The trees in the garden have been growing for decades and no crop rotation rules apply to them. For a long time of active growth and fruiting, they greatly deplete the soil, which is why they need constant feeding. Proper autumn feeding of fruit trees is the key to a good harvest next year.

In summer, garden trees give us their fruits, which means they deplete the reserves of organic and mineral elements they need to later life. That is why the main fertilizers must be applied in the fall, when the growth process is completed, the trees are preparing for winter. They need nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, iron, magnesium in order to calmly endure the winter and start spring growth with renewed vigor. In addition, they also need a certain amount of manganese, molybdenum, cobalt, boron and other trace elements. That is why in the fall it is desirable to apply complex mineral fertilizers. Which ones to choose?

It must be remembered that nitrogen is not desirable to make especially before winter. Feed the trees in autumn while they are still growing. A large dose of nitrogen will enhance the growth of additional shoots, which means it will weaken the tree for winter. Scientists believe that for additional root growth, which occurs in many fruit crops in August-September, the tree will redistribute the remaining nitrogen from the leaves and branches, and additional feeding with this element will disrupt the preparation of the plant for winter rest. Thus, the main elements that a tree needs in autumn are potassium and phosphorus.

Potassium helps trees survive winters, no matter how harsh they may be. Potassium sulphate (usually produced in powder) or can be applied to the soil in the fall. Both fertilizers contain approximately 50% base material. Chlorine will not harm an apple tree, a pear, which means that they can be fed with cheaper potassium chloride. But sensitive crops are more suitable for potassium sulfate. After its use, soils are not considered acidified, although a very small amount of sulfuric acid remains.


A very popular and good fertilizer that you can use in the fall is potassium magnesia. It contains only 25% potassium, but there is also 11-18% magnesium, which is also very good. It must be made with magnesium deficiencies. In plants that lack this element, interveinal chlorosis is observed - the leaves become spotted in color: only stripes of veins remain green, and between them the color turns pale to yellow. Then it is necessary to add potassium magnesia or magnesium sulfate to the trunk circle, diluting no more than 2 g in 1 liter of water. If an undissolved sediment remains, it can be poured under a tree - before spring it will have time to dissolve and will not harm the roots with its concentration.

The main phosphate fertilizer is superphosphate. It can be simple (approximately 20% phosphorus) and double (up to 49%). Powder or granules of a dark gray color must be embedded at the level of the roots, because phosphorus practically does not move through the soil. To feed adult trees, 5–7 holes are dug (according to the size of a shovel), after removing the sod, 1 handful of phosphorus and potash fertilizers are poured, mixed with soil, and watered. Then the turf is returned to its place.


Ammophos is a more concentrated fertilizer, but since it contains nitrogen, it is better to apply it in the spring. Apricots, cherries, apple trees that do not tolerate winter can be fed with expensive, but very effective monopotassium phosphate. It does not contain any ballast substances, is completely absorbed by plants, and is produced in the form of a powder. Like all phosphorus-containing preparations, it must be embedded in the ground at the level of the roots.

Video "The better to feed the trees"

Video review of the most popular and effective top dressing for, as well as helpful tips by their encouragement.

Fruit trees

Whatever top dressing you make during the spring - summer, in the fall, garden trees need to be given organic and mineral fertilizers so that they can survive the winter and prepare for the next growth period. To this end, a month before the expected frost, grooves are made around each fruit tree, approximately 30 g of potassium salt, 50 g of superphosphate and 5 kg of humus are added for every 1 sq. m of root area. Phosphorus will help strengthen the root system and will contribute to the accumulation of proteins and sugars by cell sap. Potassium removes excess fluid from the cells, makes the juice thicker, which helps to survive frosts more easily. Organic fertilizing has the potential to increase fertility.

