Preserving the wisdom of the lost arts for life.
GROW YOUR OWN FRUIT
There is nothing quite like walking into your garden and picking fresh fruit straight from the plant. Learn how to grow fruit at home, from choosing the right varieties and preparing the soil to pruning, protecting, and harvesting your own delicious crop
New to Growing Fruit? Start Here
Growing fruit for the first time can be both rewarding and a little intimidating, but with the right planning, even beginners can successfully grow a productive fruit garden.
The right variety
Look for varieties that are well suited to your climate, soil, available space, and growing season.
Where to plant
Choose a location with plenty of sunlight—ideally 6–8 hours of direct sun each day—and well-drained soil.
how to plant
Dig a hole wide enough to accommodate the roots and position the tree so the root flare remains at or slightly above the soil surface. Backfill with the native soil, water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Pollination
Some fruit trees are self-pollinating, while others need pollen from a compatible variety growing nearby.
Timing
Planting trees at the right time gives their roots an opportunity to become established before facing extreme temperatures.
Watering
Newly planted trees need consistent moisture while their roots become established, while mature trees generally benefit from deep, thorough watering during dry periods.
Fertilization
Young trees may benefit from carefully timed fertilization as they become established, while mature trees should be fertilized based on their growth, soil conditions, and nutrient needs.
Mulch
Wood chips, staw and compost help conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, reduce weed growth, and add organic matter as the mulch breaks down.
Pruning fruit trees and bushes helps maintain a healthy shape, encourage strong growth, improve sunlight and air circulation, and promote better fruit production. Remove dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches, and thin crowded areas when needed. Proper pruning also makes trees easier to care for and harvest while helping them remain healthy and productive for years to come.
Pruning
Pruning Raspberry Plants
Pruning Pear Trees
Pruning Grapes
Pruning Blackberry Bushes
Prune Blueberry Bushes
Pruning an Apple Tree
Pruning Tomato Plants
Prune Hazelnut Trees
Having Trouble With Your Fruit?
Poor pollination, improper watering, nutrient deficiencies, pests, diseases, weather, pruning mistakes, and choosing the wrong variety for your growing conditions can all affect fruit production. Learning to identify the problem is the first step toward helping your fruit trees and plants become healthier and produce a better harvest.
