Nothing is quite as delicious and refreshing as a piece of fruit picked fresh from the tree. Growing fruit trees is not only fun but it can also save you a lot of money.
Even if your outdoor space is limited, there are options available. For instance, Gardener’s Path recommends miniature fruit trees. They can be grown in containers on patios or balconies.
Growing Fruit Trees
Along with providing a bountiful harvest, most fruit trees are also quite attractive. Some varieties can be trained to climb over a trellis or to fan out over the surface of a wall, adding to their beauty.
While apple trees are the most popular, there are plenty of other varieties available including plum, cherry, and pear trees. Some apple trees and plum trees require pollinating trees to be planted nearby. Talk to an expert at the nursery where you buy your tree about the growing requirements for the variety you are purchasing. The pollinator that you choose should flower at the same time as the type of fruit tree you are growing.
You can plant fruit trees in containers at any time. Just remember that you need to keep them inside when the weather is cold. Most experts recommend planting fruit trees like these when autumn is winding down and winter is just beginning since the trees are dormant during this time.
Avoid planting trees in the ground when there is heavy frost or when the soil is frozen. Properly prepare the soil by adding compost or manure. Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure is a great choice. Remember – most trees live for decades. If you want them to thrive, they need access to high-quality, nutrient-rich soil.
Fruit Tree Care
When you first get your fruit trees in the ground, keep them moist. Apply a layer of mulch at the base of the tree during the spring season. The mulch you choose should be rich in organic material. One excellent option is to use Gro-Sure Farmyard Manure as mulch.
Bringing in the Harvest
Keep an eye on the fruit and harvest it when it is ripe. Typically, you can pluck it easily from the tree by twisting it. Depending on the type of fruit, it may or may not store well. For pears and apples, keep them in a dark area where it doesn’t get too hot. Avoid storing any fruit that has blemishes. Consider cooking and puréeing apples and pears before freezing them. Alternatively, you can also freeze raw apple slices. For stone fruit like plums and cherries, remove the pits before freezing them.
Keeping the Trees Healthy
Like other trees, fruit trees are susceptible to diseases and pests. Some of the most frequently seen pests that hang out around these trees include wasps, codling moths, and birds.
Diseases like scab also occur quite frequently, damaging the fruit and leaves of the tree. The branches and bark can be affected by canker. If the soil doesn’t have enough calcium, a condition known as bitter pit can occur.
