How To Fertilize Fig Trees: A Detailed Guide And Helpful Tips
One of the most critical steps for a healthy and lush fig tree is fertilization. However, not everyone understands this process correctly.
Many factors affect the outcome of a tree or fruit. Timing, the application process, and the type of fertilizer are some of the most notable examples.
So how to fertilize fig trees? When to fertilize a fig tree?
To learn more about this issue, read the article below!
When To Fertilize Fig Tree
You need to consider many factors before deciding on fertilizer for fig trees. Time is one of the top keys.
Too much fertilizer or supplement will cause the condition of excess nitrogen at the same time. So, let’s split schedules for food once a month.
For one or two years old trees, the amount of fertilizer you should add every month is an ounce.
This schedule should be stretched when the trees start new leaves and stop when July comes.
With older trees, let’s estimate the number of fertilizers at about one-third pounds per foot (31 cm).
The noteworthy fertilizing schedule is in the middle of spring, mid-summer, and late winter.
It would help if you also only fertilized when the fig tree is feeble and develops slowly or when the leaves are pale.
Some exceptions that you need to replenish nutrients are often when planting trees on sandy soil. Nutrients can get out fairly quickly.
If you plant in a garden with many trees, consider adding fertilizer to have adequate nutrition in the ground.
Evaluate Soil Conditions
An essential step in the how to fertilize fig tree process includes examining the ground quality and assessment.
Type
Fig is a straightforward plant to grow and develop. It can be suitable for almost any soil, except very fertile soils and concentrated clays.
The ideal ground for growing figs is moist and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If the fertility of the environment is low, add a little organic fertilizer to the mix.
As figs grow during the summer, they need soil that can hold water well. However, do not overwater to avoid root problems when the ground is soggy.
pH
The soil environment that helps figs grow best has a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. The ground will be slightly acidic.
Compared to a neutral score of 7, this level will be slightly more acidic. If this number exceeds 7 points, the ground will be alkaline.
You can test your soil’s pH using a tester’s probe or a soil test kit. Make sure your ground is the best environment for the fig tree to grow.
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To lower the pH and increase the soil’s acidity, use soil with Aluminum Sulfate, Sulfur, and Chelated Iron.
Using compost as a mulch or adding compost will help increase and maintain soil acidity.
How To Fertilize Fig Trees?
After thoroughly preparing the environment and suitable ground conditions for the fig tree, start learning how to fertilize this plant.
Step 1: Dig A Hole Around The Plant And Clear Weeds
The first step is to dig a round hole around the tree’s base. The circle size should be large enough to cover the entire root zone.
An easy way to align is based on the equivalent size of the canopy and tree top. The larger the tree, the larger the canopy, and the larger the hole must be dug.
The best depth to dig is about 5 cm. Do not dig too deep, as the fertilizer may come into contact with the roots or stems of the plant.
Step 2: Bring Granular Fertilizer
Once you’ve dug the hole, start fertilizing the plant. Choose a synthetic nutrient based on local soil conditions.
It will be challenging to find a general formula for fertilizing the ground. So, the best option is to start with moderate nutrients.
Experts agree that a slow-release fertilizer formula is best for fruit trees. In many ways, this formula will provide several benefits, such as the following:
- Provide enough nutrients for plants for a long time, like weeks or months.
- Provide a medium for living microorganisms to grow to improve soil quality.
- Prevent plants from consuming nutrients too quickly to cause unsustainable growth.
Step 3: Apply Fertilizer
Once you’ve prepared the fertilizer, take a pot or small cup and pour the fertilizer about halfway into the pot. The estimated volume is about 100 ml.
Spread the nutrient evenly around the area of the hole dug until it reaches the edge. Be careful not to let the fertilizer touch the trunk as it can damage the bark.
A safe distance from the trunk is between five and ten centimeters. If any granules fall near the tree, push them away immediately.
Step 4: Cover Fertilizer Granules And Water
Use ground to carefully and thoroughly cover the fertilizer granules together to a depth of about 5 cm. You should not let the granules come into contact with the roots or stems.
Finally, gently water the entire area to ensure the soil is moist. A watering can is the best tool you can use.
Water gently so as not to wash away the granules or cause the seeds to spread.
Fertilizer For Fig Tree: Important Tips
Although nitrogen is the only nutrient you need to keep in mind when choosing a fertilizer for pigs, some other areas may lack some additional nutrients.
Type Of Fertilizer
You can use inorganic or organic fertilizer for figs. All-purpose nutrients formulated with 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 are stable.
Organic food for plants should be the first choice. Their benefits are often less flammable and do not contain too many chemicals.
Thanks to this, the plants will not grow too strong and do not affect the living environment.
Besides, you can also find out more details about different types of fertilizers. Knowing them well will make your final decision much more secure.
Important Tips
Some other useful tips that you need to keep in mind when adding nutrients to figs are:
- If you apply too much fertilizer, the canopy can grow stronger instead of ripening the fruit. So consider using small and small portions at a time.
- Ensure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling any chemicals, such as industrial fertilizers.
- Avoid fertilizing during the frost in cold climates. This process can cause plants to grow prematurely and cause them to freeze to death.
- Always refer to the instructions listed on the packaging.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you learn how to fertilize a fig tree. The implementation process includes the following basic steps:
- Dig a hole and clear weeds.
- Bring granular fertilizer.
- Apply fertilizer.
- Cover granules and water.
Make sure your ground is fertile enough after fertilizing. The replenishment schedule doesn’t need to be so tight as you can wait to compost for more complete nutrients next time.
The best option is compost, but organic fertilizers will help significantly if you’re short on time.
