A Sweet Start to the New Year

Winter may be upon us, but it doesn’t mean your gardening endeavors must be put on hold. One of the great things about gardening in Texas is that it’s a year-round activity. Soils in the cooler parts of the state may freeze occasionally, but not so much that planting during winter can’t continue. In warmer parts of the state, soil doesn’t freeze at all. That’s good news for those of you wanting to plant fruit trees.

Winter is one of the best times to plant fruit trees. You can plant healthy, containerized fruit trees any time of the year, but the winter months are optimal. Bare-root fruit trees especially should be planted during these months, when they’re dormant. Plus, the selection of fruit trees available at your local garden center is typically more extensive this time of year.

Many types and varieties of fruit trees do well across Texas: Pear, peach, apricot, plum, persimmon, jujube, and fig trees are all excellent options. If you’re located in a cooler part of the state, apples could be an option. Many varieties of citrus can be planted outdoors in the warmer regions, or kept in patio containers in northern zones.

The success of many fruit varieties depends on the amount of chilling hours they receive. Stone and pome fruit trees, such as peaches and apples, rely on receiving enough chilling hours for flowers and leaf buds to develop properly. Without sufficient chilling hours in winter, trees may experience reduced fruit production. Chilling hours vary throughout the state, so check with your local garden center or county extension agent for tips on selecting appropriate trees for your area.

For certain types of fruits, you will need to plant at least two trees in order to ensure adequate cross-pollination: Apples and Asian pears are such fruits. Peaches, however, do not require a cross-pollinator, so you can plant just one specimen if that’s all your space can accommodate.

Most fruit trees are small in stature and won’t take up a lot of space in your garden. In addition, they grow quickly, and you’ll often get your first nice harvest only two or three years after planting. This makes fruit trees an excellent choice for smaller urban landscapes. Plus, their springtime blooms are a welcome addition to ornamental landscapes and benefit honeybees and other pollinators.

When planting fruit trees, choose a spot with full sun exposure or direct sun for most of the day. Good soil drainage is also important. Select a spot in your landscape without excess moisture. You’ll also want to provide adequate water to your new trees until they become established, and supplemental water thereafter as needed. Fruit trees also require regular fertilization and treatment programs to maximize production.

Celebrate the winter season by adding a few fruit trees to your landscape; in just a few years, you’ll be glad you did.