Home » Misc » Fruiting plants and trees

Fruiting plants and trees


How to plant fruit trees: an expert guide

It’s vital to know how to plant fruit trees the right way, to ensure a healthy plant that yields a good crop.

Fruit trees are one of the best garden ideas to include as they bring so much joy. From the crunchiest apples to the juiciest plums, nothing tastes as sweet as fruit you have grown yourself, and it will be much fresher than store-bought produce.

However, when planning a kitchen garden, it's important to only select the best fruit trees that will grow well in your location and climate.

'Start by asking your local county extension specialists, who often have the most knowledge about which varieties thrive in your area,' says Pete Smith, arborist and urban forestry program manager at Arbor Day Foundation . 'They will also be able to advise on whether you require two different varieties to cross-pollinate and bear fruit.'

In addition, you can check the plant hardiness zone map to find out which fruit trees are compatible for your specific location.

'Make sure you obtain quality plant stock from a reputable nursery,' adds Smith. 'Oftentimes the trees are bare-root specimens, which means there is no soil or containers around the roots, and they are usually less expensive.'

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

How to plant fruit trees – step by step

‘Learning how to plant fruit trees isn't that much different from knowing how to plant a tree of any other type,’ says Lisa Tadewaldt,’ arborist and owner of Urban Forest Pro .

‘But you need to get the process right to ensure the tree will survive and flourish, and produce as much fruit as possible.’

Bear in mind some fruit trees have their own specific requirements – there may be small differences between how to plant an apple tree versus another type of fruit, so do check the instructions supplied with your tree.

  1. Dig over the soil in your chosen location and remove any big stones. ‘Avoid amending the soil too much, as you want the tree to grow and thrive in the existing soil rather than add in a lot of nutrient-rich soil, which can keep the roots from branching out,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘Light mixing is fine, but don't go overboard and ensure local soil from your hole remains the majority.’
  2. Using the pot as a size guide, dig a hole for your tree. 'When digging a hole for your fruit trees, dig a saucer rather than a cylinder,’ says Christy Wilhelmi, author of Grow Your Own Mini Fruit Garden . ‘The bottom of the saucer should be only as deep as the soil root ball, and the diameter of the saucer should be at least 3-5 feet wide, sloping gently from soil surface to base.’
  3. Remove the tree from the container. ‘Scour the sides of the root wad 1-2 inches deep with the side of your shovel,’ says Tadewaldt. ‘You can further encourage this with your fingers, as the goal is to loosen that outer layer of the soil wad.' Bare-root trees won't have any soil.
  4. Place the tree in your prepared hole. ‘Follow the planting instructions to be sure to plant the sapling at the correct depth in the planting hole,’ says Smith. ‘You must never bury the graft union, which can be identified as a raised bulge that must be above the soil when planted. ’
  5. ‘Position the graft to the north, if it is a single graft. If planting multi-graft trees position the smallest graft or scion to the south,’ says Suzanne Fellows from Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply . 
  6. ‘Fill the dirt derived from digging the hole back in around the trunk of the tree and stomp the soil well while keeping the tree straight to compact it,’ says Tammy Sons from Tennessee Nursery .
  7. It’s important to stake your tree when planting, to protect it from wind damage. There are several ways to do this, but the most common method is to insert a stake before filling the hole with soil. The stake should come up a third of the tree’s height.
  8. If training your fruit tree as an espalier or cordon, put your trellis in place now. There are many beautiful vegetable garden trellis ideas available.
  9. Give your tree a good watering, and then water regularly until it is established.

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Where to plant fruit trees

The best place to plant your fruit trees will depend on the light and sheltering requirements of the specific variety. However, most fruit trees prefer full sun. ‘Fruit trees should get at least eight hours of direct sun per day,’ says Fellows. 

‘In general, the best site for fruit trees is a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained neutral to slightly acidic soil; they are not well suited to extremely alkaline soils,’ says Period Living's gardens expert Leigh Clapp.

You should also consider how your fruit tree's position might affect garden maintenance. ‘Decide on a planting location where the trees can grow and bear fruit without causing a mess near your home landscape,’ adds Smith.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When to plant fruit trees

The best time to plant fruit trees is when they are dormant in winter.

‘Bare root trees should be planted from November to early spring, while container-grown plants can be planted any time of year – but it is best done in winter,’ says Clapp. 

Winter is also the most cost-effective time to plant trees. ‘You can pick up wintertime bare-root fruit trees for less than half the price of springtime pot-grown ones,’ adds Clive Harris, founder of DIY Garden .

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Planting fruit trees in pots

Dwarf fruit trees are some of the best trees to grow in pots and are fantastic small garden ideas as they can be positioned on the patio or even a balcony. 