During autumn fertilization, one should think about improving the structure of the soil, which could change under the influence of many factors. To make heavy clay soils lighter, more breathable, sawdust is added (maybe not even rotted). If you need to acidify the soil, wood ash can bring a lot of benefits. It contains at least 17 trace elements necessary for fruit trees. It is brought no more than 250 g - per 1 sq. m area.


Experienced gardeners say that under fruit trees under the age of 8 years, 30 kg of humus should be added, and older trees will need all 50 kg. It is deeply buried by digging up the earth. Apple and pear trees require 300 g of superphosphate and 200 potassium sulfate. They can be repaired together with humus - the main thing is not to forget that phosphorus scattered over the surface of the earth will not reach the roots itself. Plums and cherries are generously watered with water (at least 4 buckets for each tree), having previously dissolved 3 tablespoons of superphosphate and 2 tablespoons of potassium sulfate in 10 liters of water.

There are complex mineral fertilizers that have already been tested and have shown themselves well, for example, "Autumn", "Fruit Garden", "Universal", Kemira "Autumn". They are easy to use, guided by the instructions, this will save you from unnecessary worries and doubts.

Liquid top dressing

Since in autumn you still need to give fruit trees a large supply of water, many gardeners use liquid top dressing. To do this, mineral fertilizers are dissolved in the required amount of water, then the resulting solution is further diluted and poured into the grooves around the trunk. Usually use ammophos, superphosphate, any potash fertilizers that dissolve easily. From organic fertilizers, it is best to apply slurry, mullein, chicken manure.


What else can you feed

What other top dressing can be used in the fall? Each owner of a summer cottage has his own preferences. Many believe in the rule: if you carry surplus crops from garden to garden, and from garden to garden, then this will only bring benefits. So, apples and pears that fell from trees that did not please the owner may well find their place on the compost heap along with grass and waste after pruning garden trees. And overripe zucchini or cucumbers, which the hostess rejects, can be brought under fruit trees by digging them into the ground.

Some summer residents believe that leftover food, coffee and tea can also be buried under trees, sprinkled with sawdust, spilled with diluted chicken droppings or mullein. They arrange a compost heap in this way under each tree separately. This is probably also good, but it makes sense to cover it all with a layer of soil and make sure that fallen leaves do not get there. It is better to remove leaves from under trees - harmful microorganisms and rodents remain in them for the winter.

It is important to feed the trees in time in the fall - this is the key to an excellent harvest next season.

Competent preparation of the garden for winter will have a positive effect on winter hardiness.

Trees start to feed in August-September. Mineral and organic fertilizers are applied to the near-stem zone, and the crown is also sprayed after the leaves fall.

Feed your garden in the fall by combining fertilization with deep digging of the soil around the tree trunk in October, not only allows the roots to breathe, but also destroys the wintering grounds of the caterpillars.

Pre-winter irrigation of the soil is often combined with fertilization, but small doses of frequent watering are rather harmful, as soil air exchange will be disturbed.

During digging, the main organic fertilizer is introduced into the zone of the near-stem circle - humus(30-50 kg) at the same time with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron.


Autumn top dressing of apple trees, pears

  • superphosphate - 300 g;
  • potassium sulfate - 200 g;
  • Magnesium - 300 g.

After deep embedding in the near-trunk circle, the plant should be watered abundantly. Seed culture requires saturated nutrient solutions.

Feeding trees in the fall with organic matter and mineral fertilizers is a must. Apples and pears have a deeper root system and annually carry a large amount of nutrients from the soil.


How to feed cherries, apricots, sweet cherries, plums in autumn

  • superphosphate - 3 tbsp. l.
  • potassium sulfate - 2 tbsp. l.
  • water - 10 l (bucket).

Feed the garden with this solution in the fall at the rate of 4 buckets of such a solution per adult tree.

Nitrogen- spring fertilizer, which contributes to increased sap flow, which will be inopportune during the winter sleep of the tree.

To limit, in accordance with accepted standards, in the autumn, feeding with substances: manganese, cobalt, copper, boron.

