[u]Fruit trees[/u]
As a general rule…
500g or organic fertiliser per year of age of the tree up to 10 years.
Do not give all at once. Divide it into four and apply these smaller amounts during the growing season.
Sprinkle it over the root system and out to the dripline of the tree then water in well.
Nutrient-rich compost and decomposed animal manure will reduce the need for commercial fertilisers and improve flavour.
Timing of fertiliser application is important. Nutrients should be applied throughout the growing season. Never apply fertiliser to flowering trees. Wait until fruit is well-formed (about golfball size for citrus mangoes and similar-sized fruits before applying nutrients).
Trace elements will enhance flavour.
Boron deficiency is common in alkaline soils.
Boron and trace elements are only required in very small amounts. As little as 1 teaspoon dissolved in a bucket of water may be sufficient to correct deficiencies. Excess applications of individual elements or complete trace element mixes can kill plants. Always follow the directions regarding application rates.
Fruiting trees and vines must receive adequate water. Recycled greywater from the laundry is better than nothing – but don’t use detergents with phosphorous and salts in them.
Watering is most critical from the onset of flowering to the final stages of fruit development. Lack of water at flowering will result in poor fruit set. Splitting of developing fruit indicates inadequate or intermittent watering. Dry tasteless fruit may also result from inadequate watering.