Sea buckthorn is one of the easiest trees to care for that gardeners can adopt. But in order to be able to enjoy he althy and rich sea buckthorn bushes in the long term, some measures should not be forgotten
How to care for sea buckthorn in the garden?
Sea buckthorn care is uncomplicated: water regularly in the first year, then hardly necessary. Fertilizing is usually not necessary, except in the first year. Check root runners and apply a root barrier if necessary. Pruning or thinning can be done annually, but is not mandatory.
How should sea buckthorn be watered?
While the sea buckthorn should be regularly supplied with water shortly after planting and generally in the first year outdoors, it no longer needs to be watered from the second year onwards. It copes excellently with drought and is content with sporadic downpours. Nevertheless: It feels most comfortable in moist soil.
Does sea buckthorn need annual fertilizer?
The sea buckthorn will probably become your best friend in the garden. In addition to watering, fertilizing is also of secondary importance to him. In nature it grows on pure sand. Therefore, nutrient-poor soil is sufficient for him. The reason is that it lives in symbiosis with nodule bacteria that bind nitrogen in the soil.
It is advisable to add fertilizer in the form of compost in the year after planting, as the symbiosis will not work properly then. The best time to fertilize sea buckthorn is spring.
How should the root suckers be de alt with?
Sea buckthorn reproduces via its root runners. This can potentially be very destructive to the surrounding paving slabs. In order to control them, it is advisable to apply a root barrier (€13.00 on Amazon) when planting and to choose a location away from sidewalks.
Can cutting be dispensed with?
The sea buckthorn does not necessarily need a cut. However, as it ages, it forms a broad crown that only produces fruit at the outer end. The inside of the crown is becoming increasingly bald. For this reason, it is advisable to cut back harvested branches or cut off the branches along with their fruit.
But be careful: cutting back too radically in autumn means that no fruit that is ideal for drying will be produced next year (blooms on the previous year's wood). Therefore, you can also thin out the sea buckthorn as an alternative. This can happen all year round on frost-free days.
Tips & Tricks
When planting sea buckthorn, you should make sure to choose a good location. The reward: Hardly any care will be necessary later.