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In addition to homegrown veggies (we all know I can't get enough!), homegrown fruits are also at the top of
my list. You might wonder why I bring up fruit trees as one of my favorite
things, just as we’re about to enter our winter season. Did you know that one
of the best times to plant fruit trees is when they are dormant? While you can
plant healthy containerized fruit trees any time of the year, now through February
is really best. Also, your selection of fruit trees at the garden center will
be most extensive this time of year. 
Cultivar
selection is one of the most important steps you can take when planting fruit
trees. The success of many varieties depends on the amount of chilling hours
they receive. Stone and pome fruit trees, such as peaches and apples rely
on enough chilling for flowers and leaf buds to develop properly. Without
sufficient chilling hours in winter to break dormancy once warm temperatures return,
trees may experience many different problems that can damage fruit production.
A few of my favorite varieties for Texas are ‘Moonglow’ pears, ‘Ranger’ peaches
and ‘Methley’ plums, but there are many to choose from.
When
planting fruit trees make sure to provide them a spot with full sun exposure
for best success. By full sun I mean sun for most of the day, if not all day
long. Good drainage is also important. Choose a spot in your landscape where
you’re sure you don’t collect excess moisture due to drainage or settling
issues. Fruit trees will require regular fertilization and treatment programs
to maximize production. You’ll need to
provide adequate water to your new trees until they become established and supplemental
water thereafter as needed.
It’s
also a great time to plant berries and grape vines. A few to look for include
‘Brazos’ Thornless and ‘Womack’ blackberries. Blackberries are one of the
easiest fruits to produce in our Texas soil and climate. You’ll be rewarded
with an abundance of fruit with little effort.
For more information about fruit tree varieties that
will perform best in your area, visit your local nursery or speak with a local
extension agent. Folks in the North Texas area can visit North Haven Gardens’
website for an informative list: http://nhg.com/pdf/FruitList.pdf
Originally published in the Neil Sperry's E-Gardens Newsletter.
Leslie Finical Halleck is a horticulturist and
general manager of North Haven Gardens in Dallas, Texas.
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