Tips for Growing Fruit Trees in Home Garden
January 14th, 2016
There is nothing more satisfying than picking a juicy apple from your own fruit tree. Fresh fruit is one of the most delicious gifts of nature. It is highly versatile, adding taste to chutneys, smoothies, jams, jellies and desserts.
Here are some tips for growing fruit trees whether you want to enjoy fruits or like the look of fruit trees flowering in your garden:
- Figure out pollination: First thing you need to ascertain is whether the tree is a cross pollinator or a self-pollinator. A self pollinator is one tree, which has both male and female flowers on it and requires only one tree for pollination. Cross pollinators have male and female flowers on different tress, so they require at least two trees for pollination. Citrus trees, nectarines and peaches are self pollinators while apples, plums and pears are cross pollinators. As for oranges and lemons, different varieties have different types of pollination, so take care to enquire from nurseries.
- Climate: Different fruit trees have different climates in which they thrive. Apples thrive in rainy and snowy winters. Peach trees bear fruit in mild temperatures. Lime and other citrus fruit trees thrive best in warm climates but produce fruit all year. From semi-tropical citrus fruits to cold and hardy cherries and apples, fruits trees grow in a variety of climates.
- Types of fruit trees: Apples are a favourite as they are universal palate pleasers, easily adaptable and easy to grow. The best soil for apples has pH of 6.5, but apples can thrive in all soil that is well drained. Begin cultivation with two trees for cross pollination. Cherries are found in colours ranging from black to yellow and found in two flavours: sweet and sour. They need fertile soil and much air circulation. Citrus fruits are the easiest to grow organically. Cold tolerance is limited but fragrant oil content helps prevent pest damage. Peaches and nectarines are also simple to grow but require high pest management. Plums produce fruits erratically as they lose fruit to weather or pests. Pears are less hardy than apples but easier to grow in a variety of climates.
- When to plant: For fruits classified in zones 3 to 7, best time to plant trees is early spring after thawing of soil. In zones 8 to 10, plant new trees in February. Choose a site with lots of sun and well drained soil. Dig a hole, which is twice the size of the tree’s root ball and plant tree at same level as in nursery condition, taking care not to bury grafted portion. Water well and install a trunk guard. Add a stake to help the tree stay steady. Put some mulch over the roots using saw dust, wood chips and other mulch that is slow rotting. Water well during dry seasons the first two years.
- Pruning: This is an essential aspect of growing fruit trees. The main aim is to provide air and light to fruits and leaves. Many fruit trees produce excessive fruits, which need to be thinned. For instance, Asian pear trees need 70% of their fruit snipped away when they are the size of a dime. Pruning helps raise fruit size, lower breakage of limb and avoid alternative bearing.
- Harvesting and storage: Most fruits must be harvested when they are approaching ripeness. Thereafter, they must be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. Flavour may even improve after storage.
After growing fruit trees in your home garden harvest and collect them in fruit baskets. Home grown fruits make for excellent fruit gifts to present to a loved one, who is sick and hospitalized or who is far away from you.