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Which fruit trees to choose?
by Nik Magnus | © 2014 Woodbridge Fruit Trees | www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au
When it comes to choosing which fruit trees to grow, many end up confused by the selection. So here's some pointers to help choose.
Space.
How much space you have will determine how many trees you can fit in. Keep in mind that you can espalier some fruit trees to end up with a compact tree that bears plenty of fruit. So along a wall, fence line or at the back of a garden bed can allow you to fit in a lot more trees than you expect.
As a general rule, an espaliered tree can fit in a space 1.5m-2.5m wide and 1.7m tall and need only a depth of 40cm. When it comes to free standing trees, put aside 3m diameter or 4m if you don't want the limbs touching.
Enclosure or perimeter fence.
Even if you have heaps of space, if you have lots of wallabies or possums, consider a perimeter fence or even an enclosure. The number of trees you can plant in that will be determined by the size of your enclosure or perimeter fence. Realistically, if you live near bush, you will get animals, even in urban areas. If they're not there yet, by the time you start getting fruit on your trees, they will move in and you may need to erect a structure in a few years time. Generally it's a lot easier to get the structure up before you plant, or at least the posts in place.
Ripening time and storage
Some people want to have a broad spectrum of fruit trees, berries etc in their garden, but often don't think that things can ripen all at the same time and leave you without fruit later in the year. Have a look at the following table <still to do> Please use our filter on the left-hand column of our website to filter for ripening time, low chill and fertility to make it easier to hone down on what you need.
The densest time for fruit is February and March when the pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, apples, berries are all coming ripe. To ensure fruit for later in the year, you may freeze some berries, bottle some plums and apricots, pick pears before they're ripe and store them in a cool spot so they last until may. Apples will be ripening all the way to June and store after this time, so use these varieties to extend the season.
Pollination.
For a smaller garden, a self-pollinating variety might mean you could get away with only one tree rather than worrying about. In an urban setting, remember that neighbours often grow trees that allows you to get away with only one, e.g. apple trees and plum trees are quite common.
Taste.
Such a subjective sensation, some people are drawn to uncomplicated sweet fruit, while others prefer the more complicated taste of acid, aromatic spicy flavours. We find it's influenced by what people have been exposed to as a kid, or what they could buy in the shops. But some people are more adventurous than others and are keen to allow a larger spectrum of tastes onto their palate.
Start small and let experience teach you.
If you are new to this, consider planting part of the fruit garden to get a feel for it, and leave room for expansion later on. It's a lot more creative to get success with a few rather than feeling overwhelmed. For example, plant a couple of espaliered apples up against a wall and in a few years, move onto an enclosed orchard.
In summary, choose varieties that maximise your ripening through the year. Plant efficiently with the space you have while protecting from wildlife, and espalier where you can. Store what you can't eat, by drying, freezing, bottling or keeping them in a cellar.
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by Nik Magnus | © 2014 Woodbridge Fruit Trees | www.woodbridgefruittrees.com.au
When it comes to choosing which fruit trees to grow, many end up confused by the selection. So here's some pointers to help choose.
Space.
How much space you have will determine how many trees you can fit in. Keep in mind that you can espalier some fruit trees to end up with a compact tree that bears plenty of fruit. So along a wall, fence line or at the back of a garden bed can allow you to fit in a lot more trees than you expect.
As a general rule, an espaliered tree can fit in a space 1.5m-2.5m wide and 1.7m tall and need only a depth of 40cm. When it comes to free standing trees, put aside 3m diameter or 4m if you don't want the limbs touching.
Enclosure or perimeter fence.
Even if you have heaps of space, if you have lots of wallabies or possums, consider a perimeter fence or even an enclosure. The number of trees you can plant in that will be determined by the size of your enclosure or perimeter fence. Realistically, if you live near bush, you will get animals, even in urban areas. If they're not there yet, by the time you start getting fruit on your trees, they will move in and you may need to erect a structure in a few years time. Generally it's a lot easier to get the structure up before you plant, or at least the posts in place.
Ripening time and storage
Some people want to have a broad spectrum of fruit trees, berries etc in their garden, but often don't think that things can ripen all at the same time and leave you without fruit later in the year. Have a look at the following table <still to do> Please use our filter on the left-hand column of our website to filter for ripening time, low chill and fertility to make it easier to hone down on what you need.
The densest time for fruit is February and March when the pears, plums, peaches, nectarines, apples, berries are all coming ripe. To ensure fruit for later in the year, you may freeze some berries, bottle some plums and apricots, pick pears before they're ripe and store them in a cool spot so they last until may. Apples will be ripening all the way to June and store after this time, so use these varieties to extend the season.
Pollination.
For a smaller garden, a self-pollinating variety might mean you could get away with only one tree rather than worrying about. In an urban setting, remember that neighbours often grow trees that allows you to get away with only one, e.g. apple trees and plum trees are quite common.
Taste.
Such a subjective sensation, some people are drawn to uncomplicated sweet fruit, while others prefer the more complicated taste of acid, aromatic spicy flavours. We find it's influenced by what people have been exposed to as a kid, or what they could buy in the shops. But some people are more adventurous than others and are keen to allow a larger spectrum of tastes onto their palate.
Start small and let experience teach you.
If you are new to this, consider planting part of the fruit garden to get a feel for it, and leave room for expansion later on. It's a lot more creative to get success with a few rather than feeling overwhelmed. For example, plant a couple of espaliered apples up against a wall and in a few years, move onto an enclosed orchard.
In summary, choose varieties that maximise your ripening through the year. Plant efficiently with the space you have while protecting from wildlife, and espalier where you can. Store what you can't eat, by drying, freezing, bottling or keeping them in a cellar.
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