Post by adkwildflower on May 9, 2011 5:41:25 GMT -5
Now that I'm set up with a new homestead, I really want to plant some fruit trees of various types. I'm a good gardener but don't have any experience with fruit trees. Are there any certain varieties that produce better or are more hardy than others? Do you recommend dwarf or semi dwarf? and if I plant different varieties, how many of each variety should I plant for proper pollination? I live in zone 4. Thank you so much.
i have several fruit trees all planted within the last couple of years. all of them purchased through Stark Brothers and Miller Nurseries. They list which zone they all are. I too live in zone 4 but many trees they list in zone 5 are cold hardy to -20 and i have planted them and are doing very well. In regards to which variety that all depends on our zone. for example, peaches i like reliance, cherry trees north star is a good one their are many apples that are good it depends on what you want to use them for, cider, pies or fresh. i plant plums, apricots and pears as well also planted a few blueberries, gooseberries and raspberries this year as well. looking into more cherry (sweet and sour varieties) as well. I plant all dwarf, easier to prune, quicker to mature and limited space.
I don't know much about apple trees other than how to prune them. There's a commercial apple orchard that abuts my property and he says (Liberty) is a good variety for this area and produces well. A smaller apple and not as tart as Macs.
i have planted candycrisp, honeycrisp, gala, winter banana, cortland, and would like to plant northern spy and a empire tree. my father has a bunch including pound sweet, snow apple, a couple of gala, idared and a few more. their are alot of good apples for ny
Post by adkwildflower on May 11, 2011 20:13:59 GMT -5
Song Dog, You have several varieties. How many of each variety do you have to plant for proper pollination? I have heard that some dwarfs will produce fruit within just a few years so I may go that route. Do you fertilize them? If so - what do you use?
ya i plant at least two different varieties of each to help with pollination. although some trees are self pollinating, like some cherries, apricots and peaches. and you only need the one tree but two makes it all the better. In stark brothers catalog they list which trees make the best pollinator for different trees. i do fertilize with a tree fertilizer i get from a friend in the tree industry, usually after the first year when the tree is established.