Fertilizing is especially important for seedlings and young trees in the fall, under the age of 8.

From light soils (sandy, sandy loamy) useful elements are washed out faster than from heavier (clay, loamy) soils.

This fact is taken into account when calculating the amount when applying top dressing and fertilizers.

Moisture-charging watering of trees in autumn

In the dry and warm period of leaf fall in mid-October, abundant watering of garden trees is carried out along a large circle of the crown and a small near-trunk. Saturate the soil with water in order to avoid a dry period for the tree, which will preserve the root system, eliminate the possibility of sunburn of the branches and bark.

The young roots most vulnerable to cold are located under the crown, quite far from the plant trunk. Watering an adult tree for 2-3 days requires up to 20 buckets of water, for a young tree 4-6 buckets are enough.

Watering abundantly, it is necessary to take into account the type of soil, the depth of the root system and groundwater. An average tree extracts water in winter from a depth of 0.5–2 m.

Learn how to properly care for the garden in the fall, so that next year fruit trees and shrubs will please you with juicy and tasty fruits.

During fruiting, plants lose a lot of strength, so proper and timely feeding is simply necessary for them. It not only improves immunity, but also guarantees a successful wintering for horticultural crops, and also contributes to their growth and development in the next season.

When and how to feed trees and bushes?

Autumn feeding can begin as early as August and continue until September-October. This is the time when gooseberries, currants, raspberries, cherries, as well as early varieties of apples, pears, plums, and other fruits are already ripe and harvested.

Many novice gardeners make a big mistake when they postpone fertilizing bushes and trees for the spring. After all, plants also need nutrients in autumn. Top dressing is carried out after the fruiting of trees and shrubs when digging the earth in their near-trunk circles, the diameter of which approximately corresponds to the diameter of the crown. This allows you to increase soil fertility and enrich it with nutrients.




Garden plants need macro- and microelements: nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sulfur, iron and magnesium. In a much smaller amount, it is necessary to add microelements: manganese, boron, copper, cobalt, molybdenum.

What kind of fertilizers and in what quantities to apply depends on the type and composition of the soil. But most often in autumn, plants lack phosphorus and potassium. If the garden has light sandy or sandy soil, more fertilizer will be needed than in the case of heavy clay soils, from which nutrients are not washed out as quickly.

Fertilizer rates

After removing the remaining and spoiled fruits, damaged branches, you can start applying organic and mineral fertilizers.




Fruit tree nutrition

Under trees up to 8 years old contribute 30 kg of humus, and for crops over 9 years old - 50 kg. Fertilizer must be planted into the soil to a depth of 12-15 cm (cherry and plum) or 15-20 cm (apple and pear).

Under apple and pear trees in addition to organics, you can add 300 g of superphosphate and 200 g of potassium sulfate. They are covered with humus or scattered around the tree, sprinkled with soil and watered.

For cherries and plums it is necessary to dilute 3 tbsp. superphosphate and 2 tbsp. potassium sulfate in 10 liters of water and generously water the trees. For each adult tree, you will need 4 buckets of top dressing.

Fertilizing berry bushes

Berry bushes in the fall are also fertilized with humus. For example, under each adult bush gooseberry from 8 to 15 kg of humus and 40 g of potassium sulfate should be applied, and a year later, also 160 g of superphosphate. The introduction of macronutrients together with organic fertilizers is especially effective, when part of the organic matter is embedded in the soil, and part is used for mulching the root zone.

Raspberries and currants feed with humus (10-15 kg for one plant), and also add 60 g of superphosphate and 40 g of potassium salt for each bush. It is better to apply fertilizer in grooves 20 cm deep, dug at a distance of 30 cm from the bush.

