Planting the cherry tree
First, gather all your supplies. You’ll need a cherry tree (of course), a shovel, some compost or manure, a watering can, and some love and care.
Choose a spot for your cherry tree. It should be in a sunny location, with well-draining soil. Avoid areas with standing water or heavy clay, as cherry trees don’t like wet feet.
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty! Use your shovel to dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the tree’s root ball.
Gently remove the tree from its container, and loosen the roots with your fingers. This will help the tree settle into its new home more easily.
Place the tree in the hole, and backfill with the soil you dug out earlier. Tamp it down gently with your hands or the back of the shovel.
Give your cherry tree a good drink of water, using the watering can. Water deeply, until you see moisture coming out of the drain holes at the bottom of the container.
Add a layer of compost or manure around the base of the tree, to provide it with some extra nutrients.
And finally, give your cherry tree a hug! This may seem silly, but it’s important to show your tree some love and care. After all, it will be a part of your life for many years to come.
Congratulations! You’ve just planted a cherry tree. Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for the magic to happen. In a few years, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, juicy cherries right from your own backyard. Yum!
Avoiding pests
To keep your cherry tree safe from pests, there are a few steps you can take:
Keep your tree healthy by providing it with the right amount of water and nutrients. Healthy trees are better able to withstand attacks from pests and diseases.
Use organic methods to control pests, such as introducing natural predators or using traps or barriers. For example, you can use sticky traps to catch insects, or put up a fence to keep deer away.
Monitor your tree regularly, and look for signs of pests or diseases. If you notice any problems, act quickly to prevent them from spreading.
Consider using organic pesticides as a last resort. These are safer for the environment and for you, but they can still be effective at controlling pests.
As for when to pick the cherries, it depends on the type of cherry tree you have. Some varieties are ready to harvest in early summer, while others may not be ready until late summer or early fall. To determine when your cherries are ripe, check their color and flavor. Ripe cherries should be firm, plump, and deep red in color. They should also have a sweet, juicy flavor. If they are still green or tart, they are not ready to be picked. When in doubt, it’s always best to wait a few more days before harvesting.
