Soil – Plums trees prefer a soil with a pH that ranges from 5.5 to 6.5. The average garden soil is around 6.5 to 7. Add a bag of acid compost to the hole which will bring the pH down
Position – Full sun in a sheltered spot if possible, protected from strong wind.
It is frost hardy but cannot tolerate very heavy frost.
Watering – After transplanting water well and check every second day to ensure the soil is wet. After about a week you can reduce watering to once a week in winter.
Provide plenty of water during hot, dry summer weather.
Place a thick layer of pine bark mulch around the tree to help with water retention, and this will decompose and maintain the soil acidity. Be careful not to let it touch the trunk.
Mulch every 3-4 months
Fertilising – A well-aged manure is a great fertiliser to use for the first year or two. If this is difficult to find, then visit your local nursery for assistance in using the correct fertiliser
Pruning – Pruning encourages tree health and increases fruit yield. Young plums are generally pruned in early spring, before the buds start.
In September, cut back the dry twigs. Always cut just above a bud.
Once your tree is established, it’s important to prune only branches that have not produced fruit in that year. Remove all dead wood and dispose of it. Trim all side shoots to six leaves from their parent branch to encourage fruiting next year
