Fruit Trees
The Many Advantages Of Growing Fruit Trees
Traditionally, most cultures have made a point of planting fruit trees around their homes and cities. In many cases, such as the famous cherry trees of Japan or the peaches of Georgia, those trees become symbols of the region. That happens because fruit trees offer so many benefits to the people that grow them. They're just as beneficial to individuals as they are to societies, so everyone should strive to understand what they have to offer.
Fruit Trees: From Garden to Orchard
The most popular type of plant for any backyard garden is a fruit tree. While all plants and trees that flower grow fruit, the term ‘fruit tree’ is colloquially accepted as trees that bear fruit fit for human consumption. Apples, oranges, plums, and cherries are just a few fruits that have been grown in small gardens all throughout the world. Fruit trees produce a fresh and ripe bounty each year, while enhancing the beauty of your own garden.
The primary function of any fruit tree in a garden is to yield juicy, sweet treats for the household. These fruits can be turned into pies, smoothies, jellies and jams. Sometimes your favorite fruits are harder to find in a region, or are particularly expensive due to their rarity. Planting fruit trees in your own garden allow you to enjoy your favorite fruits at little to no cost. They require ample amounts of sun, and are therefore also ideal for providing shade during the hot summer months. These trees and their colorful creations are dazzling on the eye, and intoxicating to the nose, orchestrating a fantastic atmosphere for the senses. Birds, among other animals, will also enjoy your trees for the fruit they bear and the shady resting branches they will provide.
For fruit trees to be successful in your garden, they need easy draining soil and extended access to the sunlight. One must remember that plants are the direct products of their environment; so making the extra effort to place them in the optimal location can make all the difference. That being said, there are always little tricks you can use to increase the chances of your fruit tree’s success. If you live in cooler climates, placing fruit trees near brick walls will help reflect the sun and give the tree more warmth, while also protecting them from cold winds and temperatures. Some fruit trees actually prefer cooler weather, and if your summers are not scorchers, than apples and pears are best for your climate.
Sometimes complications arise when small yards clash with big tree dreams. Typical fruit trees grow on the taller side, ranging in maturity from 25 to 30 feet tall. Instead of squeezing a larger tree into a backyard garden, plant dwarf versions or semi-dwarf versions of your favorite fruit trees to make the best use of the landscape. In selecting dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit trees, check if these plants have been grafted or are genetic dwarfs. Grafted trees are a bit sturdier at the base and, as implied, have the desired variation spliced into them. Genetic dwarfs have simply been bred into smaller versions of their original tree. While genetic dwarf fruit trees are more accessible these days, grafted trees might suit your specific garden more appropriately.
Another important factor to note is that fruit trees grow best with a partner. For most fruit trees it is almost a necessity to grow next to another fruit tree. Apple trees, in particular, need other variations of apple trees near them in order to reach their full potential. Make sure to pick variations that are similar in soil type, watering temperament, and blooming season. Sometimes space in a backyard garden can be limited, and if there is only room enough for one fruit tree in your sanctuary a peach or apricot tree is the best bet. These trees and specific variations of others are self-fertilizing and can stand apart from others. While tree variations are essential for pollination, planting comfrey near fruit trees is a great way to aid fertilization. Comfrey has deep roots that carry nutrients and minerals to the surface soil. It also contends with pesky weeds for resources, eliminating them from a garden. These nuances can turn an accomplished garden into a paradise.
Growing fruit in the comfort of your garden is a luxury, but one that is earned and not given. Fruit trees take patience, patience, and even more patience. In the early years there will be patches of fruit instead of branches, and you might have to fend off a few local insects and fruit tree diseases, but the work is worth the reward. After the third year, fruit trees start producing large bounties during each harvesting season. Many fruit trees produce fruit once a year, however citrus fruits have two crops per year.
If you cannot nestle a fruit tree in a cozy corner of the garden, set vines of grapes to cover a section of the garden wall. If not a bricked off island of strawberry plants, then bed blueberry bushes to outline a walkway. How ever you happen upon it, make a point to have fresh fruit in your backyard garden. Plan it, plant it, and then spend the rest of your time dreaming of all the things you can make with mouthwatering fruit from your own orchard.
Convenient Nutrition Fruiting Trees Can Give You
Fruit is healthy because it offers fiber and vitamins, and other nutrients without too many calories. Most people can improve their health by eating more fruits and vegetables, but it isn't always convenient to buy those products. Growing a couple of fruit trees can solve that problem.
A tree can produce many pounds of fruit with relatively little effort. Some will need occasional pruning and a little bit of fertilizer, but that isn't a significant commitment for the average person. The reward for that little bit of effort is usually a hefty supply of cheap, convenient, and healthy fruit.
If you prioritize this benefit, you'll want to look into highly productive trees that don't require much work. Miniature peaches or nectarine trees are excellent choices, as are little apples and some apricot varieties. Mixing and matching fruits with different growing seasons will make sure that you have fresh fruit for as much of the year as possible, so it's good to get a variety.
Light Exercise
Gardening isn't very strenuous, but it does provide some light exercise. That is a good thing since it allows for a chance to stay in shape and prevent muscle loss without putting too much stress on the body. That makes it an ideal choice for older individuals who struggle with other types of exercise.
It can also save money for people who go to the gym. A couple of fruit trees will be cheaper than a year of membership fees, and they eliminate the need to pay for gas to get to the gym. Since they can produce valuable fruit, they can replace the expensive gym membership with a profitable type of exercise.
People who want exercise should choose their trees based on their athletics needs. Cherry trees provide lots of little fruit, so they extend the harvest time. Larger apples and plums offer plenty of climbing.
Boosted Property Value
Trees are valuable, especially when they grow up and bear fruit. Even a single nectarine tree will provide free fruit and shade to make the property more comfortable. Buyers love those benefits, so planting fruit trees will raise the value of most homes.
It's wise for investors to plant a mixture of species to make sure they have something to appeal to any buyer. It's also a good idea to plant fruits that are hard to find in local stores. For example, apricot trees are an excellent choice if nearby grocery stores do not carry them, but plums or other fruits would be better if they are easy to find. When in doubt, follow your instincts and plant whatever appeals to you, since other buyers are also likely to appreciate your favorites.