 Food
Create Your Own Fruit Of The Month Club
Posted: 6/8/2011
 One mature orange tree can generate 300 lbs. of fruit a year. (NAPSI)—Growing fruit trees is one of the most popular forms of edible gardening. According to the National Gardening Association, more than 12 million households grow fruit in this country. That’s about as many households as there are in the entire state of California. Better taste, saving money and better quality are the top three reasons for growing fruit trees in our backyards.
“There’s nothing better than the taste of an apple, orange or lemon that you grow in your own backyard,” said Lance Walheim, author of “Citrus” and gardening expert for Bayer Advanced™. “A tree has to be at least two or three years old to bear fruit, but once it does, you’ll be enjoying baskets of fruits for 10 to 30 years.”
How Much Fruit You’ll Get From One Tree Each Year
Orange 300 lbs.
Lemon 200 lbs.
Cherry 100 lbs.
Dwarf apple 84 lbs.
Sources: Cooperative Extension Services and growers
Helpful Tips
• Choose the right fruit.Orange, lemon, grapefruit and other kinds of citrus require mild winter weather. Apple and cherry trees will do well in colder regions of the country. Your local cooperative extension agent can suggest the best varieties for your area.
• Mini-orchard vs. container. Apple trees, as well as some varieties of plum and pear trees, require cross-pollination for fruit to grow. You’ll need to plant at least two trees in your yard. If you don’t have the room, consider dwarf varieties or growing fruit trees in containers.
• Choose a sunny spot. Most fruit trees require six to eight hours of direct sunlight and well-drained soil.
• Mulch and fertilization. You’ll need three to four inches of organic mulch to keep the weeds out, the moisture in and to protect the roots. Apply nitrogen fertilizer regularly.
• Protect against destructive pests. Aphids, whiteflies, Asian Citrus Psyllid and Citrus Leafminers are serious pests. Bayer Advanced Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control (www.BayerAdvanced.com) kills destructive pests and prevents new infestations. Just mix in a water bucket and apply at the base of the tree. Always read and follow label directions.
• Watering. Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry.
• Pruning. Proper pruning promotes the quality and size of the fruit. Apple, peach and pear trees should be pruned during the dormant season to ensure bigger fruit. |
