Adding some fruit trees to a garden setting can be a very rewarding experience. Although it may seem difficult to create an orchard, this article will provide some helpful hints to creating a wonderful garden orchard, that creates juicy peaches, crisp apples, sweet pears, and delicious plums!
The first thing to consider is space. Fruit trees can grow very tall and wide. It is important to know how much space is available, and from there determine the size of the trees to be added. Trees that are too close together can easily spread diseases and pests from one another. Therefore placement is not only important t allowing the trees to grow, but also for keeping them healthy. You can also add plaques or garden stones near your trees so that people know to stay away from this area not to disrupt the growing trees. The area where the fruit trees are to be planted should be a sunny location as well as a spot free of standing water. Fruit trees should be planted as soon as possible. Fruit trees will also have a period of dormancy, this is important to produce better quality fruit. Most often this occurs during the winter months when the temperature is forty-five or lower.
Fruit trees grow best if they are in their proper growing zones. That is important because some fruit trees cannot grow in certain climates. Apple trees are one of the most versatile plants, and grow much better in many different climates. Trees like orange and exotic fruit need to be in more tropical climates. Fruit trees should be planted in late fall or early spring. When moving the tree, keep the sapling moist and out of the sun. The hole should be roughly a foot deep, or deep enough to cover the roots. If there is a root ball, spread out the roots from the root ball. Place the sapling into the hole and cover it with enough soil so that the soil is level to the surrounding ground.
The first few years of the trees life it will need plenty of water. Placing a tree near a outdoor fountain that splashes quite a bit can be a good idea. It will limit the amount of time you will need to spend watering the tree. It is often a good idea to stake the tree to the ground to protect it from strong winds, as well as place a fence around it to keep animals from snacking on it. Mulch the base of the tree as well; this will help to promote moisture control. Fruit trees can take several years before they will produce fruit, so be patient, and give the trees a chance to produce. There are many types of fruit trees, and many species in each type. The most popular apple varieties are Gala, Fuji, Rome, Red and Golden Delicious. Apples cross pollinate so there must be other trees nearby so fruit is produced. Pears also need more than one tree for cross pollination. Peach trees will need to be protected from frost, especially in colder climates. Peach trees are self pollinating.
Plum trees have three varieties, European, Japanese, and Damson. Japanese plum trees work in warmer climates best, the European types are the most common, and the Damson is best for cooking. Cherry trees have tart and sweet cherries. Tart cherries are cross pollinators where as sweet cherries need cross pollination. These cherries will not pollinate with one another. Make sure you understand which cherries will cross pollinate with others, to ensure you get fruit.
The exotic trees, like orange, lemon, and fig trees, are often grown in warm climates, but can be grown in northern climates when done in greenhouses. Grafting techniques can even result in two or three fruits being grown on the same trees.