| There are hundreds of different fruit trees to choose from and given all of this variety, how do you choose? Some people prefer to just jump right in and choose what strikes their fancy, and for folks with some gardening experience this works just fine. Others prefer a more methodical approach. Start by doing your research locally – have a look around and see what’s already growing in your area. Talk to your neighbors & county agricultural extension to find out what does well in your area. |
Find out what condition has the most limiting effect on fruit growing in your area, and keep this in mind when choosing. In northern regions it may be extreme winter cold, while some southern areas do not get enough chill for certain fruits such as cherries & filberts. In some areas Spring frosts may damage blossoms and reduce fruit set certain years. Choose hardy varieties for extreme cold, low chill varieties for southern climates, disease resistant varieties for cool, damp climates etc. Make the most of your site and climate. Extended rain & fog in coastal areas contribute to disease problems in tree fruit, but is ideal for berries. Choose plums and early to mid-season disease resistant apples for coastal areas, avoid the late season fruit that may not get enough time to ripen.
Tips for Growing Fruit Trees
by Marilyn Pokorney
Almost everyone can grow one variety or another of fruit trees in their backyard. Here are some tips on growing fruit trees:
Plant fruit trees about 20 feet apart and in a sunny location.
Plant more than one variety of a fruit. That means there will be fruit more of the time and not all will mature at the same time.
Planting more varieties also means better cross-pollination of pears, apples, plums and cherries, which yields a more consistent production.
Use less common planting techniques. Plant two, three or four trees in one hole, or use espalier and hedgerows.
Small trees are much easier to spray, thin, prune, and harvest than large trees too.
Keep fruit trees at a manageable size. Choose a height that you can reach for thinning and harvesting while standing on the ground or a small, safe ladder. The only way to do that is by pruning.
Pruning is necessary to stimulate new fruiting wood, to remove broken and diseased wood, and to remove branches to allow good air circulation and sunlight penetration. The shape and size of a fruit tree is established during the first three years so pruning is most important during that time.
Prune fruit trees any time during January to March before flowering begins.
Be sure fruit trees receive adequate water during the growing season.
Keep a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around each tree to cover the soil over the root system.
Scatter fertilizer starting one foot away from the trunk and out far enough so that the outer edge is just outside the outer edge of the branches known as the dripline. Lightly scratch the fertilizer into the soil with a rake and then water well.
Fertilize just before bloom or leaf sprout occurs, usually in March. Use one pound of fertilizer for each one inch of trunk diameter.
During the trees second year pinch off any flowers and allow the tree to put all it's energy into developing its root system.
For more information on growing healthy fruit trees visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/fruittree.htm
Copyright: 2006 Marilyn Pokorney
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