Planting Your Own Fruit Trees

Planting Your Own Fruit Trees
By Nike S Jackson

It is easy to see the appeal there is to grow a fruit tree in your backyard. You'll have your own source of fresh fruits, if not the trees brings out the ever lingering nature lover within you.

There are lots of varieties to choose from. The dominant preference lies with individual choice of fruit. It's even observed to get an unfamiliar variety if you can grow one, something which is not readily available locally.

As the fruit development in most of the plant depends on the cross-pollination process, it sometimes becomes necessary to get more than one tree of same species in order to grow some fruit. However it is important to note that not all variety are compatible with others in same species in this regard.
Self-pollinating trees present a solution for this; trees such as European plums are preferred for this very property.

This mission of ours will soon get into its initial phase and the important thing to do here is to select the ideal site. The location should reflect the tree's requirement with regards to sunlight, which is a minimum of 6-8 hrs a day. It is often suggested to plant the trees on a slope so as to reduce the effects of cold winds. Practicality should also spring in the mind, as the maintenance of the tree can get hindered due to wrong placement for the same.

A soil profile needed in this situation should be with well drainage and sandy loam in composition. The pH of the soil should be brought to acceptable level. A pH test should suffice for this task, as occasionally lime is added in order to bring down the acidity levels in soil.

When visiting the nursery, it is advised to buy young plants of 1-3 years of age. Numerous varieties occasionally come with their own rootstock, something which certainly helps the early development of the tree.

Planting fruit trees is done mostly in early spring or even in late autumn. Presence of frost over the soil is definitely not the ideal situation, thus prompting the grower to wait. Diameter of the plant stalk is a prime factor when planting, as the hole should provide enough space for the roots to develop. Plants are recommended to be buried 2-3 times deeper than what they were in the nursery, as the graft union should be kept above the ground level. The hole is then refilled with backfill soil with a stake for support. Soil is the soaked with water as it is necessary to make sure that roots are getting the water.

Plastic guards could be applied to prevent any damage from mice as grease band is many a times applies to prevent the same from moths. Oil based winter wash is applied in December or January to repel any overwintering pests.

After 3 weeks of planting, 1 lbs of 10-10-10 garden fertilizer is applied with subsequent application early spring periods with amount of � lbs for one inch of trunk diameter.

For winter, Light coat of mixture of water and white interior latex paint is often suggested to be applied on the bark. This method is generally corresponds to preventive measures against the cold winds.

During first 4-5 years, fruit tress should be subjected to regular pruning. The central leader system is often recommended for trees like apple, pear cherry, plum and apricot.

Care taken for first few years will allow the healthy development of a tree, relieving you of any such labor in subsequent years and still present a lifelong supply of fresh fruits.

Nike Jackson is somebody who has spent entire lifetime engaged in farming work. Even though brought up on more traditional way, Nike has particular inclination in adopting for modern farming techniques such as hydroponics. Nike often writes on blogs and such, so as to educate other with few of his important tips.

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