With interest in edible landscapes at an all-time high, many South Carolina homeowners are exploring the option of adding fruit trees to their home gardens. It’s a smart strategy—one that can put tasty, nutritious food on the table for years to come while also adding color and variety to your surroundings—but the home gardener who rushes into planting fruit trees without first doing his homework, may bite off more than he can chew.
Many homeowners envision growing peaches, cherries, apples and pears, but those plants often require more maintenance than a home gardener can provide. A better way to get started growing fruit at home is by planting these six low-cost, low-maintenance trees and shrubs that are ideally suited to South Carolina growing conditions.
Getting started
For successful planting of an edible landscape, follow these basic guidelines:
Plant now. The dormant season, November through early March, is generally the best time to plant fruits. Late spring planting can be successful, but be prepared to water often to get trees off to a healthy start.
Choose ideal locations. For maximum fruit production, choose a site that receives plenty of sun and features welldraining soil. Most fruit plants will tolerate partial shade, but fruit production will suffer as a result. A soil pH between 5.8 and 6.5 is best for most fruits—acid-loving blueberries being the notable exception. Take a soil sample and a list of your desired crops to the nearest Extension Office for analysis and advice.
Dig wide. Dig planting holes as wide as possible—at least 3- to 4-feet wide—and about as deep as the plant container. Thoroughly mix any lime or fertilizer recommended by the soil test into the extracted soil. Set the plant so that its topmost root is slightly above the final soil grade, then backfill with the amended soil mix.
Add water. Water the soil to settle it around the plant’s roots, then apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds. Keep the mulch 3 to 6 inches from the stem of the plant to prevent smothering of the trunk.
Remove fruit. Do not allow plants to fruit for the first year or two after planting. Fruit development robs energy from the young root system, so remove any small fruit that form right after flowering. This is the hardest part for most novice fruit growers, but it will ensure healthy growth and the best long-term production.
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FRUITY TIPS
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