‘Size really matters when it comes to container-grown fruit trees,’ says Harris.

‘Buy the largest container you can afford and plant your bare-root tree in winter using lots of organic mulch and a few handfuls of garden soil to introduce healthy bacteria and earthworms.'

When planting fruit trees in pots, it is important to stake them to provide protection against prevailing winds. Most fruit trees should be placed in a sheltered spot in full sun – but check the requirements of your plant.

‘It is essential that you water and feed container-grown fruit trees in spring and summer because dry trees will shed their blossom in a bid to stay alive,’ adds Harris. ‘Check them daily and feed them once a week with a specialist fruit tree fertilizer. ’

How do you prepare the soil for planting fruit trees?

To prepare the soil for planting fruit trees, first learn how to test the pH level of soil. ‘You can do this with a home test kit, or by sending a soil sample to be analysed in laboratory conditions at your local university,’ says Alison Hilton, plants and trees expert at The Yard and Garden . 

‘Ideally you would choose fruit trees to suit your natural soil pH, but it is possible to can amend it to a degree using lime or acidifier. For example, apple trees enjoy 5.5-6.5 pH, while plum trees prefer 6.0-8.8 pH – so get the pH right, and you will be rewarded every season.’

While minor pH adjustments are possible, if your soil type is completely at odds with the needs of the tree, then choose a dwarf variety that you can grow in a container.

It’s also important to lightly improve the soil with compost, to ensure your tree gets the nutrients it needs to thrive. ‘Amend the entire soil area with compost, rather than just filling the hole with potting soil or compost,’ says Wilhelmi. ‘That will encourage tree roots to grow into existing soil instead of circling around in the hole.’

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

How far apart do fruit trees need to be planted?

How far apart fruit trees need to be planted depends partly on whether they are being trained to grow up a trellis, or require cross-pollination.

'Fruit trees should not be planted too close together to avoid root competition and to allow light to reach the ground,' says Clapp.

'In general, they need to be around 10-30 feet apart. Allow at least 6ft between espaliers and 2ft between cordons.'

What fruit trees should be planted next to each other?

Which fruit trees should be planted next to each other depends largely on whether your chosen tree needs to be cross-pollinated. If so, you will need at least two varieties.

‘Self-fertile trees won’t need another nearby for cross-pollination to generate fruit,' but pollinating ones will need at least one companion tree nearby,' says Clapp.

For example, when growing apples, a crab apple tree will pollinate with most varieties.

How to care for fruit trees

A key part of learning how to plant fruit trees is knowing how to look after them once they are in the ground.

When your fruit tree is first planted, it’s important to keep it well watered until it is established. ‘Irrigate well for the first week in particular, watering once daily,’ says Sons.

Check the requirements for your particular fruit tree to see if it needs any particular feeding regime.

Many fruit trees will benefit from an annual mulch. ‘If mulching around the tree, do not allow mulch to touch the tree trunk,’ says Fellows.

Pruning to make major changes to the tree’s shape is best performed in the winter, when the plant is dormant and the leaves have fallen, so you can get a good sense of the overall shape.

You can also prune a fruit tree in the spring and summer to keep on top of excessive growth and to help train it.

Best fruit trees: 10 to grow in your backyard

When choosing the best fruit trees to grow in your garden, prioritize the fruits you most enjoy eating.

Nurturing your own organic, home-grown fruit is simply one of the best backyard ideas. It is so rewarding and the produce tastes far superior to anything you can buy. You will also be able to grow varieties that are rarely seen at the grocery store.

‘There are lots of ways you can add fruit trees to your kitchen garden ideas, be that in a dedicated orchard, espaliered on fences, fanned across walls, grown in containers, or planted among ornamentals,’ says Period Living’s gardening expert Leigh Clapp. 

Bear in mind that home-grown fruit won't look as perfect as store-bought – but that's a good thing. ‘Don’t expect the fruit to look the same unless you’re willing to use pesticides and fungicides on a regular basis,’ says Clive Harris, founder of DIY Garden . 

’You shouldn't be put off by an odd shape or a few brown spots, because the flavor is so much better. '

Make sure you learn how to plant fruit trees correctly in order to get them off to a good start.

How to choose the best fruit trees for your garden

‘It's important to only choose fruit tree varieties that are suited to your area,’ says Pete Smith, arborist and urban forestry program manager at Arbor Day Foundation , who advises asking the local county extension specialists for advice. 

Your hardiness zone is the biggest factor in how suitable a fruit tree is for your area, although your soil type also plays a part. 

‘Only buy a fruit tree that can withstand your temperatures – otherwise blossom won’t appear and that means no fruit,’ says Harris.

