If you have been thinking about planting some fruit trees you still have time! 

From June to early August (here in Australia) is an excellent time to plant your fruit trees BUT not all fruit trees!

The fruit trees you want to plant in winter are deciduous fruit trees (trees that lose their leaves through winter). These include trees such as apples, pears, apricots, peaches, plumbs, nectarines etc.

Why winter?  Deciduous trees are in their dormant phase. Planting them at this time of the year gives them time to settle into the ground while they aren’t expending energy for growth.  That way as temperatures begin to increase and your trees start to wake up, entering their growth period, they are somewhat established.  This will make a huge difference in how well they cope with the increasing temperatures during Summer and assist them with their growth seasons.

Bare rooted trees are a cost effective and popular way to purchase fruit trees.  Bare Root  basically means that these trees have been grown in a field or in the ground and have been dug up, given a little TLC and then are sent off to market for purchase, usually their roots wrapped in plastic bags with a bit of soil medium.

What  trees not to plant in winter!

Evergreen fruit trees (trees that keep their leaves all year round) such as avocado and citrus are best planted in early spring or autumn.  This is because the soil has more warmth and will assist the plant to settle in while still supporting root and leaf growth.

Personally here in South Australia I like planting these evergreens in autumn so they have extra time before they hit the brutalities of summer heat and dryer soils.

TIPS FOR SELECTING GOOD FRUIT TREES

Overall how healthy does the plant look?

Look at the buds..   are they damaged or sickly?

Do the limbs look strong and healthy?

Does the bark have any wounds or signs of disease?

Look for any deadwood.

How do the leaves look?  Withering and barely hanging on or strong and healthy.

How do the roots look? Well cared for and sitting in friable soil medium or dried out exposed and busting out of the container.

Look at the overall shape of the tree.

Ideally you want one that has a nice straight trunk and isn’t going to require any pruning just yet. You’re looking for a nice vase shape with 2-3 strong healthy limbs.

If you’re buying a tree that’s been grafted, make sure the root stock hasn’t taken over the top grafted portion of the tree.

A grafted fruit tree is where 2 separate plants have been manually joined together.  The root stock makes up the bottom section of the tree, and it is usually selected because of its vigorous growth habit.  The top part of the tree is selected for the best fruit or perhaps disease resistance. DON’T LET THE ROOT STOCK TAKE OVER.

LOCATION & ENVIRONMENT

There are so many fruit trees to choose from nowadays so you can literally select one that’s right for your specific needs.

Consider the following

Space

Where are you planting it?  How much space is there?

Check the labels of your trees and see how big it will grow and select according to this.

If it’s a small space then a dwarf variety makes more sense.  If you have the luxury of more space you can select a standard fruit tree.

Does your tree need a pollinator?

Not all trees are able to self pollinate (set fruit) and require cross pollination (usually with the help of bees and wind) between 2 varieties.  Apple and almonds are 2 examples of fruit trees that require at least 2 trees in order to effectively pollinate.

Is your location in a sunny spot sheltered from wind?

Most fruit trees really do benefit from a sheltered position and your trees will need a fair amount of sunlight in order to do well.

What ph requirements do you fruit trees need? 

First and foremost do a soil test in the area that you intend to plant.  What ph range does the fruit tree need in order to thrive? A quick google should give a good guide.  Adjust your soil to accommodate your plant or choose a variety that is more suited to your soil type.

It really is a good idea to prepare your spot before you go ahead and plant.

What kind of climate do you have and is the tree you’re selecting compatible with that?

I’m all for growing things from different regions, but some things really do do better in different climates.  But having said that you can always manipulate your environment to help fruit trees grow in your region so be aware of its wants and needs.

These are all really important things to consider BEFORE you go out and buy your fruit trees.

WHERES THE BEST PLACE TO BUY FRUIT TREES

Personally I prefer to buy my fruit trees locally because I know that they have been grown and raised in a similar climate and I can buy a bigger more established tree. However there are times when you may want a variety that isnt available locally or you just don’t have access to a local nursery.

I recommend Garden Express, The Diggers Club (especially for heirloom varieties) and Dalys Fruit Trees for online purchases.

What ever you decide to do make your your planting at the right time of year, you have selected well and given your tree the best spot in the yard!

What are you planting this year?

Until next time

Big Love from the Garden

Sasha xx