We dispatch our trees every Tuesday, for delivery to most states of Australia. WA & TAS are sent on the first Tuesday of the month.

Last Dispatch before Christmas is now closed (Tues 17th Dec). Gift Cards can be emailed to friends & family!

Next Dispatch will be 13th Jan, 2025. Happy Christmas!

Ten must have items for beginner gardeners

February 12, 2020

10 must have items for beginner gardeners for balcony and edible gardens

How does your edible garden grow? Whether it's a balcony garden, a backyard oasis or an extensive orchard, there are a number of items that will help you grow your delicious, fresh kitchen ingredients.

Growing a multi-grafted fruit tree isn't as simple as sticking your tree in some dirt and walking away, but they are pretty easy to grow!

Here are 10 must-have items to use and keep in the shed to start you off and get you eating yummy fresh fruits from your very own Fruit Salad Tree!

1. Good soil

Selecting a good potting mix is a good base to start growing your fruit tree.

2. Fertiliser

Slow release fertiliser with trace elements or organic matter

3. Good mulch

A pea straw mulch is a good choice as it breaks down adding nitrogen to your soil, avoid wooden mulches as they absorb moisture.

4. Good gardening gloves

Hardy gloves will protect your skin from any nasties in the soil.

5. Sharp and clean secateurs 

Secateurs are vital for pruning to balance the grafts (branches) your multi-grafted fruit tree and for removing rootstock growth from the base of the tree.

6. A good watering can 

A good watering can plus gardening hose will do wonders. Always water directly in the soil, not the leaves. You can encourage the roots to reach out by watering around the drip line of the tree.

7. Seaweed based solutions

These are good for conditioning soil when plants are stressed and stimulating new growth. 

8. Fish based solutions

A good liquid fertiliser for a quick feed for your multi-grafted fruit tree.

9. Frost cloth

If you're in a cold area then a frost cloth (an old sheet will do) while the trees are young will help prevent frost damage to the blossoms in late spring.

10. pH soil testing kit

Before you fertilise it is always best to check your soil first and see what it really needs. If your soil is to alkaline (above 7.5) then your soil will be low on nutrients like phosphorous and manganese -  try adding cow manure or powdered sulphur to adjust your soil. If it is too acidic (below 5.5) your soil may be lacking trace elements like potassium and calcium, some garden lime and dolomite added to your soil will have your fruit trees smiling :)

On a side note; always follow the instructions on any product you use - ask your local nursery for hints and suggestions as they will be able to provide you with lots of local knowledge pertaining to your area.

Do you have any more items that we should include on our list?

We'd love to hear them and see photos if you have any. Simply email sales@fruitsaladtrees.com or leave us a reply in the comments below.

As your tree grows, always remember to remove rootstock and balance your tree

Remove the rootstock (anything that’s not a fruit graft), balance your tree and remember to thin the first fruit.

Here at Fruit Salad Trees, we stock a wide range of fruit trees, which all boast different fruit on the same tree. Each fruit variety retains its own flavour, appearance and ripening time. We graft citrus, stonefruit and multi-apple trees.

Our fast fruiting trees can be grown in the ground, or in pots on your balcony.

Shop our wide range of trees now and check out our current specials here!

 

 




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