Top dressing strawberries

Needs special care Strawberry. After harvesting and pruning old leaves, it is necessary to loosen the soil to a depth of 10 cm and apply a complex mineral fertilizer. Ammophoska is ideal, because it contains not only phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, but also magnesium, calcium, sulfur, with the addition of ammonium nitrate. Fertilizers are mixed in a ratio of 2:1. About 15 g of the mixture should fall on 1 sq.m. You need to add macronutrients along with humus, and on top of the bushes mulch with peat and water.




Complex fertilizers for the garden

It is very convenient to use complex mineral fertilizers in the garden. Careful selection of micro- and macronutrients allows you to provide plants with good nutrition. For the orchard, such specialized complex mineral fertilizers as "Autumn", "Fruit Garden", "Universal" are recommended. Kemira fertilizer has proven itself well. When using complex fertilizers, it is much easier to calculate the proportions for top dressing: you need to follow the instructions on the package exactly.

Proper care and correct top dressing garden will protect him from many misfortunes. Pay as much attention to your plants as possible, and you will always reap a good harvest of fruits and berries.

Feeding trees and shrubs in autumn is one of the components of a high harvest next year. It should be produced taking into account the age of the plantations, the quality of the soil and the availability of irrigation. Three whales of fertilizers for fruit bushes and trees are potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Types of fertilizers

Manure. Manure is diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5 and brought into the grooves dug around the trunk, then the grooves are buried. It contains nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and other elements. Serves to reduce the levels of salt and acidity in the soil.

Compost. Compost is made from waste of plant and animal origin, cut grass, weeds, leftovers from the kitchen, dried plants, leaves, silt from reservoirs, feces are taken.

Peat. Peat is a compressed humus of plant and animal origin, often used for mulching. It is necessary not to overdry the peat.

Ash. Ash regulates the acidity of the soil. It contains sulfur, phosphorus, potassium, manganese. If you burn young plants, then the ash from this will turn out to be the most useful. Before fertilizing, it should be mixed with water, and simply pour over the resulting result.

Bird droppings. Dilute with water in a ratio of 1: 10.

Basic principles of feeding fruit trees

The main tree feeding activities are carried out twice a year. In early spring, before growth begins, it is advisable to add substances to the ground that stimulate the growth of shoots. For this, fertilizers containing nitrogen are used. In autumn, after harvesting, the soil must be enriched with potassium and phosphorus. They will allow the trees to replenish those nutrients that were spent during fruiting. After planting in the first year of life, the trees no longer fertilize, and all top dressing starts from the second year. And the closer to the fruiting period of the plant, the more the value and influence of feeding for the plant increases.

Terms of feeding fruit trees in the fall

Putting off fertilizing fruit trees in the spring is a big mistake. Each top dressing has its own special meaning, and each growing season has its own rules for fertilizing.

Having harvested from your trees, you need, without delay, to begin enriching the depleted land with useful substances and trace elements. You can start autumn feeding of trees from the end of August and continue until September-October.

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What top dressing to use in the fall for trees

Phosphorus fertilizers are also used during the entire active period of the plants. But introduced into the soil since autumn are the key to more lush flowering, because. Phosphorus preparations need time to “activate” their abilities. Phosphorus fertilizers are also used during the entire active period of the plants. But introduced into the soil since autumn are the key to more lush flowering, because. Phosphorus preparations need time to “activate” their abilities.

Feeding stone fruit trees

Fertilizers are applied to the soil when it is dug up or loosened. In this case, the root of the tree is fed. The pear also needs vitamins and microelements in the spring. It is necessary to introduce chicken manure in a small amount, otherwise there is a risk of burning the trunk and roots of the tree. When mixing saltpeter with water, it is important to observe the proportions of 1: 0.5. Every year in the spring, the amount of fertilizer used should be increased, as the tree itself grows and grows.

Feeding pome trees

For pome trees, the best fertilizer in April will be nitrogen substances that stimulate the growth of their shoots. If the tree gives a weak harvest, then it is additionally recommended to add urea in the ratio of 5 g / 1 m2. trunk circle. For adult trees, top dressing is carried out around the perimeter of the entire crown.

