Question:
I want to plant an apricot, apple, and cherry tree this year. I've been told I must have two trees close to each other to cross-pollinate. Does that mean I need identical trees, or will an apricot tree pollinate an apple tree?Answer:
- You must consider pollination when planting a few trees or planning a home orchard. This discussion does not apply to citrus and other sub-tropical fruits.
- Not all deciduous fruit trees need a second tree for pollination. An apple tree cannot pollinate an apricot or any other type of fruit tree, just another apple variety.
- Many varieties, such as peaches and nectarines, are self-pollinating. There are self-fertile cherries and those cherries that require a second variety.
- So, choosing the suitable varieties can become very confusing. I would make a list of those varieties you like to consider. \The nursery professional at your favorite garden center is the perfect resource to help you trim the list and suggest some alternatives.
- Since most older gardening books were published, some very good, new varieties have become available.
- When making up your list, here are some other things you should keep in mind: the ripening dates, the watering needs, and the ultimate size of the trees.
- The ripening dates should be staggered so you can have a different fruit to enjoy from June through September.
- For today's garden, a semi-dwarf fruit tree is too big to plant. They often will reach a height of eighteen feet with a ten-foot spread. Instead, you want to plant Ultra Dwarf or genetic dwarf varieties that grow to ten feet tall or less.
- Established Asian pears, pears, and apples need to be watered often, while cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, and plums are drenched once every three weeks once the rainy season concludes.
- It also means that the area under the canopy should be kept unplanted. So, it would help if you grouped your trees according to their watering requirements. Ultra Dwarf or genetic dwarf varieties can be grown in containers but watered more frequently than in the ground.
- By the end of February, you'll find your favorite garden center's broadest selection of fruit tree varieties.
Question:
Is it too late to plant spring flowering bulbs? I've had mine in my fridge since November. I haven't had a chance to put them in the ground yet.Answer:
- While it is late, I would go ahead and plant them anyway and see what happens.
- Depending on the species, you are going to get mixed results. For example, the stems on tulips will typically be shorter. Your only other choice is to throw them away, as they can’t be stored and planted next fall.