Fruit Trees Only
Fruit Trees Only Tree Care

Fruit Trees Only Fertilizer - Patent Pending
Ingredients: 5-6 Banana Peels, 1 Stick Aloe Vera, 1 Medium Onion.
Process ingredients through blender and add the mixture to Five (5) Gallons of water.
Add two teaspoon sugar/honey
Ferment for 24 hours.
Give half (1/2) gallon of the mixture to each plant.
Give mixture at the time of planting and repeat every 3 months.


Fruit Trees Only Citrus Therapy - Patent Pending
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds, 1 teaspoon of epsom salt
Mix ingredients into 2 gallons of water
Give half (1/2) gallon of the mixture to each Citrus Plant Only.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT FRUIT TREES?

The best time to plant fruit trees depends on several factors such as the specific type of fruit tree, local climate variations within the zone, and individual preferences. By planting fruit trees at the right time and providing proper care, you can give them the best chance of healthy growth and fruit production.

BEST TIME OF YEAR FOR USDA GROW ZONE 9A

  • Container-Grown Trees: If you're planting container-grown fruit trees, you have more flexibility as they can be planted throughout the year, except during extreme weather conditions. Ensure the tree is well-watered and acclimated to its new environment before planting.
  • Late Winter to Early Spring: Planting during late winter (February-March) or early spring (March-April) allows the tree to establish its root system before the onset of hot summer weather.
  • After the Last Frost Date: Wait until after the last frost date in your area to avoid potential frost damage to young trees.
  • Mild Weather Conditions: Aim to plant fruit trees during a period of mild weather conditions with moderate temperatures and adequate soil moisture. Avoid planting during extreme heatwaves or prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
  • Fall Planting (for Certain Trees): Some fruit trees, such as citrus trees, can also be planted in the fall (September-November) in Zone 9a. Fall planting allows the tree to establish roots before winter dormancy sets in.
  • Consider Microclimates: Be aware of microclimates within Zone 9a. Coastal areas may have milder temperatures compared to inland regions, so adjust your planting schedule accordingly.
  • Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting site in advance by amending the soil with organic matter, ensuring good drainage, and removing any weeds or debris.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR FRUIT TREES

Choose the Right Location: Ensure the location receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Consider the mature size of the tree and provide adequate space for roots and canopy.
Check Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Please consider using one of our automated testers for monitoring your soil pH levels and water levels for overall plant health. Amend the soil with compost or potting soil if needed.
Watering: Water the tree thoroughly before and after planting.

PLANTING STEPS
Dig the Hole: Follow the dimensions provided below based on the size of your container.
Prepare the Root Ball: Gently remove the tree from its container, loosening the roots if they are tightly bound.
Place the Tree: Position the tree in the hole, ensuring that where the roots meet the trunk (graft point) is level with or slightly above the ground.
Backfill the Hole: Refill the hole with the excavated soil and potting soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets.
Apply the FTO Fertilizer: Add a batch of the Fruit Trees Only Fertilizer for all fruit trees and plants.
Water: Water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulch: Apply mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.

HOW BIG OF A HOLE SHOULD YOU DIG?

3-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 18-24 inches
Hole Depth: 12-15 inches

7-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 28-36 inches
Hole Depth: 18-20 inches

15-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 36-48 inches
Hole Depth: 24-30 inches

5-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 24-30 inches
Hole Depth: 15-18 inches

10-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 30-40 inches
Hole Depth: 20-24 inches

30-Gallon Container:
Hole Diameter: 48-60 inches
Hole Depth: 30-36 inches

CITRUS PLANT TREE CARE

FOR PLANTING IN GROUND
Pick a spot with 50% or more sun on well drained soil or soil mix, where the tree will have protection in winter from cold north and west winds.
Avoid septic tanks, power, irrigation, water and drain lines.
Clear away any weeds and grass prior to installation.
Ensure that you have water available at the installation site. (Irrigation or hose for watering.)
Dig hole larger than the container based on recommendations above.
*Important: Remove the tree from container and shave away fiber roots from the sides of root ball.
*Important: Place tree in hole, keep top of root ball same level as the existing ground level, no deeper.
Fill 1/2 full with water, then fill with remaining soil to ground level, pack soil to remove air pockets.

FOR STEPPING UP TO LARGER CONTAINER
Before stepping into a larger container, shave away fiber roots from the sides of root ball (Important). Do not water daily. It is recommended you water every other day. The Soil must aerate. Do not cover root ball any deeper than it was in the original container.

FERTILIZING
YOUNG CITRUS TREES - 5 gallon and smaller
Young citrus trees (up to 5 gallon) need a constant feed. Use the Fruit Trees Only base fertilizer as it contains the minor elements required for bloom and fruit production. Follow instructions in the fertilizer recipe for the application amount and apply once monthly in the months of March, May, August and early October.

OLDER MATURE TREES - 10 gallon and larger
Fertilize 3 times per year using the Fruit Trees Only Fertilizer. Spread evenly from trunk to edge of canopy.

CITRUS THERAPY
For all citrus trees, we recommend using our Fruit Trees Only Citrus Therapy for all citrus plants 3 times a year in the months of March, June and early October.

FLOWERING AND FRUITING CITRUS TREES
Citrus trees flower and produce fruit in response to environmental stress.
  • Temperature change from winter to spring is the main occurrence.
  • Drought conditions.
  • A bloom booster product can be used the first of spring to encourage flowers.
  • However, if a late frost damages spring blooms, few if any, may be produced.
  • Potted or containerized citrus will also benefit from exposure to the cooler outside temperatures (but not freezing). Bring inside before winter.