You also need to know whether cross-pollination will be necessary, as a number of fruit trees aren’t self-fertile. This means you won’t get a good crop without at least one partner tree. 

'Check whether your preferred tree requires two different varieties to cross-pollinate and bear fruit,’ adds Smith.

If you are short on space, then there is another solution: ‘A "family" fruit tree of apples, pears, plums or cherries may be ideal for a small space as they consist of two or three compatible varieties grafted onto the one tree that are selected to cross-pollinate with one another,’ says Clapp.

Whether you have a large or small garden, you also need to choose the right rootstock for your fruit tree.

'These will dictate the overall height and vigour of growth you will have. Some fruit trees are grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks to be more manageable, but in an exposed site a vigorous tree would cope better,' says Clapp.

Happily, most fruits are available in a range of sizes, from dwarf trees, which are a some of the best trees to grow in pots, to large trees that will make an impact in your garden design.

So, with our pick of the best fruit trees, you will find one to grow in every situation.

1. Apple tree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

One of the easiest and most versatile options, apples are arguably the best fruit trees for beginners to grow.

‘The two main categories are dessert apples for eating, and cookers, with some good for both, such as heritage varieties ‘Blenheim Orange’ or ‘Court Pendu Plat’,’ says Clapp.

There are a number of self-fertile varieties of apple available, though it’s usually best to plant one or two different partner trees close by for cross-pollination.

‘When choosing, research nursery lists to ensure you have the right flowering group trees together,’ adds Clapp. ‘The flowers of a crab apple nearby could be another option; they will pollinate most apples and the trees are quite small so good for compact spaces.’

It’s important to know how to plant apple trees correctly to get the best result, as well as how to prune an apple tree at the right time.

Once established, apples are fairly low maintenance; sprinkle a general fertiliser around the base in spring, prune yearly, and you will have fruit in two to four years.

You can grow apples in hardiness zones 3-9, if you choose a suitable variety.

2. Fig tree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Eating home-grown figs feels like such a luxury, and the fruits make an indulgent addition to salads, tarts and desserts.

Figs need plenty of sun in order for the fruits to ripen, so consider growing a tree against a south-facing wall.  

‘Growing it against a wall also helps to restrict the roots, which stresses the tree, and increases the fruit yield,’ says Alison Hilton, plants and trees expert at The Yard and Garden . 

‘Ficus 'Brown Turkey' is a wonderful hardy fig variety that produces large tasty fruits that ripen into a purple brown color. It’s very easy to grow in most regions.’

Fig trees can be grown in zones 5-9, and are suitable for planting in containers. They should start to fruit within two to three years. 

‘Water them well through summer and feed as the fruits develop,’ adds Clapp.

3. Lemon tree

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

One of the best trees to grow in pots, lemon trees add an exotic air to a patio and can double up as one of the best winter house plants.  

‘If you live in a colder climate and have a sheltered area like a porch, lemon trees will bring a taste of the tropics to your landscaping,' says Lisa Tadewaldt, owner of Urban Forest Pro. 

'The growth of these trees is usually stunted by colder weather enough that they can live in the pot for an extended period of time.'

You can even learn how to grow lemon from seed, to fill a sunroom or conservatory with these joyful trees.

The 'Meyer' variety is a particularly popular lemon tree as it flowers throughout the year, but this is best bought as a grafted tree.

Lemon trees require a lot of nutrients in order to thrive, so invest in a good citrus feed, and when you plant them be sure to introduce some grit or sharp sand to improve drainage. It’s best to let them dry out between waterings.

You also need to make sure you know how to prune lemon trees to increase fruit production.

While lemons are best grown in zones 9-11, you can grow a potted tree in cooler areas as long as you bring them into a porch or sunroom once the nights get chilly.

4. Plum tree

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Plum trees are easy to grow and generous yielders. Cooking varieties make the most exquisite desserts and jams, while eating plums are a widely loved sweet fruit. 

The trees don’t take up too much space – especially if grown on dwarf rootstock – meaning they can work in most backyards.

‘Dwarf rootstock means the plum variety you've picked, say the popular 'Victoria' plum, is grafted onto a much smaller tree root to control its eventual size,’ says Harris.

‘Buying dwarf rootstock doesn’t necessarily mean less fruit, it means less height and spread. With good care, you can grow an abundance of fruit on dwarf rootstock.’

Many plum trees are not self-fertile, requiring a partner tree, but some varieties can be planted on their own, including 'Victoria' and 'Majorie’s Seedling'. The latter is one of the best options for both eating and cooking, making it a truly versatile fruit.

Plum trees do require a warm, sheltered location and thrive in soils that retain moisture. Learn how to plant a plum tree correctly to give it the best chance of success.

