot from our fruit trees and shrubs, writes TOM ATTWOOD. I’m regularly asked about a disappointing crop on one or more plants, maybe it’s sporadic or seems to perhaps be in terminal decline. My first response is always to ask, do you feed regularly, or at all? A sheepish glance or three often gives the game away. All too frequently the feeding or nourishing of the soil for fruit trees and shrubs is overlooked. In some instances, it wouldn’t appear to make any difference, with some of our hardiest fruit trees and bushes they will simply carry on fruiting regardless but that’s not the norm with many species and varieties. Younger trees and shrubs as they become established should be fed annually and once they are established that shouldn’t mean stopping altogether once your tree or fruit bush has been there for several seasons. As I’ve said on numerous occasions in the past the holy grail when it comes to feeding is old manure, an energy source coveted by generations of gardeners that will provide a broad range of nutrients for the plant. But it’s not only nutrients, manure or at least the breaking down of the manure that improves the soil structure, aeration and water holding capacity. If you see bags of free manure by the roadside make sure it’s at least a year old and if in doubt stockpile it somewhere to age like a fine whiskey. Speaking from a previous manure related experience make sure the source you’re using does not have a temple of nettles on or near it as all you’ll do is introduce masses of nettle seeds into your garden. A suitable alternative to manure would be soil ‘conditioner’ that you can buy pre-bagged in many places. I mulch all our fruit trees and fruit cage plants with well-rotted manure every autumn. It’s a simple and easy thing to do and if you get into the habit of making it part of your autumn routine you should begin to see gradual but sustained improvements throughout.