Time to get those fruit trees in!
The best time to plant your fruit trees can depend on a few factors, climate being one - but generally, it’s ideal to plant during the dormant season, which is kinda now! Anytime from late autumn to early spring.
Late Autumn
If you have mild winters, autumn is a great time to plant fruit trees. This gives the tree time to get its roots down and semi-established before spring growth kicks in. It also means that if your ground doesn’t freeze soon after planting then your tree will be off to a good start.
Late winter- Early Spring:
For those of us with slightly colder winters, late winter - early spring is a good time to plant, before the tree starts to bud.
The soil is warming up, and this timing allows the tree to establish its roots in the cooler, moist soil before the heat of summer comes.
keep in mind:
Bare-root trees: We sell fruit trees bare rooted - this option is good for saving on the cost of shipping larger orders. These trees are usually planted as soon as they arrive in late winter or early spring while still dormant, and they can establish more quickly than potted trees.
Potted trees: We also sell potted trees! Can be planted any time, or keep in a pot until you decide where to plant.
How do we get ready?
Preparing the soil for planting a fruit tree is very important for its health and growth.
1. Choose the Right Location
Sunlight: Fruit trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Dont plant in a shady spot.
Space: Ensure there’s enough room for the tree to grow to its full potential without hitting other trees or structures around it. Espalier is a good way to plant in small spaces.
Drainage: Good drainage is key. Avoid areas that are too dry or too wet. Fruit trees dont like wet feet!
2. Clear the Area
Remove weeds/grass/rocks/large sticks etc - Weeds are competition for the tree and will take up vital nutrients. Remove them with your tool of choice OR smother to suppress their growth.
3. Loosen the Soil and make any additions
Dig the hole: Dig a hole that's 2-3 times wider than the tree's root ball and the same depth. This allows the roots to spread out easily. If you are on heavy clay a sprinkle of gypsum won’t so a miss dusted into the hole.
Loosen compacted soil: Use a garden fork/shovel/bar to loosen the soil around the hole to allow roots to penetrate easily. Especially if you are on clay!
Add Organic matter: Add compost, well-rotted manure, seaweed, fish frames or other organic matter to the hole to improve soil fertility. This will help retain moisture and provides essential nutrients.
4. Fertilizing (Optional)
Slow-release fertilizers are ideal as they provide nutrients over time, avoiding root burn from high concentrations.
5. Set the Tree
Place the tree: Carefully place the tree in the center of the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding top-soil.
Backfill the hole: Fill the hole with your soil of choice, stamp down to ensure there are no air pockets. Water the tree in well so it can settle. Water the tree every few days to ensure it doesn’t dry out as it gets established.
Add mulch: Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., wood chips, straw, grass clippings or compost) around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds as well as regulating soil temperature. Be sure to leave a gap around the trunk to stop rot.
By following these steps, you’ll give your fruit tree a strong start!
The best time to plant your fruit trees can depend on a few factors, climate being one - but generally, it’s ideal to plant during the dormant season, which is kinda now! Anytime from late autumn to early spring.
Late Autumn
If you have mild winters, autumn is a great time to plant fruit trees. This gives the tree time to get its roots down and semi-established before spring growth kicks in. It also means that if your ground doesn’t freeze soon after planting then your tree will be off to a good start.
Late winter- Early Spring:
For those of us with slightly colder winters, late winter - early spring is a good time to plant, before the tree starts to bud.
The soil is warming up, and this timing allows the tree to establish its roots in the cooler, moist soil before the heat of summer comes.
keep in mind:
Bare-root trees: We sell fruit trees bare rooted - this option is good for saving on the cost of shipping larger orders. These trees are usually planted as soon as they arrive in late winter or early spring while still dormant, and they can establish more quickly than potted trees.
Potted trees: We also sell potted trees! Can be planted any time, or keep in a pot until you decide where to plant.
How do we get ready?
Preparing the soil for planting a fruit tree is very important for its health and growth.
1. Choose the Right Location
Sunlight: Fruit trees need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. Dont plant in a shady spot.
Space: Ensure there’s enough room for the tree to grow to its full potential without hitting other trees or structures around it. Espalier is a good way to plant in small spaces.
Drainage: Good drainage is key. Avoid areas that are too dry or too wet. Fruit trees dont like wet feet!
2. Clear the Area
Remove weeds/grass/rocks/large sticks etc - Weeds are competition for the tree and will take up vital nutrients. Reomve them with your tool of choice OR smother to surpress their growth.
3. Loosen the Soil and make any additions
Dig the hole: Dig a hole that's 2-3 times wider than the tree's root ball and the same depth. This allows the roots to spread out easily. If you are on heavy clay a sprinkle of gypsum won’t so a miss dusted into the hole.
Loosen compacted soil: Use a garden fork/shovel/bar to loosen the soil around the hole to allow roots to penetrate easily. Especially if you are on clay!
Add Organic matter: Add compost, well-rotted manure, seaweed, fish frames or other organic matter to the hole to improve soil fertility. This will help retain moisture and provides essential nutrients.
4. Fertilizing (Optional)
Slow-release fertilizers are ideal as they provide nutrients over time, avoiding root burn from high concentrations.
5. Set the Tree
Place the tree: Carefully place the tree in the center of the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the surrounding top-soil.
Backfill the hole: Fill the hole with your soil of choice, stamp down to ensure there are no air pockets. Water the tree in well so it can settle. Waterr the tree every few days to ensure it doesnt dry out as it gets established.
Add mulch: Apply a layer of mulch (e.g., wood chips, straw, grass clippings or compost) around the base of the tree. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds as well as regulating soil temperature. Be sure to leave a gap around the trunk to stop rot.
By following these steps, you’ll give your fruit tree a strong start!