Depending on the variety, you can grow plums in zones 3-9.

5. Pear tree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

With stunning blossom in the spring and rich colors in the fall, pears are certainly one of the most attractive fruit trees to grow. 

There is much variety to their flavor, from mellow and sweet to pleasantly sour and subtly spiced. While they can be enjoyed uncooked, they make sensational tarts, and simply poached pears make for the most luxurious dessert.

‘The fruits are categorised as either European, sweet and juicy, or Asian, nashi, which are firm but more bland,’ says Clapp.

‘Rootstocks are grafted onto quince roots; the most common is Quince A for espaliered and bush trees and Quince C for cordons and containers.’

Most pears are not self-fertile, requiring a partner tree – although notable exceptions to this are the dessert pears ‘Concorde’ and ‘Conference’.

‘Pears like rich, moist, well-drained soils and protection from winds, watering well in dry spells and feeding in spring,' adds Clapp. Also know how to prune pear trees to maximize fruit production.

'Harvest the fruit just before it is fully ripened. They will feel firm but look swollen with a slight change of colour. Pears ripen after picking and are ready to eat when they give into a little pressure at the stem end.’

Grow pears in zones 3-8. Trees will take five to seven years to fully crop.

6. Mulberry tree

(Image credit: YONCA60/Getty Images)

Mulberries are rarely sold fresh in grocery stores, so they’re ideal for growing if you want to try something different.

Just the right amount of sweet and sour, mulberries taste a little similar to blackberries, but still have their own distinct flavor.

With its characteristic crooked branches, the mulberry is also an ancient fruit tree surrounded by myth and legend, and makes an attractive tree in the garden.  

There are varieties available with red, black and white berries, although only the red and black berries are grown for eating.

‘Mulberries are fast-growing fruit trees, but they take a long time to produce fruit,’ says Tammy Sons, owner of Tennessee Nursery . They can reach up to 80ft, which makes them an ideal feature in the garden, but they may not fruit for 7-10 years. 

However, it is possible to grow mulberry trees in a large pot when young, which is reported to speed up their cropping time to just 5 years.

They can grow in zones 4-9 and are widely tolerant of different soil types and part-shade. You can also train a mulberry tree as an espalier. 

The berries are prone to staining, however, so don’t position a tree over a walkway.

7. Cherry tree

(Image credit: Getty Images / Jacky Parker)

Cherry trees are some of the most beautiful fruit trees you can grow, with their enchanting blossom in the spring time. They are also striking trees with red berries in the summer, and one of the best trees for autumn color.

‘Cherry trees are by far one of the lowest maintenance and easiest to grow fruit trees,’ says Sons.

They are often grown on dwarf root stock, which makes them ideal for small yards and growing in pots.

There are several lovely varieties of cherry tree you can grow, with options for zones 3-9. ‘Sweetheat’ is a particularly delicious late-season variety and it self-fertile, so does not require a partner tree.

Cherries do need good, fertile soil and regular watering until they are established, at which point they are low maintenance. While sweet eating cherries need a good sunny spot, the sour (acid) cooking varieties can be planted in a shadier location.

Make sure you know how to plant cherry trees properly to ensure a successful crop, and also learn how to prune a cherry tree to ensure the ideal balance of old and new wood, which is essential to a good harvest.

Sweet cherries can be grown in zones 5-7 while sour varieties will thrive in zones 4-6.

8.

Apricot tree

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Delicious apricots are highly desirable fruits to grow, but they are less hardy than many other fruit trees so require the right conditions in order to thrive.

‘Apricots prefer slightly alkaline soil, but they are self-fertile, so won’t require a partner tree,’ says Clapp. ‘They do well left unpruned, but can be trained as a fan shape.’

In general it’s inadvisable to heavily prune apricot trees, as it can cause them irreparable damage.

Apricots are somewhat high maintenance – as they flower early in the season, there are often not enough pollinating insects around to help them pollinate naturally, meaning you’ll have to give them a helping hand to ensure a bumper crop. 

Over the course of several days, you should pollinate the flowers using a soft brush, and lightly spray the tree with water to ensure it sticks.

The blossom is also sensitive to frost damage, so in areas where this might be an issue you should protect the trees overnight with horticultural fleece. You can grow them in zones 4-9.

If you can put in the work, however, you will be rewarded with one of the sweetest fruits that will taste unlike anything you can buy at the grocery store.

In terms of variety, 'Moorpark' is one of the most widely grown, but 'Tomcot' is a particularly large, juicy fruit. ‘Look for names that end in ‘cot’ as they produce large fruit,’ says Clapp.

9. Quince tree

(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)

Though not common fruit trees, quinces have a long history and were eaten by the ancient Greeks and Romans. 

