The idea of being able to pluck fresh, juicy fruit off a tree in your own garden to bite into or to bake into a pie is an enticing one. And if you’re lucky enough to have even a modest sized outdoor space to call your own, you can bring the idea to ‘fruition’. So if you want to grow your own fruit, here are some pointers on how to pick the right kind of fruit trees for your garden and how to plant them at the right spot.
Pick your tree with care
Don’t buy a fruit tree just because it sounds exotic. Not only should you take into account the weather and climatic conditions of the place you live in, you also need to take into account the sort of soil you have – loamy or clayey, well drained or sandy and so on. If you are a novice, it would be a good idea to consult with an expert at a local nursery who will advise you about the best picks for the area.
Also consider whether you want a dwarf tree or a larger size. Will you be planting only one fruit tree or several? Remember you need more than one tree for cross pollination to increase fruit yields. in the alternative you can pick a self fruitful tree or one that has root stock from another tree grafted into the roots.
Pick a fruit tree that is between 1 and 3 years and one that has well developed roots so that the tree will establish itself quickly when planted. Make sure it is a healthy and disease free sapling. Also consider whether you want to buy a tree in a container or bare rooted. One of the problems with a container tree is that the roots could be congested, so check about that.
Pick your spot
Sunlight is an essential factor so pick a spot that gets several hours of sunlight a day. While a sheltered spot is good, don’t pick a spot that comes under the shadow of the home, a wall or other vegetation. Also consider whether the tree will have enough space to branch out as it grows or could other vegetation or a building obstruct that?
How to plant
The hole that you dig should be significantly larger than the root ball. Follow the instructions you will have been given from the nursery about the soil mix, compost or fertilizer that you should mix and pack into the hole.
