Question
I planted a small patio peach tree in my garden outside.  I live in zone 5, it looks a little droopy but do I keep it very moist, slightly moist??? It is such a nice addition to my garden I want ot keep it healthy.  Fertilizer of any kind????

Answer
Check the soil. . . .Check to see if the new soil around the root ball is firm around the root ball, with no air pockets. Check to see if the tree was planted too deep. (too much soil on top of the root ball) or too shallow, (roots exposed, not covered with soil). Check to see if the water is getting the root ball wet, or draining away in the surrounding soil, leaving the root ball dry.
Did you loosen the roots a bit, when you planted so that they would go out into the soil?
The soil on a "new" tree should be moist, until it gets established. This means DEEP watering, then let it dry, then DEEP watering again. Do not water on a time schedule. Water only when the tree needs water. Again, check the soil.

The new tree will not need fertilizer this year. Wait until next spring when new growth begins, to give it a general all purpose fertilizer, like 10-10-10 as directed on the package.

You will also need to spray for bugs, and disease next spring. It would be best to check with your local county extension agent to find out what problems are in your area, and what you will need to spray with, and how often.

bakerplanter