Bill Tyson: Growing Fruit in the Home Orchard

20.05.12

I often get many questions during this time of year about planting and growing fruit trees in the home garden. Growing fruit trees in the home garden can be an enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding experience. However, it does take careful planning and hard work to achieve success.

Apples, figs, nectarines, peaches, pears, and plums can be grown in our area with success. Contact your local office of the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension and ask about a publication on the fruit in which you are interested in growing. You can also look online at www.caes.uga.edu/publications and search for the publication of your interest.

If you are considering planting fruit trees, it is important to consider site selection. Fruit trees should be planted in a fertile, well-drained soil. It is important to consider fertility and soil pH when planting fruit trees. The soil pH for fruit trees should be between 6.0 and 6.5. Take a soil sample to determine your soils fertility needs and pH. Do not place fertilizer in the planting hole or fertilize immediately after planting - fertilizers in direct contact with young roots can burn and cause damage. Other factors to consider include variety selection, good drainage and full sun.

Source: Savannah Morning News