I just tested the soil in my yard next to a Plum tree that hasn't grown more than a foot in the past 3 to 4 years.  PH is just barely under 7.0, so that's okay. Phosphorous and Potash look good. But looked like Nitrogen didn't register at all.

Would just adding a Fruit/Citrus fertilizer spike be enough? And/Or do I need to do something Nitrogen specific for it?


My 2 figs will be planted nearby, but they are in 20 gal pots (pots in the ground).  So the yard soil shouldn't matter so much for them.  They have fresh potting mix/perlite.  Would a Fruit/Citrus fertilizer spike benefit them?


This is the spike I'm talking about.
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-203300316/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=fertilizer+spikes&storeId=10051#.URfHgKisjTo

Thanks,
James

Did you send the sample to a university to be analyzed or did you do it yourself?

Spike are way to expansive and they are not good anyway. Buy granular fertilizer with high if not just Nitrogen (urea). Till about 2-3 ft. around your plum and add some compost or manure. Add 1 lb of fertilizer per 1" of trunk. My plum grow 2-3 ft a year and that is what I do plus put some 2-4 " of mulch some 2-3" from trunk.

Thanks Eden!

home testing kits are generally not that accurate

if they are a couple of years old, they are worthless.

You might consider sending a soil sample to your local extension office for testing to compare to your results. Most states provide this service for a small fee. You can list fruit tree for your crop and they will provide you with recommendations specific to this crop.

Eden's will work to, but I would not use ammonium nitrate(32-0-0). As you could easily apply to much to a young tree and burn it up.

I emailed the local extension for instructions.  Thanks!