How and what to cover the apricot for the winter and when to start preparing for the cold
Content
General rules for autumn care
With the arrival of autumn, the preparation of the garden for winter begins. First of all, the plants are examined for the presence of harmful insects and signs of fungal and bacterial infections. Trees and shrubs are treated with insecticides and fungicides. The trunk and skeletal branches of the apricot are covered with lime whitewash. Lime saves the plant from invasions of harmful insects and small rodents, which feed on the bark of fruit crops in winter. At the next stage, water-charging irrigation is carried out, which allows the soil to be moistened to a depth of 80–100 cm.
The introduction of potassium-phosphorus fertilizers contributes to the enrichment of the soil with various nutrients and useful substances. Do not forget about mulching the soil in the trunk circle. The mulch layer protects the fruit crop from temperature extremes, cold and glaciation, and also allows the root to absorb moisture and "breathe".
Autumn is considered the ideal time for sanitary crown pruning. All old and damaged branches are removed with the help of a garden pruner. Young shoots are shortened so that the plant can be covered for the winter. But on each branch there should be several buds.
Video "Technology for sheltering apricots for the winter"
From this video you will learn how the apricot tree is prepared for the upcoming cold weather.
How to insulate an apricot
Many novice gardeners believe that there is a standard plant insulation scheme. However, this assumption is incorrect. The shelter technology depends on the varietal characteristics and age of the cultivated crop, as well as on the climatic characteristics of the growing region. Yield indicators for the next year depend on the preparation of fruit and vegetable crops for wintering.
What materials to use
As a mulch, you can use dry opal foliage, sawdust, coniferous branches, shredded cardboard, straw and trimmings of covering material. Lutrasil, agrofibre, polypropylene bags, burlap, thick cardboard, canvas and various non-woven materials are used to insulate a fruit tree. In severe frosts, the protective shelter is covered with dry earth or covered with spruce branches.
Tree shelter technology
The algorithm for sheltering an apricot tree for the winter is as follows:
- Mulching the soil in the near-trunk circle with a layer of sawdust, fallen leaves and thin branches.
- Wrapping the trunk and skeletal branches of a fruit crop with burlap or dense non-woven fabric. Fixing the material with a twine.
- Warming of apricot with covering material.
- Installation of additional protection in the form of a wooden box or slate sheets during prolonged snowfalls and severe frosts.
Features of insulation
Let's see how to cover young and old apricots growing in different climates.
For young and old trees
A newly planted seedling, which has not yet had time to adapt to the new terrain and climate, needs special care. In order for a young tree to cope with the upcoming cold weather and recover with the arrival of spring, you need to carefully insulate it. In severe frosts, a protective structure made of a metal or wooden frame with a polypropylene or canvas covering is put on the tree.
The protective structure must have openings for air circulation. The absence of such gaps leads to the accumulation of moisture inside, which is fraught with the appearance of fungus and mold on the tree.
It is not possible to insulate fruit trees aged 4 years and older so thoroughly. A layer of mulch in the trunk circle and a protective coating on the trunk of the tree will be enough. But this technology of apricot insulation is suitable for the Krasnodar Territory, Kuban, Crimea, Stavropol Territory and other regions of the country with warm winters.
In different regions
Winter in central Russia, including the Moscow region, is characterized by frequent temperature changes. An unexpected thaw can be replaced by a sharp cold snap and severe frosts, which is detrimental to fruit crops. You can avoid the death of a fruit tree with the help of a properly selected cover - a medium density nonwoven fabric is suitable.
In the Volga region, the Urals and Siberia, an adult apricot is cut to a height of 2–2.5 m, mulched with sawdust, coniferous branches and straw. The crown of the tree is covered with agrofibre or lutrasil.
Despite the harsh climate and cold winters in Siberia and the Urals, the apricot can die with the arrival of spring heat. A sharp thaw is accompanied by an abundance of melt water. The root collar, which is in the water all the time, begins to rot. For this reason, it is recommended to plant the apricot in an elevated position.