Liquid top dressing

Since in autumn you still need to give fruit trees a large supply of water, many gardeners use liquid top dressing. To do this, mineral fertilizers are dissolved in the required amount of water, then the resulting solution is further diluted and poured into the grooves around the trunk. Usually use ammophos, superphosphate, any potash fertilizers that dissolve easily. From organic fertilizers, it is best to apply slurry, mullein, chicken manure.

Fertilizer application rates for fruit trees

Under trees up to 8 years old, 30 kg is applied. humus, and under crops older than 9 years - 50 kg. Fertilizer must be planted into the soil to a depth of 12-15 cm (cherry and plum) or 15-20 cm (apple and pear). Under apple and pear trees, in addition to organic matter, 300 g of superphosphate and 200 g of potassium sulfate can be added. They are covered with humus or scattered around the tree, sprinkled with soil and watered.

For cherries and plums, dilute 3 tbsp. superphosphate and 2 tbsp. potassium sulfate in 10 liters. water and generously water the trees. For each adult tree, you will need 4 buckets of top dressing.

Tree feeding methods

Root top dressing of trees is applied in spring and autumn in order to improve soil characteristics and saturate plants with important elements. Flavoring compounds are gradually absorbed through the small processes of the root system. Absorption occurs over a long time (from 5-10 days or longer, depending on the depth of laying and the amount of fertilizer).

To quickly saturate the planting with nitrogen and other substances, foliar top dressing of trees is used. Literally in 2-3 days, the leaves completely absorb the substance applied to them.

Feeding certain types of trees

Different types of plants require different nutrients. What works for one garden crop may cause irreparable harm to others. That is why it is so important to choose the right fertilisers.

Apple trees are usually fed several times per season. The roots of this tree need phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Therefore, these nutrients are introduced into the root system. Acidified soil will prevent good apple yields. Lime will help to cope with this problem. It is brought in during the digging process.

In autumn, gardeners and summer residents actively prepare the land and green spaces for wintering.

For this, the following is carried out:

  • digging beds
  • mulching plants protective layer foliage
  • sheltering grapes
  • application of complex fertilizers

Proper and planned preparation of the garden-garden for frost will provide favorable conditions for flowering plants, their growth and high-quality fruiting. When spring comes, it is the introduction of complex mineral mixtures in the off-season that will contribute to a bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables.

Preparation for winter begins in summer

From June, you can begin to apply mineral top dressing under the fruiting strawberries. Cherries, sweet cherries and other stone fruits have been fed since July. We act in the same way with those who bear fruit: currants, raspberries, gooseberries. It is important to fertilize the plants before the end of the growing season (growth), so the latest for this is the end of September. Such a schedule is due to the fact that the introduction of complex mineral mixtures by mid-autumn is less effective, since the growth of green mass stops, and the plants do not take up nutrients in the required volume.

Mineral Based Fertilizers

It is possible to carry out high-quality and in the right quantity top dressing of plantings with mineral mixtures. Their assortment differs in the percentage of useful and soluble substances.

Preference is given to the use of material with the highest concentration of useful elements, which are encoded in the usual numerical formula: nitrogen is always at the beginning of the marking, followed by phosphorus and potassium. For example, a mixture with a high concentration of minerals is contained in the formula 15:15:15: nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium mixture. By purchasing a mineral supplement labeled 19:15:9, you will get a composition with a low potassium content and increased nitrogen.


How to improve productivity?

We are constantly getting letters in which amateur gardeners are worried that due to the cold summer this year, a poor harvest of potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and other vegetables. Last year we published TIPS about this. But unfortunately, many did not listen, but some still applied. Here is a report from our reader, we want to advise plant growth biostimulantswhich will help increase the yield by up to 50-70%.