These days, they are most often grown for their ornamental value as they have an attractive shape and most beautiful pink blossom – though don’t confuse them with the ornamental Japanese quince.

However, though the pear-shaped fruits are rather sour eaten raw, when cooked they are transformed. ‘Quinces make the most delicious jams and jellies,’ says Clapp. They also have a glorious fragrance, and can be used to perfume a room.

Grown in a sunny spot, they are also easy to grow and not prone to many issues. ‘Quinces just need need warmth and moisture to thrive,’ adds Clapp.

You will need to water the trees in hot summers, and prune once a year in the winter. You should also do an annual feed and mulch in the spring. All varieties are self-fertile.

While quinces are fairly hardy, suited to zones 4-9, in very cold areas you might need to protect the trees from the frost with horticultural fleece.

Quince trees are available on different sized rootstock, but there are some dwarf varieties ideal for smaller gardens. You should have fruit within 5 years.

10. Peach tree

(Image credit: Getty Images)

‘If you are seeking a more low-maintenance fruit tree, look to peaches, which require less care than many fruits,’ says Smith.

Alternatively you could consider growing nectarines, which are a smooth variety of peach.

One of the main selling points of peaches is that they are quick to crop, often producing some fruit after just one year. When fully grown, they can produce a bounty of fruit – more than enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Peaches aren’t too fussy about soil type as long as they have good drainage and are positioned in a sunny spot. 

While they have beautiful pink blossom, peaches do flower early in the season, so if there is still frost in your area, the fruit yield will likely be affected.

The trees can be planted any time of year, though bare-root specimens will only be available in the colder months.

While peach trees are easy to look after, it’s important to keep them well watered in the warmer months, and they will benefit from regular feeding during the growing season.

Peaches thrive in zones 4-9 and they grow well in containers, which will keep the trees to a nice manageable size.

Which fruit tree is best?

'The best fruit tree will of course be the one you enjoy the fruit from most,’ says Smith. 

You should also consider how much fruit you are likely to get, in order to make your endeavors worthwhile.  

‘Popular fruit trees include the 'Bing' cherry, which can provide as much as 50-100 pounds of cherries per year, and then closely followed by the red 'Jonathan' apple. 

'Be sure to check if they are self-pollinating or not. If not, you will need to plant at least two trees or varieties to bear fruit.'

What is the easiest fruit tree to grow?

The easiest fruit tree to grow for beginners is usually an apple tree, which has the benefit of being such a popular, versatile fruit.

'If you are seeking a more low-maintenance fruit tree, look to the plum or peach trees, which require less care than other fruit trees,' adds Smith.

Peach trees are also quick to crop, often producing fruit after just one year, so they are a good choice for impatient gardeners.

What's the best time to plant fruit trees?

The best time to plant fruit trees depends on whether you have bought less expensive bare-root trees, or container-grown plants. 

Bare-root trees are only available in the colder months so must be planted then. Make sure you learn how to plant bare-root trees properly to help them to thrive.

‘Container grown plants can be planted any time of the year, but it is best done in winter,’ adds Clapp.

Fruit trees and shrubs

Fruit trees and shrubs are now not only planted for the sake of a tasty harvest, but are also actively used in modern landscape design. Remember the spring orchard, completely covered with pale pink and milky, unusually fragrant flowers. And how graceful trees are when they grow up and create comfort and beauty in your garden. Fruit trees can hide you from the scorching sun on a bright sunny day, creating a soft shadow. There are rarely areas where at least a few fruit trees and shrubs do not grow. Even if the garden is planted in an exquisite English or Japanese style, there is sure to be room for several fruit trees. How wonderful it is to enjoy juicy and tasty fruits and berries from your own garden. How wonderful is the taste of juicy pears, cherries, cherries, grapes, plucked in a whole bunch right from the branch, and all this is grown on our own tree planted with kindness and great love. It is they who supply us with the necessary vitamins all year round. No less popular are berry bushes, such as raspberries, honeysuckle, gooseberries, and currants. Strawberries and strawberries, along with raspberries, are some of the tastiest, most popular and favorite berries grown in our gardens.

According to their biological characteristics, berry and fruit species are divided into groups:

Of the listed groups of berry-fruit plants, it is recommended to grow only zoned varieties that have been cultivated in our area for many years. Give preference to unpretentious types of crops that grow well and thrive in almost any area.

The most promising fruit and berry crops for our climatic zone are:

In our online store only zoned fruit plants for our climatic zone are presented.

