Elements to be observed in Planting Trees and Fruit-bearing Trees

A. Proper Care of Plants and Soil

Proper care of plants and soil is necessary for a healthy and bountiful harvest. Do the following:
1. Choose the best place for planting
Trees and fruit trees require more space for growth than ornamental plants or crops. This is because trees and fruit trees grow
tall and wide. Choose a place where trees will grow freely without obstruction like street fences or walls. Have enough space
allowance between trees, or between the streets, fences, or walls. Consider the spacing of seedlings with 8 feet apart. Consider
the type of soil and the amount of sunlight.
2. Choose the seeds that best suit the season and the soil
This means that the seeds come from a good quality mother and the seeds are healthy, mature, with no blemishes or cuts,
and of the right size and form
3. Put sufficient fertilizers in the soil
It is advisable to prepare the soil before planting. This means cleaning the soil and its surrounding area and mixing the soil
with organic fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are safe and economical to use, while inorganic or commercial fertilizers have to be
regulated because overuse can poison the soil
4. Take care of the soil and the plants regularly
Caring for the young trees means removing the grass and weeds around them so they do not compete in getting the
nutrients from the soil. Keep the soil always moist and this is no problem during the rainy season.

A. Methods of Planting
Different trees are cultivated in different ways. There are two ways of planting:
direct and indirect. Direct planting is a method of planting where the seeds or parts of a plant are directly planted in the soil where it
will germinate and grow into full grown trees.
To maintain high quality seeds, the following steps are recommended:
1. Remove off-type, diseased, and damaged seeds.
2. Label seeds properly.
Select and preserve only mature seeds and dry them under the sun until proper moisture is attained.
B. Preparing Seeds for Planting
There are different ways of preparing seeds. One way is by placing the seeds under the sun before planting. One example of this is
the ipil-ipil tree. Some seeds like the mango have to be removed from their hard shells before planting. Seeds like santol need to be
dried before planted in the soil. There are also seeds that need to be soaked in water before planting, like the seeds of ipil-ipil. Seeds
of avocado are planted as is with the bigger end of the seed below the soil surface.

C. Seed Germination
Seeds need moisture, warmth, oxygen, and, in some instances, sunlight in order to germinate. Small seeds are sown in a
seed box before setting them out in the field. Seeds can also be germinated in small plastic trays, pots, and other relatively small
containers filled with soil medium recommended for seed propagation. The bottom of the seed boxes should have tiny holes to
allow drainage.
D. Preparation of Seedlings Before Transplanting
Mortality is high during transplanting if the seedlings are not given proper care. To ensure a higher rate of survival, the
following processes are needed:

1. Thinning –. Thinning accelerates the circulation of air and provides a greater feeding area for seedlings to make them
sturdier and healthier.

2. Pricking – This is done by transferring seedlings from one seed box to another to provide more space for proper
development.

3. Hardening – This process is done 7 to 15 days before transplanting. The purpose is to make the tissue of the plants harder in
order to survive the rigors of transplanting.
 E. Indirect Planting
In indirect planting, the plant needs to be transferred to its permanent place. This is commonly done with trees. Nowadays,
you can avail seedlings planted in small plastic bags, ready for transfer.
Follow the general steps in the proper transferring of plants:

1. Place the seedlings away from direct sunlight. Make sure the seedlings are healthy and fresh before planting.

2. Dig the area where you want to plant them. The length and depth of the hole should be according to how big the tree will
become.

Photo taken by the writer

3. Remove the plant from the plastic bag. Do not remove the soil which holds the roots.

1. Slowly and carefully place the seedlings in the hole. Make sure the main roots are not bent.
2. Cover it with soil. Lightly press the soil.

3. Water the new plant early the next morning. Use a water sprinkler. It is important to water the soil that surrounds the
plant.

4. Remember: Plant your seedlings in the afternoon when sunlight is no longer hot to avoid withering.