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In order to find out how much the selected mineral mixtures will saline the soil in autumn, you need to sum up the numbers contained in the marking. From 100 we calculate the amount received, thus determining the neutral (at best) salt ballast. Useless soluble substances negatively affect the soil: they bind water, making it difficult for roots to access moisture.

According to the percentage of useful substances, complex mixtures are divided:

  • up to 30% - depleted;
  • from 30 to 40% - medium;
  • more than 40% - enriched;

When purchasing fertilizers, it is necessary to take into account the content of potassium and nitrogen in them, this is due to the fact that these substances compete with each other for digestibility. With their ratio in a ratio of 1: 1, more active nitrogen will be mainly absorbed. Excellent nitrogen to potassium ratio of 3:5. In such a mixture, potassium “successfully competes” with nitrogen and is absorbed in the right amount, thereby stimulating the healthy development of plants.

To prepare the garden for the autumn-winter period, complex top dressing with a formula of 1:11:24, with a low nitrogen content, is relevant. In autumn, active growth in the garden is not expected, and the need for potassium and phosphorus is large, since these elements are intensively washed out and carried out over the winter. A small percentage of nitrogen contained in the nutrient mixture provides the composition with good solubility. In the fall, there is an active growth of the root system of perennial garden plantations, accompanied by increased development of nitrogen from the applied top dressing, and falls in October.

What fertilizer to use in the fall

Mineral supplements dissolved in water are best absorbed by plants, as nutrients reach the root system faster. This is a natural way of obtaining nutrition for green mass, which is necessary during the growing season, so this method of fertilization is a priority.

An aqueous mixture of mineral fertilizers, optimal in its concentration, is prepared at the rate of: 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per 10 liters of water. In this proportion, the amount of minerals approximately corresponds to their content in uncultivated soils, under natural conditions.


An alternative way to apply mineral top dressing

When applying mineral fertilizers, the ability of plants to receive nutrients through the foliage, thanks to the vessels and channels on their surface, is also taken into account.

The advantages of this method:

  • the method of spraying with minerals dissolved in water is good because the rate of assimilation of elements by the plant significantly exceeds all other known methods of feeding
  • when foliar top dressing, the consumption of materials is reduced due to the fact that it is possible to select the concentration of the mineral solution as accurately as possible
  • there is no change in the chemical composition of substances to insoluble compounds, and such changes occur when mixtures are applied directly to the soil

According to their purpose, mineral fertilizers are divided into:

  • lawn
  • for fruit trees
  • berry-ornamental plants
  • conifers
  • perennials

Specialized nutrient mixtures contain an optimally balanced mineral composition, so plants fully receive the elements necessary for life.


Fertilizers for application in the fall are selected with a low nitrogen content, such material is usually packaged with an informational inscription on the package:

  • "autumn"
  • "for autumn application"

Autumn fertilizers are combined with elements rich in phosphorus, potassium, calcium - substances that ensure the development of shoots and reduce the susceptibility of plants to cold weather and pests. It can be taken as a rule that excessive feeding does not carry any value for plants, therefore it is worth starting it only after carefully studying the contents of the instructions for use. Material consumption rates can be found on the packaging.

Complex fertilizers of organic origin

Of particular value to summer residents and gardeners is horse and cow dung, as well as poultry droppings: quails, chickens, pigeons. Bulk manure is formed in the process of overheating in a heap, which lasts 1.5 - 3 years. Such material is harmless to plants and can be applied under the root, and fresh manure or litter is applied only for digging, as it contains concentrated amounts of urea and other substances that can harm the root system. In autumn, the site is fertilized with manure at the rate of 400-500 kg per hundred square meters, once every 2-3 years.



An aqueous solution of manure has an active effect, for this the material is poured with water and left to ferment for a week. The resulting infusion is diluted with water to the color of not strong tea leaves, and after abundant watering of the plantations, it is applied under the root. The consumption rate of the solution is from half a liter for small plants, like a tomato, and up to 1-3 buckets for fruit-bearing perennial trees.

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