Seedling growth slows when temperatures exceed 95 °F (35 °C). [3] X Research source
Wetting or washing pods increases the chances of fungal growth.
Use sandpaper or a small file to knick the seed coat. Afterward, put your seeds in the refrigerator for 6 to 8 weeks before planting to mimic the process of stratification. [5] X Research source
Add organic matter to improve soil moisture retention. [7] X Research source During growing season (typically April until October or November), high to medium-fertility soils like worm compost or garden compost are best. Low-fertility soil improvers such as leaf mould can be added during any season.
The soil must be at least 77 °F (25 °C) for the establishment of seedlings. They grow fastest when soil temperatures are between 80 to 90 °F (27 to 32 °C). Seedling growth begins to decline when soil temperatures exceed 95 °F (35 °C).
Sprinkle mulch over the top of the soil if you want to cool roots and promote moisture retention.
With proper soil temperature and moisture, plants in the juvenile stage will grow up to to 5 to 6 feet (1. 5 to 1. 8 m) tall in 2 to 3 years. Keep an eye out for insects and animals. If the plant tops are removed below the cotyledon (an embryonic leaf), the seedling can be destroyed. [11] X Research source
Compared to shallow watering, deep watering gives the roots of your tree enough time to absorb the water. [13] X Research source
Cut at the base of your tree’s branches to promote faster healing, leaving the branch collar intact. Don’t prune more than 20 to 30 percent of your tree in one session. Prune during spring and late winter to promote growth; prune in the summer to reduce tree size; skip pruning during the fall.
If your soil isn’t holding moisture, add organic matter to improve water retention. [16] X Research source
A seedling 3 inches (7. 6 cm) tall will have a taproot 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) long. [17] X Research source
Also known as an “eyebrow,” a berm is a small hill beyond the drip line that holds water where the tree requires it most. Make sure that the highest point of the berm is on the side of the tree that slopes down. [19] X Research source Leave an opening in the upslope side of the berm to help it catch water running down from higher elevations.
Use a shovel to slope the edges of your hole so that roots have an easier time penetrating the soil. Plant your tree level in the soil. A planting hole deeper than your root ball can prevent gas and nutrient exchange at the base of the trunk. It can also cause the tree to fall.
Fill the hole back up with the soil you removed.
The soil removed to make the hole should always be used to refill it. [23] X Research source
Newly transplanted trees need to be watered regularly for the first 2 years. After 2 years, it will continue to grow without additional watering. However, a bit of extra water in the hot summer months is recommended. [25] X Research source Always water your trees along their drip lines, which is the outermost circumference of the canopy where water drips onto the ground. Never water at the base of the trunk. Create a drip irrigation system to optimize water efficiency.
