15 Myths About Growing Fruit Trees That Are Stopping Your Garden’s Success
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Fruit trees add beauty as well as delicious homegrown produce for your backyard, so they make a wonderful addition to any garden. If you’re a beginner, however, you might have fallen victim to some myths about growing fruit trees, which can lead you to believe that they’re much harder to grow than they are. These fruit tree myths could be stunting your growth of a vibrant fruit tree oasis.
Don’t let these myths stop you from enjoying the satisfaction of picking fresh fruit from your own trees. Growing fruit trees doesn’t have to be a mystery or a chore. If you have apple, peach, plum or any of your favorite fruits growing in your backyard, with the right info, a bit of patience and a bit of green thumb, you can grow apples, peaches, or plums. So let’s debunk some of the common myths.
Fruit Trees Require Full Sun All Day Long
Fruit trees love sunshine but don’t always require that sunlight from dawn till dusk. There are many varieties of fruit trees which can be happy with 6 hours of sunlight a day. Many grow out best in partial shade, especially in hot regions where full sun can be a bit much.
There’s No Way to Grow Fruit Trees in Cold Climates
Some people think fruit trees are only suited to warmer, more tropical places. There are, though, many varieties that do well in cold climates, including apples, pears, and plums. In fact, in winter, cold weather can help certain trees get through a necessary dormant period.
Fruit Trees Should Be Planted Alone
There is a misconception that fruit trees should be planted away from other plants. Companion planting, though, can actually serve to aid fruit trees by attracting pollinators and beneficial insect. Some of the more beneficial blooms to integrate around your trees include marigolds, lavender and chives which can ward off pests and attract pollinators, strengthening your ecosystem as a whole.
Growth of Fruit Trees is Too Much Work
Building a fruit trees does not take an enormous amount of time. They’re not as high maintenance as people think. Once you get them established, they may require less watering than other garden plants and, with the right pruning and care, can develop robust with only seasonal care. They’re like anything in the garden: the more you take care of them, the better they’ll be, but it needn’t be a full time job.
It’s Almost Impossible to Grow Fruit Trees in Small Spaces
Whether you have a small yard or patio, the dwarf and semi dwarf varieties make fruit trees available to everyone. They are also much smaller versions and can be grown in containers or even limited garden space so pretty much anyone who has a bit of outdoor area should be able to get their hands dirty. You don’t have to have a huge orchard to grow fruit trees!
Fruit Trees Always Require a Pollinator Partner
Not every fruit tree needs another tree to pollinate. There are trees that self pollinate, like some varieties of peach and apricot. But not all trees, like Apple trees, need a partner tree nearby to get pollinated.
Pruning Fruit Trees Correctly Can Only Be Done by Experts
Pruning isn’t as intimidating as you think, anyone can learn to prune fruit trees. Basic pruning of a tree includes removing dead or diseased branches, thinning a crowded area, and giving the tree an overall shape that will allow sunlight to reach all branches. No need to worry, there’s many online guides and local gardening resources to make you the prime pruner you want to be in a matter of time.
Fruit Trees Require You to Water Them Daily
A common beginner’s mistake is overwatering. Good established fruit trees need a big watering once a week rather than daily sprinkle. Deep, infrequent watering helps encourage fruit tree roots to grow strong, and reach deeper down into the soil.
Fruit Tree Fertilizing is Complicated
Some gardeners have specific fertilizing routine, but fruit trees do not require intricate fertilization routine. Usually it will take a simple balanced fertilizer in the spring and maybe once more in the summer. Just don’t over fertilize, which will encourage too much leafy growth and not as much fruit.
All Fruit Trees Produce Fruit From Year to Year
Not all fruit trees will always bear fruit. The first few years, some trees don’t start bearing fruit and others may have ‘off’ years because of weather or stress. That’s how it’s supposed to be, and sometimes the patience will eventually bear you a harvest. So if you don’t see fruit right away, don’t be discouraged.
Fruit Trees Should be Planted Only in Spring
It’s the time of year people go crazy planting so it’s a great time to do it too, but it’s not the best time! A lot of varieties grow well if planted in the fall since they have plenty of time to get those roots underground before the intolerable heat of summer. You can even plant fall, giving your trees a head start.
The First Year, Fruit Trees Will Produce Fruit From Seed
Fruit trees take a while to produce a good harvest, but many need a few years to start off. For example apples and pears might bear fruit in 3-5 years, stone fruits such as peaches might bear fruit a little sooner. There is no growing fruit without patience, but certainly the reward is worth the wait!
You Can’t Grow Fruit Trees in Containers
Certain types of fruit trees can be container gardened, especially dwarf varieties. But it doesn’t have to be as dire as it sounds and you can grow lemons, limes, figs, and yes apples on your patio with the right sized pot, good drainage and quality soil. Prepare yourself to water them a little more often than they would be a tree planted in the ground.
Too Many Pests Come to Fruit Trees
I know that pests can be challenging, but that’s no reason to skip fruit trees altogether. Companion planting, regular pruning on your garden, and organic pest control are some of the natural methods which can be used to keep pests at bay. Additionally, as fruit trees age they tend to become naturally pest tolerant.
As Soon as the Fruit Ripens, You Have to Pick It
In fact, some of the fruits — like apples and pears — are actually better if they hang on the tree a little longer so that they can develop their full flavor. And others, peaches and apricots, can be picked as soon as ripe so they don’t bruise. So learn what works best for each variety and you’ll have better tasting fruit from your garden.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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