Fruit trees are being ordered , shipped and planted about this time all over the South; because it is the time to plant. The soil is moist and the trees are dormant.

But before rushing off to a discount store to buy one apple tree, it’s important to gather meaningful information about planting fruit trees. Successfully growing a fruit crop in South Carolina is one of the greatest gardening challenges that we may encounter; consequently, understanding the facts is important.

Growing fruit in your own backyard orchard is especially rewarding. Particularly, when you consider that most of our fruit comes from only a few places, Florida, California, Mexico andSouth America. It makes a person wonder, why not grow some in my own backyard?

Tree fruits do require special care and considerable management. In fact, some species have little chance of successfully bearing a crop in your yard because, there may not be enough sun, its not cold enough, the humidity is too high, the insect population is too bountiful, a late freeze may kill the flowers and pollination didn’t occur. While these reasons are not encouraging, there are some ways to reduce their chances.

First and foremost plant only the species that we know can perform here in the Midlands areas consistently, without major management, (plums, pears and figs).

The other tree fruits can grow but usually can’t yield a true crop without luck and a lot of spraying beginning somewhere around bud swell to petal fall.

I do have an apple tree in my yard that so far has done well on its own, but I will never know the variety, and modern rootstock can not produce viable seed that is true to plant.

Some varieties of pears and plums need pollination from another variety, the exception are Orient, Baldwin, Kiefer, Spalding for pears and Methley for plums. However, they maybe partially self-fruitful. The best practice is to plant more than one variety according to the pollination guide provided in Circular 681 Extension Publication “Growing Fruits At Home” available at your local Clemson Extension Office. When selecting these varieties for cross pollination it is important to select varieties that bloom at the same time and bloom late in the spring (to limit chances of late frost damage). Most fig varieties are self- pollinating, but need protection from severe cold.

Select young trees with a balanced form and a healthy root system. Younger, smaller fruit trees with healthy roots survive and perform better than larger trees with smaller root balls. Bare rooted trees can survive but are more fragile in the first year of growing than containerized trees.

Locate trees on a slope to take advantage of warm winter air rising which reduces risk of frost damage. Provide water to the plant at the root zone only, twice a week through this summer.

Apply 4 inches of mulch, over the top of the root ball. Consider planting dwarf varieties for limited space but remember that these types usually need l need to be trellised for support of a weak trunk. Knowing the facts can help you enjoy the fruits of your backyard orchard.