Yesterday I ventured to a pick-your-own peach farm in southern Maryland. Endless rows of trees slightly taller than me, each one drooping from the weight of firm, ripe peaches the size of softballs extended as far as the eye could see. The smell of overripe fruit urged me to pick more, as I could almost taste the sweet, juicy reward of biting into a fresh, sun-warmed peach.

Drunken with fruit pleasure, I proceeded to the checkout counter. After spending all of my salary from writing this month's column on one afternoon of fruit picking (yes, I got a bit carried away), I started to think about growing fruit in your home garden. With as much money as I spend on fresh produce, planting one peach tree would pay for itself after merely three growing seasons of bountiful harvests. And with its small growth-habit and attractive spring blooms, the tree would add ornamental value to the garden which, naturally, lead me to think of all of the other fruit-bearing plants and their ornamental values in the landscape. From the soft-pink spring blossoms of the cherry tree, to the flaming red fall color of the blueberry bush, my mind raced with the possibilities.

Concluding this article is a compilation of common fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials that add ornamental value to the landscape. With proper care and maintenance, especially when first planting, you can have an attractive, bountiful, and much more cost-efficient pick-your-own fruit garden right outside your door.

Although there are many different types of edible plants that enhance the landscape, I have focused on several basic care requirements when choosing and planting fruit trees, since there are many factors you should consider to attain a bountiful harvest. Below are several common principles to keep in mind when caring for your tree, regardless of your location:

1. Plant in the fall - For the majority of gardeners in America - from USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9, the best time to plant trees are in the late fall to early winter (about late-October to mid-December). During that time, the tree's roots will grow and adjust to its new home, while the cooler temperatures push the plant into dormancy. Come spring, the extra time for root growth from the fall will give the tree a head-start to spring-planted trees, ensuring a quicker period to a bountiful harvest, at times producing fruit up to one year sooner than spring-planted trees.

 

2. Take precautions before planting - To ensure an optimal harvest, plant your tree in a location with adequate sunlight. Most fruit trees (but not all) require at least six hours of direct sun per day. When planting, dig the hole at least twice as wide as the tree's root ball, and follow with sufficient watering and pruning. For more detailed information, visit the Reference links to the right of this article.

 

3. Plant the right quantity and cultivar - Many fruit trees, including apples, pears, and sweet cherries, are self-sterile, meaning they require at least one more variety nearby to pollinate and produce fruit. Although there are some cultivars that are self-fruitful, the trees will still bear more fruit if planted near another variety. Consult your local extension agency for recommendations on plant cultivars best-suited for your region.

Clicking on this link will open up a printable PDF file that lists Fruits in the Landscape, their landscape value, and recommended cultivars. Happy gardening!

Sincerely,
Courtney Capstack

New Product Introductions

Our new birdbaths are crafted by Brass Baron and are made of a durable cast stone that is richly stained in either Lava or Terracotta. The natural stone is combined with a genuine brass sculpture crafted in the Lost Wax Method of casting.  Click on the photos to learn more.  

Brickell, Christopher. 2003. The American Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Gardening. DK Publishing, New York.