How to Successfully Grow Fruit Trees in Georgia
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as enjoying fresh fruit in the heat of summer. And fruit doesn’t get any fresher than when it’s just been picked straight from the tree! Fruit trees are notorious for being difficult to maintain, and many would-be fruit enthusiasts end up disappointed when all their hard work doesn’t yield any…well…fruit.
And don’t get us wrong, fruit trees aren’t easy. They’re pretty high-maintenance, and can be fickle, especially in the temperamental temperatures of Georgia summers and winters. But, for those willing to put in the elbow grease, here’s a list of some handy tips on how to grow fruit trees in Georgia!
Social Distancing
Fruit trees need a lot of nutrients in order to actually grow fruit. If you plant fruit trees too close to each other, their roots will end up competing for resources, which will weaken all the trees involved.
Room to Grow
When you dig a hole to plant your tree, make it about twice as wide as the root ball or tree’s container. You’ll fill this in with nutrient-rich soil, of course, but doing this loosens the ground around the roots so they have an easier time spreading. This gives your tree a much better chance of successfully establishing itself.
Fun in the Sun
While the summer heat isn’t always the best thing for fruit trees, they definitely need sun exposure. Be sure to choose a full-sun location (6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight every day).
Don’t Forget Drainage
Fruit trees definitely need a lot of water, but they also don’t like their soil to be sopping wet. A well-drained area will ensure that any excess liquid won’t stick around to rot the roots.
Pro Tip – a good way to ensure good drainage is to plant on a slope or incline!
The Watering Sweet Spot
Most fruit trees will need about 3 inches of water per month. That’s a hard measurement to calculate as far as how much you should water, but a good rule of thumb is to use your thumb. Stick your thumb into the dirt near the base of your tree. If the dirt is dry as far as your thumb can reach, then it’s time to water.
Birds of a Feather
Fruit trees can’t pollinate properly unless there are multiple different varieties of that tree around for cross-pollination. Be sure to plant at least 2 (but preferably more) varieties of whatever fruit tree you choose.
Pro Tip – plant a range of different fruit trees (in addition to different varieties of the same fruit) for best results!
What fruit trees grow best in Georgia?
Most fruit trees will grow in Georgia with some love, but the best fruit trees for Georgia are:
Apple Trees
Peach Trees
Pear Trees
Fig Trees
Sources:
How Much Water Should One Give a Fruit Tree?
How to Grow Fruit Trees in Georgia
UGA Extension: Growing Fruits
UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Best Fruit Trees to Grow in Georgia
Fruit Trees for Zone 8
Georgia Grown: Fruits
Planting a Small Home Orchard
Bare Root Fruit Trees
Fruits to Grow in Your Garden
Planting and Caring for Fruit Trees
