Let me start by saying that growing your own fruit from fruit trees is an exciting and worthwhile endeavor. That being said, success doesn't come as easy, as it does with growing your own fruit from fruit bushes, such as blueberries and blackberries. But fruit like apples, peaches, pears, plums, and persimmons don't grow on bushes, they grow on trees. While it takes a few years for trees to begin to bear fruit, given the right planing and effort, you will be rewarded with a bountiful supply of fruit for twenty to fifty years in the future.
If your property is small, the development of dwarf and semi dwarf trees make it possible for anyone with an average sized yard to enjoy raising their own fruit trees. You can plant container-grown fruit trees any time of year. Bare-rrot fruit trees will need to be planted in late winter.
Before getting started growing fruit trees in your yard, you'll need to think about location, type and variety of trees, proper planting technique, and maintenance and care.
Where To Plant
Sun - Fruit trees require a substancial amount of direct sun to produce abundant crops. So pick a sunny spot.
Soil - Fruit trees appreciate well-drained soils with at least average fertility.
Choosing Your Tree
Type of Trees - The most commonly planted fruit trees are apple trees but you don't always have to follow convention. Pear, plum, peach, nectarine, cherry, and persimmon trees can also produce good results. Your local nursery and garden center or Local Extensive Service can usually provide you with a list of trees sutiable for growing in your region.
Variety of Trees - Different varieties produce their fruit at different times of year. If you want to extend production season, pick varieties that mature at different times of the season.
Mature Size - You also need to be aware of the potential size your tree will grow to and whether it's self-fertile or will require a pollinator. Self-fertile trees will produce fruit without the need for another tree to pollinate it, although, even self-pollinating trees will produce more fruit with other pollinators around. If your tree is not self-fertile it will need to be paired with another tree of a different variety. For example, 'Granny Smith' apple is an excellent pollinator for other varieties of apple trees.
What to buy - Trees can be bought either in a container or bare-rooted. These days, at most nursery and garden centers, fruit trees are sold in conatiners. In both cases look for well-developed fibrous roots. For container grown trees, check that trees aren't too root-bound, and choose younger trees (1-3 years) which tend to establish quicker. Avoid plants that show any sign of disease.