Experienced gardeners know how much effort and work it takes to care for trees. Every gardener should know all the rules of garden care: proper planting of seedlings, timely care, pruning and rejuvenation of trees. Planting a tree is a responsible job, because further development and harvest depend on proper planting. The soil in the garden also plays an important role, as it is a supplier of minerals that are necessary for the rooting and development of the planted plant. Some species feel great on almost any type of soil, while other species, on the contrary, are very demanding and capricious. When planting, certain agrotechnical measures are required; seedlings must be placed in accordance with their physiological characteristics. The light regime is of great importance for growing. In poor lighting, the trees stretch upwards, and the branches partially die off. In garden plots, tall trees such as apricot, cherry, apple, pear should be placed from the northern part of your plot, keeping a distance of 4 meters between trees. Trees on a semi-dwarf rootstock, apple trees, cherries, plums, are placed at a distance of 3 meters. For dwarf trees, such as felt cherry and apple, 2 meters is enough. The distance between berry bushes is about 1-2m. On the south side of the plot you can grow strawberries.

Berry plants should preferably be placed in a separate area and not planted too closely, as over the years they will shade each other. When planting berry bushes, you need to keep a distance of about 0.5 - 0.7 cm between the bushes. After planting, regular watering and post-plant care are carried out. Plants are planted in spring, before bud break, and in autumn, after leaf fall.

The growth of fruit trees and berry bushes largely depends on the depth of the pit and its filling with nutrients. During spring planting, pits are dug in the fall, and during autumn planting, they are dug in 2-3 weeks. The size of the planting hole depends on the level of groundwater, the composition of the soil and the crop being planted. Planting pits vary in size but are usually round and sheer-sided.

The top layer of earth removed from the pit is mixed with mineral and organic fertilizers and placed back. The amount of fertilizer applied depends on the size of the hole and the plant being planted. A stake is driven into the hole, to which the planted seedling is tied. Before planting, seedlings are placed for 1-2 days in a bucket of water. Then their roots are dipped in a clay or earthen mash, then they are placed in a hole and covered with soil, compacting strongly but carefully. The grafting site should be a few centimeters above the soil level. The soil is watered and mulched with peat or humus. It is also recommended to carry out post-planting pruning - it favorably affects the laying of the correct crown of the tree. Fruit trees and shrubs need nutrition, which they receive in the form of water solutions from the soil. The lack or excess of mineral elements in the soil will adversely affect growth and fruiting. Mineral and organic fertilizers are used to nourish fruit trees and berry bushes.

Pruning is done to maintain a physical correspondence between fruit bearing and tree growth. With the help of pruning, a crown is formed, lighting conditions in the crown are improved, which affects the strength of plant growth, the timing of entry into the fruit-bearing period, the size of the crop and the quality of the fruit depend on this. There are two main cropping methods: thinning and shortening. In the first years of the life of fruit trees, pruning is the most important task in order to form a strong crown. Crown development continues at a young age until the tree enters fruiting. In the fruit-bearing garden, control pruning is carried out, aimed at achieving the optimal ratio between fruiting and growth. Rejuvenating pruning is performed once every 3-4 years, it is aimed at enhancing growth processes and resuming the regeneration of young wood. Along with anti-aging pruning, sanitary pruning is also performed. It is produced in February-April before flowering. All berry bushes need pruning, so black currants are pruned in July, white and red, and gooseberries - in July and October, after the foliage has fallen. Blackberries and raspberries are cut in October, honeysuckle in March and November. The cut points are smeared with garden pitch. Gardening needs to be done regularly and regularly. Another important factor in the care is autumn and spring painting. The last step in preparing the garden for wintering is the collection of all garbage, fallen leaves and burning. And you can safely wait for spring.

The apple tree is the most frequent inhabitant of our gardens. An unpretentious plant that can adapt to different soil and climatic conditions, winter-hardy, with a long life and productivity.

Pear is more capricious and heat-loving, prefers fertile soil and regular watering. Cherry is not so whimsical to the soil and is quite frost-resistant.

Red, black and white currant tolerates drought and frost quite easily, grows in open spaces without drafts, is not capricious to the soil, needs regular watering. Gooseberries are quite sensitive to cold and high humidity, so for the winter it is necessary to wrap and sprinkle with snow, and in summer try not to fill it with water. Fruiting bush can last up to 25 years.

Raspberries are frost-resistant, grown in sunny and calm areas, demanding on the soil. Requires constant and abundant watering, especially during the formation of fruits.

Blackberry, according to the conditions of vital activity, is similar to raspberries, but less frost-resistant, able to freeze slightly, but also recover quickly.

Blueberry with a fastidious temperament, prefers soil of a certain acidity, which must be constantly maintained, sunny and sheltered from the wind. On waterlogged soils, it is good to plant blackcurrant, shadberry, viburnum, cranberries.

