A home isn’t quite complete without a garden.
But not just any old garden – an assortment of well groomed trees adds to the aesthetic value of any home.
What is even better is you can literally enjoy the fruits of your labors with a fruit tree.
So let’s take a look at the easiest fruit trees to grow.
What Are The Easiest Fruit Trees To Grow?
The Calamondin Orange is definitely a contender for the title of easiest fruit tree to grow. It can be planted in a pot and does well in both cold and warm regions. Other easy fruit trees to grow include apple, fig, blueberries, cherries and peach.
I am not going to lie:
If you are into gardening, fruit trees are definitely a good element to spice up your yard or garden.
Primarily, fruits are of great nutritional value. Growing a couple of them will go a long way to spare you the burden of buying fruits from the market or nearby grocery store. This is in addition to making your garden aesthetically pleasing.
But the big question is:
But what does fruit gardening really entail? It is not just about picking any random fruit seeds and sowing them randomly.
First of all, you need to choose a fruit tree that will fit into your garden’s look and not awkwardly stand out.
You also have to pick a plant that will do well in the climatic conditions prevailing in your locality.
For instance:
Citrus fruits tend to thrive in warm tropical climate whereas berries do better in cooler climatic conditions.
It is advisable to plant in spring or immediately after the rainy season when the ground is still moist.
Decide on whether to plant by sowing seeds or replanting young seedlings. Personally I would recommend the option of buying young seedlings and replanting them.
This is because seeds have a lot of risk involved when planting. If the ground is too wet, the seeds may end up rotting. Seedling are easier to tend to.
If you are looking for a bit more practical advice on how to grow a fruit tree the below video might help:
This is important:
Before planting, select a suitable spot for the trees. Till the ground properly and make sure the soil is moist and fertile.
You can seek help from a gardening expert to give you advice on how deep you should dig for various plants.
For fruits such as strawberries, that grow in shrubs, you can plant them in pots.
The Easiest Fruit Trees to Grow – Our List
So what are the easiest fruit trees to grow?
Here is a list of fruit trees that don’t require much expertise to grow:
#1 – Calamondin Orange
The orange is one of the most popular citrus fruits.
The calamondin orange tree is a dwarf variety of the normal orange. Its fruits are smaller than the ordinary orange but way juicier.
The good news?
Its small size allows it to be grown in pots. The calamondin orange is one of those trees that do well in both cold and warm climatic regions.
To plant it, you don’t have to buy a seedling. Simply ensure the ground is sufficiently moist and dig a hole about five inches in depth and bury a few seeds in it. the seeds will take about two weeks to germinate into a robust shoot.
Remember:
You need to ensure the seedling is exposed to sunlight. Once the seedling has developed, all you need to do is water it once in a while and let it grow to its maximum height in a few months.
Regardless of the tree’s small stature, you are bound to harvest dozens of oranges from a single tree. The orange tree is pretty popular because of its attractive scent as well.
#2 – Apples
We have all heard the saying: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” right?
Right.
Apples are a favourite to many people. Who does not like the sweet and subtly sour taste of an apple?
Apple trees are some of the most beautiful fruit trees I have come across; whether it’s the dwarf apple variety or the good old mature tree variety.
Apple trees grow well in loamy soils that are well drained and have a relatively lower moisture content.
They don’t do well in areas that are dense with other plants. Like most fruit trees, they grow well under optimum sunlight exposure.
You have to apply mulch around seedlings after planting to keep a moderate amount of moisture trapped in the soil.
The dwarf variety has a tendency to grow as a climber. You may have to plant it close to a hedge for support.
Apple trees are highly branched and hence require regular pruning. You can try growing a medley of green and red apples to give your garden or orchard a beautiful colour blend.
#3 – Figs
These sweet, seedy small fruits are a great choice for anyone looking to plant fruit trees in their home. You can plant them in pots and they can survive in extremely cold conditions.
The benefit of growing them in pots is that you can move them indoors during heavy rain or in winter and still get to enjoy a supply of these delicious fruits all year long. They require little pruning and watering.
The fig tree is simply adaptable to a wide range of climates and can survive in relatively hostile conditions.
#4 – Blueberries
Blueberries are just the perfect fruit; colourful, not too sugary and packed with nutrients.
Even better:
Blueberry trees are pretty easy to grow and tend to. They grow in well drained soils.
If you choose to grow them in pots, ensure the port is perforated to enhance the soil’s drainage abilities.
Blueberries require slightly acidic soil. Ensure you have the pH of your soil checked by an expert before planting. You can add acidic fertilizer to the soil to increase its acidity level.
Note:
You should ensure you plant the seedling near a wall or an edge for support of the blueberry plant in its mature stages.
Once the seedling has developed, the blueberry plant does not require much attention when it comes to pruning. You can harvest for more than a decade from a single blueberry plant before it ages.
#5 – Cherries
Cherries come in a wide variety. The most common variety is the red cherry and like most drupe fruits, they prefer a warm temperate climate.
To grow one, all you have to do is get cultured seed from a botanical shop and plant them it in rich soil.
To top it off:
A cherry tree has one of the most beautiful blossoms you will ever come across. During the flowering season, the entire tree sheds its leaves, leaving the pinkish blossoms in place.
The sight is simply magical. A cherry tree will definitely turn your garden into a haven of beautiful butterflies and birds.
#6 – Peach
I have to say:
Peaches are simply delicious (in my opinion!).
Besides that, peach trees are really beautiful. Some rare peach varieties shed their leaves during their blossoming season just like cherries.
However this is not the case with the common peach varieties. The small peach-colored flowers peeping from the shoots are still a sight to behold nevertheless.
So what is the secret?
The peach tree grows well in sandy soil. Sandy soil is well drained and has an adequate mineral salt concentration for peaches.
The peach tree requires a bit of pruning when it is about knee-height tall – at this stage it becomes a bit bushy at this stage. Once it grows taller to maturity, it does not require as much attention. It also doesn’t require much of irrigation since it has a deep and well spread root system.
It goes without saying:
There of course many other plants that qualify for this list. Pears, lemons, tangerines, apricots, guavas and pomegranates are all worth an honorable mentions.
These fruits may be easy to grow and maintain but still require some level of attention and expertise.
As they grow, make an effort to weed and plough around the trees for better growth. A delicious, nutritious and beautiful fruit tree could be on the quick makeover your backyard needs!
USEFUL RESOURCES
Want to learn more about growing fruit trees? You can find further information here:
- Growing Fruit From Seed – Thompson & Morgan
- How to Grow Fruit – RHS
- Types of Soil for Growing Fruit Trees – Homeguides