COLD WEATHER CARE
IN CASE OF FROST OR FREEZE WARNINGS
  • Plants can be covered with winter frost blanket, moving blankets (wool recommended), or wool blankets.
  • Soil can be banked up to bottom limbs prior to winter in December and removed March 1st.
  • Plants in containers should be brought indoors.

PLANTS AFFECTED BY A FREEZE
  • Some leaf drop can be expected. This should be removed from the container or the soil mound.
  • Never prune trees until new growth starts back in late spring (April)
  • At that time all cuts should be made at least 1/2" below damaged wood.

ALL FRUITS TREES FROM FTO ARE GRAFTED PLANTS
  • Any sprouts below the graft point are rootstock sprouts and should be removed.
  • Severely cut back plants will produce folowing the next bloom cycle.
  • Even if plants are frozen back to soil level, any growth above the graft point will be the same variety and produce after the next bloom cycle.
HOW TO MANAGE PESTS ON OR AROUND YOUR FRUIT TREES

CITRUS PESTS & DISORDERS
*Pink ISD Tag - All Fruit Trees Only nursery citrus tree stock have a treatment tag attached to the plant and are required to be treated with a systemic drench prior to being sold. The ISD tag shows the treatment date and the retreat by date (6 months after initial date). To continue this treatment effectiveness, the homeowner should retreat before the expiration date on the ISD tag. The primary reason is to prevent the Asian citrus psyllid from spreading citrus greening (HLB). The treatment also kills any insect that leeds on the leaves (aphids, white flies, leaf minors).

The active ingredient in the systemic drench is imidaclopnid, there are several brand name treatments you can use at home. At Fruit Trees Only, we recommend the following products and the products are linked below for your convenience:

FRUIT TREE PESTS & DISORDERS
Identify the Pest: Look for signs of pests such as holes in leaves, curled or discolored foliage, webbing, or visible insects.

Common Pests and Remediation:
Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects often found in clusters on new growth.
Natural Predators: Encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects that prey on aphids.
Spray: Use Insecticidal Soap or Captain Jack's Neem Oil, applying directly to affected areas.

Fruit Flies: Small flies attracted to ripe or fermenting fruit.
Sanitation: Remove fallen or overripe fruit promptly.
Traps: Use fruit fly traps with attractants to reduce populations.

Caterpillars: Larvae of moths or butterflies that chew on leaves and fruit.
Handpicking: Remove caterpillars by hand.
Bt Spray: Use Captain Jack's BT Spray, a natural bacterial insecticide.

Disease Prevention:
Pruning: Remove dead or diseased branches to improve air circulation. Consider buying our favorite Pruning Tool Set on Amazon!
Sanitation: Remove fallen leaves and fruit to prevent disease spread.
Fungicides: Use fungicidal sprays as preventive measures against fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot.

Organic Remediation:
Beneficial Insects: Introduce beneficial insects such as predatory mites or parasitic wasps to control pests naturally.
Neem Oil: Use Captain Jack's Neem Oil, a botanical pesticide, to deter and kill a wide range of pests while being safe for beneficial insects.
Monitor: Regularly inspect trees for pest activity.
Cultural Practices: Maintain tree health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning.

PRODUCTS THAT WE LOVE FOR FRUIT TREES IN HOMESTEADS:
Please click the links below to find these products on Amazon.

Captain Jack's Neem Oil: Effective against aphids, scales, mites, and certain fungal diseases.
Insecticidal Soap: Controls aphids, whiteflies, and mites by disrupting their cell membranes.
Captain Jack's BT Spray: Targets caterpillars and larvae of moths and butterflies.
Fertilome Tree and Shrub Drench with Imidacloprid: Kills soft-bodied insects like aphids, thrips, and caterpillars by causing dehydration.
HOW TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE FOR YOUR SOIL/SAND BASED LAND
Improving drainage for fruit trees in sandy soil is crucial to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development.

Raised Beds or Mounds: Create raised beds or mounds for planting fruit trees. This elevates the root zone above the naturally occurring sandy soil, improving drainage. Ensure the raised area is wide enough to accommodate the tree's root system.

Amending Soil: Incorporate organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss into the sandy soil. Organic matter improves soil structure, increases water retention, and promotes microbial activity, enhancing drainage while providing nutrients to the tree.

Use of Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch (e.g., wood chips, straw, shredded leaves) around the base of the fruit tree. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduces erosion, and regulates soil temperature, improving overall soil health and drainage.

Install Drainage Pipes or Gravel Beds: For areas prone to waterlogging, consider installing drainage pipes or creating gravel beds beneath the planting area. This allows excess water to drain away from the root zone, preventing water accumulation.

Planting Slope: Plant fruit trees on a slight slope if possible, directing water away from the tree's root zone. This helps prevent water stagnation around the roots.

Monitor Irrigation: Adjust irrigation practices to account for the fast-draining nature of sandy soil. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and prevent surface runoff.

Avoid Compaction: Minimize soil compaction around the tree's root zone, as compacted soil hinders water infiltration and root growth. Use mulch to protect the soil and avoid walking or heavy machinery in the planting area.
Fruit Trees Only Fertilizer - Patent Pending
Ingredients: 5-6 Banana Peels, 1 Stick Aloe Vera, 1 Medium Onion.
Process ingredients through blender and add the mixture to Five (5) Gallons of water.
Add two teaspoon sugar/honey
Ferment for 24 hours.
Give half (1/2) gallon of the mixture to each plant.
Give mixture at the time of planting and repeat every 3 months.


Fruit Trees Only Citrus Therapy - Patent Pending
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of used coffee grounds, 1 teaspoon of epsom salt
Mix ingredients into 2 gallons of water
Give half (1/2) gallon of the mixture to each Citrus Plant Only.

Telephone: (904)621-0823

Email: [email protected]

Florida License:48032569

6430 County Road 16A, St Augustine, Florida 32092

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