Apricot is planted in well-lit and wind-protected places, it does not take well to excess moisture. It grows and bears fruit on soils sufficiently provided with nutrients.

Buying seedlings of fruit trees and shrubs in our online store is very simple. Choose the varieties you like in the catalog section, and we will deliver your order using mail services throughout Belarus. Our assortment includes popular and common berry seedlings that have been grown in our gardens for a long time, as well as the latest innovations. Saplings, with a high degree of survival, are purchased only from trusted suppliers, zoned for our climatic conditions. Fruit trees and fruit bushes are a must for every garden. How wonderful it is to enjoy juicy and tasty fruits and berries from your own garden!

crop placement tips and rules

Planting tips, crop placement rules

Fruit trees are the elite of any garden. No one disputes the merits of ornamental plants and shrubs, but a large beautiful garden of fruit-bearing trees is the dream of any gardener. How pleasant it is to walk under the branches hung with numerous juicy fruits of apple, pear, cherry or apricot , feel their unique aroma and realize that you have grown all this with your own hands. And this is a huge work and a whole art - to grow a real garden, which will annually delight with a generous harvest. For true gardeners, it is no secret that the secret of success here lies in good seedlings. Growing a quality seedling is not easy: first you need to get a sprout from the seed, then graft it correctly and wait for the time to plant it, but for an amateur this is a difficult task. It is much easier to buy fruit trees, or rather, their seedlings.

Before you start planting seedlings of fruit trees in your area, you need to carefully study issues related to planting time, selection of fruit tree species for certain weather conditions, planting methods and rules of care. We have prepared for you a useful article on these topics.

Choosing fruit trees for your region

The leader among fruit trees in Russia is, of course, apple tree . It can be grown in any region of our country, as it has high frost resistance and not picky about soil type . The second most popular are pear, cherry and plum . Very often in the garden of the average summer resident you can find the whole set of these trees. Of course, the population of the southern regions has more privileges when choosing fruit seedlings. They can also plant cherry, apricot or peach seedlings. However, the science of breeding new types of fruit crops does not stand still, and today there is an opportunity to purchase the same apricot and peach seedlings , which will grow even in the south of Siberia!

The apple tree is frost-resistant and not picky about the soil

Buying seedlings


Without a doubt, it is best to buy seedlings in the nursery. The following speaks in favor of this statement:

Many amateur gardeners make a mistake when buying seedlings - they choose seedlings that have a rather enviable green hair, thinking that this is an indicator of the strength and power of the plant. No no and one more time no.

When choosing seedlings, be guided primarily by the type of its roots and the thickness of its trunk. This is what characterizes the plant, and its survival when transplanted to your site depends on it. The thicker and more powerful the roots, the more likely it is to grow and flourish.

After you have purchased seedlings, it is important to properly plant and grow them, taking into account all the needs of plants and the characteristics of the territory.

Time for planting fruit seedlings

There is an opinion among gardeners that in Siberia and the northern regions it is necessary to plant seedlings in the spring, but in the south it is better to do this in the autumn. You can't go wrong if you live south and plant a tree in the fall. However, when planting a fruit seedling in the spring, its roots and bark will grow much faster and stronger, allowing it to better prepare for its first winter and endure it without the threat of freezing to death.

Rules for placing trees on the plot

Before you start planting a plant, you need to decide where you will plant it.

It is not enough to choose the most winter-hardy, high-yielding varieties, it is necessary to accurately plan the future orchard.

It is better to do it on a sheet of paper, based on measurements of the distances from the landing zone to the nearest buildings, roads, fences of neighboring properties. When planting fruit trees and shrubs in a garden plot, it is necessary to take into account not only the aesthetic preferences of the owner, but also the mandatory norms. They regulate the distances from large plants to residential and outbuildings, transport routes, communications and the boundary line passing between the sections.

So, for example, from an apple or pear tree to a residential building or garage, there should be at least 3.5–4 meters . This distance is explained by the safety of the operation of the building and the need for constant care for a large horticultural crop.

Planting scheme for the most popular fruit trees and shrubs

When choosing a planting site, the type of fruit seedling should be taken into account. For example, cherry seedlings are best planted on a hill and where there is a lot of sunlight because cherry loves the sun very much. Cherry should not be planted in acidic soil, it will be difficult for her to get all the substances necessary for growth. To eliminate the problem of acidic soil, you need to take care of fertilizers in advance. Use phosphorus and potassium. But apple and pear seedlings grow well on any soil , because they are less picky about the type of land, but they will not refuse a certain dose of fertilizer either.

