It is always advisable to do a soil test in order to get the baseline soil nutrient values and the soil pH. It is a good gardening practice to adjust the soil acidity and fertility prior to planting. In most fruit plants, nitrogen should be at its highest level during the spring and summer and low in the fall to slow growth and reduce winter injury. On established fruit plantings, fertilizer applications should be based on the plant growth rate and condition. (See chart below) Fruit crops grown in the lawn often receive enough nutrients from the lawn's fertilizer. In this case, determine if additional fertilizer is needed based on the terminal growth.
Fertilizer Guidelines
(1/2 lb granular fertilizer is equal to approximately 1 cup)
Fruit Desired Vegetative Growth Rate1 Time
| Tart Cherries | 8” new terminal growth for mature trees; 1 to 3 Year old trees may double this amount of Terminal growth | 1/6 lb 34-0-0 Per tree per Year of age | Feb. |
| Pears | Less than 12” new terminal growth for mature Trees; 1 to 3 year old trees may double this Amount of terminal growth | 1/8 lb 34-0-0 Per tree per year of age | Feb |
| Apples | 12 to 15” new terminal growth for mature trees; 1 to 3 year old trees may double this amount of Terminal growth | ¼ lb 34-0-0 Per tree per year of age | Feb |
| Peaches, Plums | 14-20” new terminal growth for mature trees; 1 to 3 year old trees may double this amount of terminal growth | 1/6 lb 34-0-0 Per tree per Year of age | Feb |
1 Distribute fertilizer at tree drip line and use a maximum of 2 to 3 lb per tree.
