Do you dream of a delicious plum harvest? All you need to know about plum growing

The juicy and sweet plum grown in your garden is a true summer pleasure. Plum cultivation is not complicated, but it is important to know some basic rules for a rich and high quality harvest.

In this article, we will discuss the most important aspects of the plum cultivation step by step, from the right variety to harvest.

Suitable plum selection:

The first and very important step is to choose the right plum breed based on the following factors:

• Climate conditions: Early, medium and late varieties grow best in Lithuania, which are able to ripen the fruit through our climatic conditions. Popular varieties are ‘Scorospelka’, ‘Opal’, ‘Victoria’, ‘Stanley’, ‘Jubileum’ and others.
• Self -pollination: Some plum varieties are self -pollinating, while others need dustmen – other nearby varieties of the same flowering time. When choosing a non -sacrifice variety, it is necessary to plant at least two different plum trees to ensure pollination and yield.
• Resistance to diseases and pests: Choose varieties with good resistance to the most common plum diseases such as plum muscle, monilosis, and pests.
• Fruit taste, size and purpose: Consider the preferences of your taste (sweet, sour), the size and purpose of the fruit you want (fresh, canning, drying).

Suitable for plum location and planting:

Plums need sunny, warm and strong winds protected from strong winds. The soil should be fertile, fluffy, water and air wires, neutral or slightly sour pH. Heavy, wet and very acidic soils should be avoided.

Planting time:

• Early spring (beginning of April): The best time to plant plums before the buds are bursting.
• End of autumn (October-November): It is also possible to plant in the autumn, but it is necessary to provide protection against frost in the first year.

Planting process:

1. Prepare the pit: The pit should be approximately 60-80 cm deep and width so that the roots can be freely arranged.
2. Fertilize the soil: Fertilize the bottom of the pit with rotting manure or compost mixed with a fertile top of the soil. Complex mineral fertilizers can also be added.
3. Insert the seedling: When planting with open roots, check that the roots are not damaged. Plant so that the vaccine location is 5-10 cm above the ground.
4. Fill with earth: Pour the pit with the remaining soil, gently compacing around the roots to avoid air gaps.
5. Wake up: Wake the planted tree abundantly.
6. Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch (sawdust, peat, straw) around the trunk to retain moisture and protect against weeds.
7. Attach to the support: It is recommended to tie young trees to the support to protect from the wind and help grow straight.

Care:

• Watering: Young trees should be watered regularly in dry air, especially in the first year after planting. Mature trees are more resistant to drought, but with a long period of drought, it is recommended to water them, especially during fruit maturation.
• Fertilization: Nitrogen fertilizers should be needed in spring and early summer, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, which stimulate fruit formation and improve wintering, should be used in late summer.
• Pruning: Pruning is essential for the formation of a wreath, eliminating sick, drying and over -growing branches, improving air circulation and light entering the crown, and regulating the harvest. Pruning should be pruning in early spring or after harvest in late summer.
• Protection against diseases and pests: Take a regular inspection of trees and take appropriate measures after noticing the signs of disease or pest (eg aphids, plum saws). Both chemical and biological protective measures can be used.
• Fruit thinning: If too many fruits are established, they should be lost to make the remaining fruits larger, better ripened and the tree does not get tired.

Harvesting:

Plum harvest time depends on the variety. Ripe plums should be easily picked and their color and softness should match the variety description. It is best to pick completely ripe fruits because the plums are no longer scared.

Properly maintained plums will delight you with a rich and delicious harvest for many years!

Hi, I’m a Kamil, Hitas.lt author. The passion for cooking, home coziness and personal well -being inspires me to share discoveries – recipes and tips on love for myself – with you, dear readers.