Plums - Home Garden
Crop Code No. 209

Desire pH 5.8 - 6.5

609-  If phosphorus and potassium soil test levels are both high or very high:
Adjust the soil pH before planting by mixing lime to a foot of depth and over an area approximately 100 square feet where the tree will be planted.  After new plants have been thoroughly watered, broadcast over an area three feet in diameter one cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer.  Do this in March.  In early June and again in early August, broadcast over an area two feet in diameter ½ cup of calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) or sodium nitrate (16-0-0).  Beginning the second year (and succeeding years) fertilize the trees twice annually.  The first application should be made in early March and the second around the first of August.  Use these rules of thumb for the two fertilizer applications:  1.  March application – Apply 1 cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer for each year of tree age to a maximum of 10 cups for mature trees.  2.  August application – Apply one cup of calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate per tree per year of tree age to a maximum of four cups for mature trees.  If soil test magnesium level is low and lime is recommended, use dolomitic limestone. 

610- If phosphorus and potassium soil test levels are not both high or very high:
Adjust the soil pH before planting by mixing lime to a foot of depth and over an area approximately 100 square feet where the tree will be planted.  After new plants have been thoroughly watered, broadcast over an area three feet in diameter or 2/3 cup of calcium nitrate (15.5-0-0) or sodium nitrate (16-0-0).  Do this in March.  In early June and again in early August, broadcast over an area two feet in diameter ½ cup of calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate.  Beginning the second year (and succeeding years) fertilize the trees twice annually.  The first application should be made in early March and the second around the first of August.  Use these rules of thumb for the two fertilizer applications:  1.  March application – Apply 2/3 cup of calcium nitrate of sodium nitrate for each year of tree age to a maximum of 6 cups of calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate for mature trees.  2.  August application – Apply 1 cup of calcium nitrate or sodium nitrate per tree per year of tree age to a maximum of 4 cups for mature trees.  If soil test magnesium level is low and lime is recommended, use dolomitic limestone.