Need info on planting fruit trees

[hkruss]

I'm thinking about planting a couple of trees in my small back yard. I haven't decided what type of fruit trees I want, I just like the idea of watching something grow that I could actually eat if I wanted to.
With that said, can anyone give me some suggestions as to what and how to plant and tend? I'm not sure what 'zone' we would be considered, but we get a few frosts each Winter, and have very hot and humid Summers. I'm sure that must be an important consideration in deciding on what to plant.
Something else to consider in your suggestions. I don't want something that is going to end up being a huge tree as space is limited.
Lastly, what do I need to know about cross-pollination for successful fruit production?

Your suggestions will be appreciated. HK





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[gun-nut]

peach trees are small but make shure you have 2 you need it to poliate each other. july time frame for the fruit. Pruneing is a must every year to have good sized fruit and to have a big yeld. Apples are good as well but then agin u have the mantince. You dont need 2 of them. Bluebarries are very small. Cant remember much on them. Rasbarries are good on a fence.

[Bobitis]

Find a college near you that has an agriculture dept. and ask them.

[gdmoody]

I suggest an Asian Pear, the tree does grow to about 30 feet tall and the spread is probably 10 feet across. I am not sure if you need two to cross pollinate, that you would have to research to be sure. My wife is the "expert" and she says that you would only need one. There are several different varieties of them.

The fruit gets ripe in late summer (August) and is really delicious, kind of a cross between a pear and an apple. We have four of them in our yard and have so many pears on them that we give bunches of them away every year. They can be kept in the refrigerator and still be good for up to about 4 months. The fruit sells for about a buck or more each in the local grocery stores.

We also have Japanese Persimmon, Bartlett Pear, Peach, Cherry, Apple trees, and Blueberry bushes in the yard. My wife feels that a tree is worthless (Pines in Georgia) if it doesn't bear fruit. My wife being from Korea is especially fond of the Asian pears.

[CampingJosh]

You can find out your zone here. Just put your ZIP code in on the left-hand side.

Their prices on trees aren't great, but their site is helpful for you to get information.

[armedandsafe]

http://www.justfruitsandexotics.com/...Nectarines.pdf

Pops

[jack404]

i'm in OZ so very different but swear by the knowledge of the older folks , the farmers almanac always steered me good

heres some links to yours and what they say for fruit tree's

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home-g...g-suggestions/

http://www.almanac.com/gardening

[Silencer]

Bananas, pineapple, lemon, orange, grapefruit, avocado and tangerine trees grow in mine. I planted apple but they just wouldn't last through our hot SoCal summers. I had a peach tree too, bit it was a HUGE PITA. Plums didn't want to grow, so I gave up on that fruit.

Don't forget berries, but it wasn't worth the work it involved. I do much better with trees. Tomatoes and chilies are fruits, too. But, it's cheaper and easier just to buy those in the store.

[bluesea112]

Since you live in Alabama, there are two fruit trees that would grow great in the warm climate.....peach or fig.

[bluesea112]

Since you have a small yard, you may also want to consider Kumquat. They are wonderful tasting, and they don't take up a lot of space. They grow up, not out.

[bamajoey]

You may be OK to grow citrus, or you may be far north. I can grow satsumas, kumquats, tangerine, lemons and grapefruit with no problem. My niece who lives 45 miles north of me has trouble with freezes on all citrus. Some varieties of apples will grow where you are as well as peaches, pears, plums, and blueberries. I am trying raspberries, only the second year, so I don't know how they will do. You can call your county extension office and get info.

[cycloneman]

Peach trees need a ph of 6.5 or a tad higher. This is important for them.

Persimon will grow in acid soil with no problem.

[hkruss]

Thanks to all for the suggestions and the links.

Lots of good info to consider!




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[jlloyd73]

I used to run a garden center years ago. Just figure out what zone you live in and do the research on the trees you want or might want. The most important thing after that is planting them at the right way and at the time of the year.....give them time to settle in and then keep up with trimming and fertilizing. That will help the grow fast and be less prone to diseases and insects. Also, remember it takes time for most fruit trees to produce anything........be patient.

[Country101]

hkruss, call you local county extension agent. They have free referance materials and will be able to tell you everything you need to know. They are very knowledgable and if they dont know it they have a whole team of specialists that can come to your home or give you a call to give you the exact details on what to plant, where, how to care for it, etc. And it is all FREE. My wife works for the Arkansas equivalent and they do some good work, if people will actually use them.

Address:
(Show Map) Jon Archer Agricultural Center
1070 Schillinger Rd., N.
Mobile, AL 36608-5298
Phone: (251) 574-8445
Fax: (251) 574-3245
Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Website: www.aces.edu/Mobile/

[time2shoot]

I know the rabbits around here like pear trees and blueberry bushess. so cage them to keep them safe.