Fruit (Dwarf Tree) Growing Guide
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Average, well drained soil. Match your choice of tree fruits to local climate and soil conditions.
Position
Sun or partial afternoon shade.
Frost tolerant
All are winter hardy, but cold tolerance and chilling requirements vary with species. Choose regionally-adapted tree fruits, for example cherries in the north or peaches in the south.
Feeding
In early spring, mulch over root zone with 1 to 2 inches of good compost. Mulch with grass clippings or straw.
Spacing
Single Plants: 9' 10" (3.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 9' 10" (3.00m) with 9' 10" (3.00m) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Purchase dormant plants and set them out in early spring. Water thoroughly and mulch after planting new fruits.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Obtain local expertise before choosing which fruits to grow. University-based breeding programs have developed many great-tasting, disease-resistant varieties. Thin out fruit four weeks after the tree has blossomed and prune the tree in late fall. You can add a variety of this tree to label what it is and specify spacing or planting times.
Harvesting
Let experience be your teacher -- taste fruits often as they approach ripeness. Bumper crops can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and jellies.
Troubleshooting
Protect the trunks of young trees from borers and sunscald with loose tree wrapping.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Fruit (Dwarf Tree)