Growing Fruit Trees
by Becca Badgett
Growing fruit trees in the home orchard or even just growing a single tree or bush can be a rewarding project for those hoping to save money and eat healthy. Let’s talk about planting fruit trees in the home landscape and when to expect an abundant harvest.
You can plant fruit trees or bushes at any time the ground is not frozen, however, the most successful growth and harvest will come from those planted at a time they can become established during times of relatively cool temperatures. Root systems become stronger and deeper when they are not competing with foliage growth.
When choosing a time to plant fruit trees in your area, consider when temperatures soar and plant at least a couple months before or after that time. Spring, and particularly autumn, are the best times to plant fruit trees and bushes.
The frugal and ambitious gardener may want to start fruit trees from seeds. Give it a try to see how that works out for you, but consider having a backup. Seed grown trees often take many years to develop and the mature specimen may be weak, spindly or produce a limited harvest or none at all.
If
you’re serious about harvesting your own fruit, start out with a potted
or bare root tree or bush. Keep in mind that some fruit trees need
other trees of the same type for pollination, so do your research before
you buy. You may need two or more of the same tree or bush. Some
hybrids now come in self-pollinating varieties.
Often, the tree you purchase is grafted. This means the bottom of the tree, called a rootstock, is easy to get established and hardy and healthy once it reaches maturity. The top part of the tree, called the scion, produces the fruit.
A grafted tree does not experience as much stress or have a penchant for attracting insects and diseases. Buying a healthy, vigorous tree to begin your growing experience will result in faster fruit production and fewer problems with care of your trees.
If you live in an area that’s too cold for the fruit tree you want to grow, consider planting it in large container that can be located in a sheltered area during the winter.
Learn more about growing fruit trees at the links below:
Orange Tree Care
Growing Nectarine Fruit Trees
Plum Tree Diseases
Planting Bare Root Trees
Meyer Lemon Tree Care
Growing Nectarine Fruit Trees
Plum Tree Diseases
Planting Bare Root Trees
Meyer Lemon Tree Care
About Becca
Becca
Badgett is an enthusiastic gardener who enjoys sharing information
with others. She is certified as as a gardening expert and plant
technician and writes how-to and garden articles for several sites
online, such as Gardening Know How and Becca on Yahoo!
She is co-author of the book “How to Grow an EMERGENCY Garden”.
Her
writing experience includes stints in newspaper and magazine writing.
She has worked as Editor on several in-house newsletters, written press
releases and worked as Director of Communications for a non-profit
planetarium and nature center.
Find her on Twitter @Becca062 and visit her Facebook page Becca's Blooms for current information and to view her latest gardening articles.
Additional Links:
Additional Links:
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