Planting a seedling

The planting process for all types of seedlings is almost the same. So, first you are need to prepare the ground for landing . Carefully loosen it, see that there are no stones or any foreign elements in it. Fertilize it with manure or purchased fertilizer. It is better to do this two weeks before planting. Then dig a hole. The depth of the pit depends on the age and size of the seedling, on average, you can take 0.7 meters.

Keep in mind that fruit trees have a fairly large crown and can grow quite tall, so leave about three or four meters of free space between seedlings

After digging a hole, a wooden stick should be placed in the center, the end of which should be treated with fire so that it does not deteriorate in the ground. Next, we take a seedling and carefully plant it in a prepared place, cover its roots with earth and tamp with our palms. Be sure to leave about 5 cm of the neck of the root system above the ground, without this the growth of the seedling will be slow. Secure the seedling by tying it with a soft rope to the previously installed wooden stick. Then it will grow evenly. At the end of the work done, water the small tree with about two buckets of water and add the rest of the fertilizer on top. In the future, it will be possible to water the plant about once a week.

Neighborhood of fruit trees

Even in comfortable conditions, garden plants sometimes refuse to bear fruit in full force, look oppressed and grow poorly. It turns out that the reason for this behavior is the incorrectly chosen neighborhood . Therefore, when planting fruits, one must take into account their compatibility with other fruits; in the course of their life, they release biologically active substances into the environment that can inhibit or promote the growth and development of other plants.

The most ideal compatibility of fruit trees falls on plants of the same species. In order for the plant to develop normally and bring a good harvest, it must be planted taking into account the tolerance of one and the second species.

The apple tree is one of the most unpretentious fruit trees, it can grow normally almost with any horticultural or horticultural crop . An ideal neighbor for her is another apple tree, preferably a different variety. Cross-pollination improves the quality of the resulting fruit. The best neighborhood with an apple tree falls on pear , they belong to close species and get along well. When growing apple and cherry trees in the same garden, the first species can displace the cherry. The same applies to plum with apricot. Gets along well with quince. Other fruit trees are not ideal neighbors, but when planted at a sufficient distance, they will not harm each other.

Pear also grows well with many fruit trees. Cohabitation next to a plum, cherry and apricot will cause the pear to survive neighbors from its territory.

Plum gets along well with cherries and sweet cherries, close proximity to apple and pear trees is undesirable.

Cherry - this fruit tree rarely gets along with others in the garden. For her, the neighborhood with an apple tree, a pear, an apricot is unacceptable. Cherry gets along well next to plums and cherries, hawthorn will grow well next to the tree.

Peach does not tolerate being near other trees.

Cherry will grow well in the same garden with plum and cherry, it is undesirable to plant it on the same territory as an apricot, apple or pear. When planting a sweet cherry or its neighbor, it should be taken into account that the sweet cherry has a powerful root system, which leads to soil depletion at a large radius from the crown. For the comfortable coexistence of other fruit trees next to the sweet cherry, they should be planted at a distance.

Do not plant stone fruit trees (cherries, cherries, plums) mixed with pome trees (pear, apple), as they will interfere with each other, plant them in different parts of the garden

When planting fruit trees in garden plots where there are already mature trees, it is necessary to take into account not only the compatibility of plants in the same area, but also the ability of plants to take root in the neighborhood of an adult crop. For example, despite the fact that an apple tree with an apricot has poor compatibility, when planting an apple seedling next to an apricot, it will take root well. But if you plant an apricot near an adult apple tree, then the seedling, most likely, will not take root, or will be weak and lethargic.

The table below shows the compatibility between seedling and adult plant, the main fruit crops.

  • Red cells indicate that the proximity of these cultures to each other is highly undesirable.
  • Green cells indicate that planting a young seedling with an adult plant is ideal for him. In such conditions, the tree has the maximum chance to take root.
  • Cells not marked with color indicate that the proximity of both cultures is neutral.

Plantings can be arranged so that closely related plants are nearby. Such a solution will be extremely useful, for example, for cherries and sweet cherries, many varieties of which are self-fertile, and they need a pollinator to produce a crop.

Treatment of seedlings from pests

In order for a seedling to grow well and not suffer from pests, it needs treatment from this scourge. As a rule, this procedure is carried out in the spring, even before the first leaves appear, and it is done not only for young trees, but also for adults. There are two main types of tree processing - these are spraying and whitewashing. Spraying of trees is carried out with a spray gun. It is filled with a special preparation diluted in water, and the trunk and branches of the tree are carefully processed. Plant protection products can be purchased from us - the Garden Center.

Whitewash trees with a white water-based primer. Usually only the trunk of the tree is whitewashed, not reaching the branches. Whitewash protects not only from insects climbing a tree from the ground, but also from burns that can be caused by a dangerous spring sun.

We can also mention the treatment of trees with diesel fuel.

Learn more