How to Plant a Fruit Tree (Because Now Is the Best Time to Plant One!)

What could possibly be better than the chin-dripping, syrupy sweet organic peaches from your local farmers market?

Why, the ones growing in your own backyard of course.

While some fruit tree types prefer cooler climates, and some like it hot, there are lots of varieties of peach, nectarine, apple, apricot, cherry, pear and plum trees that are well suited to grow here  in Charlotte, which is in USDA cold hardiness zone 8a.

Already dreaming of plucking supple plums or cherries from the laden limbs drooping over your patio? November through March is the best time to plant fruit trees, so let’s get to it!

HOW TO PLANT A FRUIT TREE

As in real estate, location is important. Once you’ve selected an ideal place, well suited to the light requirements of the fruit tree variety you’ve chosen, and properly prepared the soil before planting, the tree won’t need much help after that to get established and grow to bear fruit.

But it is crucial to take the time in the beginning to get the tree off to a strong start.

Like most plants, fruit trees require fertile soil for good growth, and a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Hand held digital pH meters are an inexpensive, fast and accurate way to find out what you’re working with. You can also examine the established trees and plants around the site. If they look healthy, then you’re off to a good start. Avoid areas with heavy clay soils or soils with poor drainage.

-Trees are commonly sold and shipped bare root, which means that the roots are exposed. Soak the roots for an hour or two in a tub of water while you dig the hole, but never for more than six hours, and NEVER expose the roots to below freezing temperatures.

-Dig a hole about 2’ wide and about 2’ deep, saving the topsoil in a pile nearby.

-Mix garden compost, dehydrated cow manure, coco fiber, or peat moss into the pile of topsoil, adding about 1/3 the size of the original pile.

-Fill the hole, putting the topsoil back in first. You can avoid creating air pockets by working the soil carefully around the roots and tamping down firmly.

-Create a rim of soil around the edge of the hole about 2” from ground level. This will help collect water and allow it to soak into the soil.

-Water your tree with deep thorough soakings. Once the tree is established, you can add soil to fill the hole back up to ground level.

Ready to take on the ‘harvesting the fruit’ part yourself, but would rather leave the ‘planting the tree’ part up to the pros? We can help.  At Microfarm, we don’t sell the actual trees, we simply offer professional tree installation and maintenance. We highly recommend buying fruit trees, nut trees, and berry bushes from Stark Bros. Once you’ve selected the fruit, nut, or berry varieties you’d like to grow, we can happily plant, maintain, and prune them for you. Write hello@microfarmgardens.com or call 704.568.8841 with any questions, or to schedule your tree installation.