Posted on Dec 5, 2023 at 12:03 pm by Oliver C
Planting fruit trees in your garden is an excellent way to enjoy tasty harvests while creating a pleasant green space. Here are some essential tips and steps to help you choose, prepare, and plant your fruit trees successfully.
Table of Contents
1/ Choosing the right fruit tree
First and foremost, it is important to choose the fruit tree that you want to plant. Take into account the following characteristics:
- The mature size of the tree: make sure you have enough space in your garden.
- Water and sunlight requirements: some fruit trees require more water or sunlight than others.
- Hardiness: opt for varieties adapted to the region you live in.
- Soil type: check if the tree requires a specific type of soil (acidic, limestone, etc.).
Do not hesitate to seek advice from nurserymen or experienced gardeners to guide you in your choice.
2/ Soil preparation before planting
Once you have chosen your fruit tree, it is time to prepare the soil to provide it with the best possible growing conditions. Here are the steps to follow:
- Choose the location taking into account the mature size of the tree and its water and sunlight requirements.
- About a month before planting, dig a hole larger than the volume occupied by the roots of the young tree. For older shrubs, plan for up to 1 meter by 1 meter and 0.70 meters deep.
- Make sure to work the soil when it is not too wet, usually in early autumn. Furthermore, by perpetuating certain autumn rituals to prepare fruit trees for the coming winter, you can not only ensure their resistance to the cold months but also boost the upcoming harvest, thus perpetuating a tradition of generosity in your garden.
3/ Planting bare-root fruit trees
Bare-root fruit trees have two main advantages: they have a higher success rate and are less expensive. The best time to plant them is between mid-November and mid-December, when the roots have time to establish themselves before the frost.
Dressing the plants
Before planting a bare-root tree, you need to dress the plants:
- Remove any broken or damaged roots.
- Trim the ends of the roots with pruning shears by a few centimeters.
- Equalize the length of the roots after cutting the broken ones.
Pruning and planting
Pruning aims to prevent drying out and promote good recovery. It is ideal for two people to work together: one holds the tree upright while the other fills the hole with soil. The graft point – the scar between the rootstock and the grafted variety – should remain on the surface, about 3 or 4 cm above the ground.
For trees with a trunk height of more than 80 cm, plant a stake before filling the hole. Then create a basin around the trunk to collect watering water. To prevent rubbing between the trunk and the stake, place a piece of fabric, rubber, or foam between the two.
4/ Maintenance after planting
Once your fruit tree is planted, it is important to maintain it properly to ensure its growth and fruiting:
- Water regularly, especially during the first years and in dry periods.
- Perform maintenance pruning to balance the canopy and promote fruiting.
- Monitor the appearance of pests or diseases and treat if necessary.
- Apply organic fertilizer in spring to nourish the tree.
By following these tips and tricks, you will be able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of tasty fruits while beautifying your garden with healthy and vigorous fruit trees.
