Where is the best place to plant an apple tree on a plot?

How to choose a location for planting different varieties

There are some general principles to follow when choosing a planting location for this plant. While conditions may vary slightly depending on the variety, the key points remain the same.

The optimal place for planting a tree is in an open area, preferably on a hill. The soil should be loose to ensure adequate water and air permeability for the plant's root system. Furthermore, the plant does not tolerate proximity to groundwater, as excess moisture can lead to root rot. Of course, if this cannot be avoided, drainage can be used to remove excess water.

The distance between trees can vary depending on the variety. For example, if the apple trees are short, a distance of 1.5–2 meters will be sufficient for optimal conditions. However, if the trees are larger, a larger plot may be needed to ensure a distance of up to 5 meters. The plot should also be planted with apple trees of different varieties suitable for cross-pollination.

It's also worth protecting the plants from strong winds. For this purpose, you can plant sea buckthorn or rowan on the northern edge of the plot.

Now let's talk in more detail about how to choose a place for planting apple trees of different varieties.

Winter

Winter varieties are quite popular among gardeners. This is because they can relatively easily withstand even the most severe frosts. Furthermore, their fruits can be stored for a very long time, and their main flavor characteristics are retained after a certain period of storage.

But precisely because of these characteristics, they require a tremendous amount of heat. This means the soil in which they grow must be well-fertilized (requiring more fertilizer than summer varieties), and cultivated varieties should not be grown nearby. In other words, their soil must be as nutritious as possible to ensure energy conservation.

Summer

These apple trees have a short shelf life and are also completely susceptible to low temperatures and frost. Therefore, it's recommended to plant them in relatively warm regions (temperate and southern climates are ideal), where frosts are not too severe. They also don't tolerate cold winds, so proper protection is essential. It's also worth noting that it's best to choose a location for planting a tree that receives plenty of sunlight, as summer varieties absolutely need it.

Autumn

Autumn varieties are characterized by average frost resistance and relatively long storage periods of fruits.

To ensure this apple tree thrives in your garden, you need to choose a well-lit location. Also, make sure the plant avoids drafts and sudden temperature changes. If the tree's location doesn't allow this, you'll need to provide adequate protection yourself. Furthermore, it's not recommended to over-fertilize the soil; occasional feeding is sufficient.

How to prepare the soil

To ensure the soil is of good quality, it should be prepared several weeks before planting. This ensures it is saturated with nutrients and has sufficiently settled by planting time. So, which fertilizers are best?

The hole should be one meter in diameter and up to 80 cm deep. Mix the fertile and non-fertile soil layers, adding fertilizer (humus, ash, superphosphate, and potassium sulfate). Fill the hole to the top, leaving a small mound of soil on top to prevent the seedling from ending up in a crater later.

Once the soil has settled, you can carefully plant the apple tree seedlings on the plot.

Gardener's Tips

Now that we've answered the questions about choosing a location for planting this plant, let's look at some of the nuances associated with growing apple trees.

If the tree is being planted in soil with a high clay content, deepen the hole and line the bottom with a drainage layer using wood trimmings or stones. This will provide the plant with additional oxygen reserves that will last for many years. If, on the other hand, the soil is sandy, add a layer of clay to retain moisture right at the roots.

Remember that actively growing apple trees are among the tallest trees in the garden, so it is recommended to plant it in the northwest corner of the plot so that it does not shade other plants.

A common question among beginning gardeners is whether it's possible to plant a new apple tree in the same place as an old one. Many farmers agree that this shouldn't be done. The original tree's location will lack sufficient nutrients, and root diseases and pests (if any) will migrate to the new tree.

Therefore, it's recommended to look for another location to plant the tree and avoid potential problems. Some, however, have found an alternative: planting a stone fruit (such as a cherry) in the chosen spot. In any case, a new location for the young apple tree needs to be found.

Finally, it's worth noting that two people are best for optimal planting. When placing a seedling in the soil, its roots need to be spread out. So, one person will work on the root system, while the other will gradually fill it with soil, compacting it thoroughly. This will ensure the most effective results, and the tree's roots will remain safe and sound. Now you know where apple trees grow best.

Video: Apple Tree Planting Instructions

This video will teach you how to plant apple trees correctly.