Is there anything more delicious than picking a crunchy apple or a sweet pear from your own garden and eating it fresh from the tree? There is a large selection of suitable fruit types and varieties - however, not every tree is suitable for every garden and important information should also be observed when planting. However, if the location, soil and other conditions are right, nothing stands in the way of a rich harvest.

Fruit trees need a lot of sun

Which location is best for fruit trees?

Most types of fruit need full sun so that their fruit can take on the color typical of the variety and develop the characteristic aroma. Some species also feel comfortable in the light penumbra, as long as they still get several hours of direct sun there every day. For more shady (but not completely dark!) locations, we recommend typical forest edge plants such as blackberries, raspberries, wild strawberries, etc.

What soil do fruit trees prefer?

No general statements can be made here, because every fruit tree prefers a different soil, depending on the type and variety. Apples, pears and cherries prefer dry, well-drained soil, while plums do well in moist soil.

Planting a fruit tree in the garden - Here's how

When planting the fruit tree, it is particularly important that the soil is loosened well beforehand. If a larger number of trees are to be planted, it is advisable to take a soil sample. Based on the analysis, missing nutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) can be incorporated in a targeted manner before planting in the form of a reserve fertiliser. And this is how it is planted:

  • First, dig a planting pit.
  • This should measure at least one meter by one meter square.
  • If the ground is loose, dig a spade.
  • If the ground is very firm, two groundbreakings.
  • Loosen the bottom layer of soil with a digging fork.
  • Mix the excavation with mature compost.
  • Now insert the plant stake.
  • Now insert the tree.
  • The finishing point(s) must neither be in nor too close to the ground.
  • Otherwise the substrate could form roots.
  • Fill back in the soil and gently tamp down.
  • Tie the tree to the planting stake with a sisal or coconut fiber rope in the shape of a figure eight.
  • Throw up a watering rim all around the tree.
  • Perform a planting pruning on trees planted in the fall.
  • Flood the tree well with several watering cans.
  • Cover the tree pit with rotting manure, short straw, or grass clippings.
  • This keeps the moisture longer.

When is the best time to plant fruit trees?

Fruit trees should be planted in autumn if possible, but early spring is also a very good time to plant.

What planting distance should be maintained?

Anyone who has just bought a small fruit tree in the tree nursery likes to plant it far too close to the other trees - however, the apple tree grows and can assume considerable proportions depending on its growth habit. We have therefore listed below the recommended planting distances for the most important types of fruit and growth forms that have proven themselves in home gardens and small gardens.

fruit type growth habit planting distance
Apple standard / half-stem 8 to 10 meters
bush tree 3 to 4 meters
spindle tree (e.g. trellis) 2 to 2.5 meters
pear standard / half-stem 8 to 10 meters
bush tree 4 to 5 meters
spindle tree 2 to 2.5 meters
Plum, damson, mirabelle plum, greengage half / standard 5 to 6 meters
sweet cherry half / standard 8 to 10 meters
sour cherry bush tree 4 to 5 meters
peach bush tree 4 to 5 meters
apricot Half trunk / bush tree 4 to 5 meters
quince bush tree 3 to 4 meters
walnut standard 10 to 15 meters
hazelnut shrub 5 to 6 meters

Be sure to keep the planting distances, because well exposed crowns are one of the most important prerequisites for sun-kissed fruit of high quality. In addition, diseases are far more likely to occur in plantings that are too dense.

What are boundary distances and why are they so important?

The border distances are almost more important than the planting distances. Again and again a neighborly relationship is marred by a tree or bush that grows across the border. Although the specific provisions on this are very different in the individual federal states, this simple rule of thumb actually applies almost everywhere: The ideal limit distance is half a planting distance. This means that if you plant a plum tree, for example, you should keep a distance of about three meters to the neighboring fence - then it will also work with the neighbors.

Are there also fruit trees that are suitable for keeping in tubs?

Most classic fruit trees such as apple, pear and Co. can grow up to four meters and higher. Due to their size, they are not suitable for pot culture. If, on the other hand, the fruit trees are grafted onto weakly growing stock, they can also be kept in a sufficiently large pot. Pillar fruit is also very suitable.

tips

In the case of spindle bushes and tall berry trees in particular, you should check the tree stake from time to time and replace it if necessary.

Category:

Trees