Fruit trees and berry bushes are the first plants to arrive at the nursery as spring approaches. The seven-gallon containers of trees begin filling the blank spaces of winter, right beside three-gallon containers of blueberry and blackberry bushes, grape vines, and figs. The inner homesteader in all of us comes out when we see the young trees and shrubs promising a harvest of homemade applesauce, grape jams, and blueberry pancakes. But, before you start spreading apple butter on your morning toast, make sure you have the right spot for fruit trees and berry bushes. Nothing is more frustrating than planting fruit trees and getting no fruit.
What Do You Need to Be Successful?
1. Sunlight
Fruit trees and berry bushes need full sun, defined as a minimum of six hours a day, for the most colorful and flavorful fruit. Fruit will ripen best if exposed to prime sunlight hours (10am to 4pm) during the active growing season. You can fudge on either side of that time frame a bit, but don’t plan on fruiting plants performing their best in only morning sun (8am to noon) or late afternoon sun (3pm to 6pm).
2. Size
Fruit trees come in dwarf (8′ to 10′ tall), semi-dwarf (12′ to 15′ tall), and standard (18′ to 25’+ tall) sizes. Some trees, like peach trees, are an exception, and stay in the 12′ to 15′ range. When you’re choosing a size, remember that you’ll be pruning the trees in late winter/early spring, and harvesting in summer.
If climbing a ladder is out of the question for you, consider a smaller variety; many dwarfs fit into containers, and yield plenty for the home grower. Or try the patio blueberries, which are also perfect for containers, have a great yield and do well in zones 3 to 7.
When planting, space trees eight feet apart, and berry bushes three to five feet apart to promote good air circulation, which helps minimize diseases.
- Cherry trees are so worth the space in the garden. Nothing beats a cherry pie, or eating them straight off the tree. Netting is crucial though, unless you’re planting for the birds.
- Blueberries aren’t as time consuming as other edibles. Key for berries is covering them with netting so the birds don’t make off with all of them. Bonus: Blueberries have great fall color. Plant them in island beds already established in your landscape. They should fit right in with your ornamentals.
3. Pollination
Self Pollination: Many new fruit trees are called self-pollinating, meaning they are able to pollinate and bear fruit alone. However, those same self-pollinators are more fruitful (with better quality fruit) if they have a buddy. Bottom line: Plan on two for best fruit.
Cross Pollination: To ensure pollination, these need another variety of the same fruit tree that blooms at the same time. Trees must be within 100 feet of each other to pollinate. They can be closer, or course, but since two trees or bushes are better than one, make sure you have the adequate space.
4. Hardiness
B.B. Barns only sells what will grow in Western North Carolina, so a visit to the garden center will help you pick out a favorite fruit. (Click to see what edible plants we have available in our inventory.) However, knowing what your zone is (click here to find your zone), and what is hardy in your area is crucial. Higher elevations can have a late spring frost that kills blooms and, consequently, fruit. Try a few natives. Pawpaw trees have a banana-like fruit, persimmons require almost no upkeep and, of course, blueberries love our acidic soil and higher elevations. The natives also tend to require less maintenance than the peaches, pears and apple trees.
- Pawpaw trees are native and, again, have banana-like fruit. These trees do need a pollinator and can handle more shade. Fruit ripens in late summer, early fall.
- Fig trees are rapidly becoming one of the most popular trees we sell. Not only is the fruit tasty, but the trees lend an architectural element to the garden not found elsewhere.
5. Soil
Well-drained soil is essential. Some plants don’t mind wet feet, but fruit trees and berry bushes do, and can drown in standing water. Make sure your selected site drains well. If your drainage isn’t that great, consider raising the soil level before planting for better drainage.
Remember, even though homegrown fruit doesn’t look like the perfectly manicured fruit you purchase in your local grocery store, it tastes SO MUCH BETTER!
