Chad Gulley

Now is a good time to begin planting fruit trees. Many lawn and garden centers, feed stores and nurseries offer a selection of fruit trees this time of year. It may take some studying on what varieties you desire to plant around the home or landscape.

Many people like fruit of some sort. Fruit may be grown to eat for the family, to market to others and to even preserve for jams and jellies. Common fruit varieties for many home gardens are peaches, pears, blueberries and pecans. We can grow a number of fruit varieties in East Texas.

A soil test is important to ensure the tree has the proper pH and nutrients available to the roots. A soil test will aid in providing a snapshot of the soil health and how to supply nutrients to the trees as needed during the life of the tree. The pH is important because some trees prefer a more neutral soil while others, such as blueberries, like a more acid soil.

Spacing is important. Do not overcrowd many fruit and nut varieties. Allow space for these trees to spread and grow to their potential to maximize yield opportunities. Make sure your soil or orchard area is suitable for fruit-tree production. Most like a well-drained soil.

Fruit trees should be selected according to fruit type, variety, pollination, harvest date and root stock. Select fruit-tree varieties that will grow well in your area. Some will require more than one variety to ensure proper pollination and fruit set. These include apple, blueberry, pear, plum, pecans and some muscadine grape varieties. Peaches are the most popular backyard fruit tree.

Train and prune the young trees properly to give them an opportunity to start off well in the orchard or landscape. Depending on the size of the tree purchased, pruning and training may be more severe to give the bare roots an opportunity to grow and compensate for the top growth.

Water is important throughout the growing season. If we are getting adequate rainfall, that may be enough to supply the tree with the water needed. Water fruit trees deep and infrequently to aid in developing a strong root system. It may be necessary to have supplemental water, so plant the orchard or trees near a place you can incorporate some form of irrigation. There are a number of irrigation systems for fruit-tree production.

Some fruit varieties may require attention during cold weather. Some citrus varieties in East Texas should be grown in containers and brought indoors during cold, winter months. If not, cold injury can be an issue, and health of the tree may suffer on some of our coldest days. Other fruit varieties, like peaches, require a certain number of chill hours in order to set fruit. Chill hours will vary among specific varieties of trees.

Monitor your young trees for insect and disease infestations. Most fruit and nut varieties require preventative maintenance in order to mitigate a pest from causing damage. Spray guides are available that can provide a snapshot of what to use and when to use these products.

With time and proper management, the trees can yield good quality fruit and nuts. If managed properly, the yields may be sufficient to allow preservation in the form of jams and jellies. It may also allow for some income by allowing the homeowner or gardener to market their fruits at roadside stands or farmers’ markets.

For specific inquiries on fruit and nut varieties, go to http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut. These publications on this website are helpful in covering various factors of fruit and nut production, including spacing, site selection, varieties, fertilization, watering and more.