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With a little work, growing fruit can be rewarding
Missouri
Growing fruit at home can be either a pleasant experience or a learning experience according to Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
"Depending on how much homework you do, the results can be either rewarding or disappointing," said Moore.
According to Moore, considering several important factors before beginning a home fruit planting can help to ensure reasonable success.
"Every gardener should be realistic and discriminating about what fruits to plant. Not all fruit crops are suited for your home. Available space, soils, water, micro climates, and natural resistance to pests are only a few serious considerations and limiting factors," said Moore.
Adaptability
Plant performance depends on how well the growth requirements are met. Growing season, temperature extremes, frost pockets and availability of supplemental irrigation are all important factors according to Moore.
Obtaining Plants
Plant sources should come from reputable nurseries or garden centers.
"There are a number of good nurseries that provide plants by mail. All you have to do is indicate to the nursery the best time for shipping and planting in your area," said Moore.
Insects and Diseases
Unfortunately, insects and diseases are common with several fruit species. However, some fruit species have fewer pest problems than others.
For example, most of the tree fruits are more prone to insects and diseases than the small fruits (blackberries, raspberries or strawberries). One exception would be grapes which are susceptible to diseases like black rot. Grapes also benefit from having regular scheduled spray applications.
"Any time natural resistance to pests is genetically or naturally present, less chemical sprays are required to obtain quality fruit," said Moore. "And that is a good thing."
Fruits to Consider
Moore's list of recommended fruits for home planting includes apples, pears, peaches, sour cherries, grapes, blackberries, blueberries and strawberries.
Apples require minimal care according to Moore. But, home plantings should consider only dwarf or semi-dwarf trees. It is also best if you select varieties (like Pristine and Liberty) that are highly resistant to major diseases such as fire blight, scab, cedar apple rust or mildew.
Pears are well adapted to Missouri growing conditions but be sure to select a variety that offers a strong resistance to fire blight. Starking Delicious and Kieffer are two excellent varieties but (like apples) they need pollinators.
"I'd say peaches are one of the most rewarding of the tree fruits but they are not without problems," said Moore. "Brown rot is a major problem some years and must be considered in a regular spray program."
Moore recommends Redhaven as a good variety of peach for fresh eating, cooking and preserving.
Sour cherries make great pies but need to be planted only on well drained soils.
Grapes, especially Concord and seedless varieties Canadice and Reliance, are good choices for fresh eating and make great jams and jellies.
Blackberries--especially the thornless upright varieties Navaho or Arapaho--provide excellent quality fruit with minimal care.
Blueberries require an acidic soil (pH 4.8--5-2) and should be established on mounded beds for better soil drainage.
"I recommend using an organic mulch and then supply supplement irrigation during dry periods," said Moore. "Blueray and Bluecrop are two highly recommended varieties."
Strawberries are possibly the best adapted fruit to Missouri. They are easy to grow (especially the Honeoye and Allstar varieties) with minimal problems for home production. Weed control is probably the biggest challenge with growing strawberries.
More complete information about suggested fruit varieties for home plantings can be found in MU Guide sheet 6005, "Fruit and Nut Cultivars for Home Plantings." Ask for it through your local University Extension Center or find it online at http://extension.missouri.edu/.
"Gardening in Southwest Missouri" is a regular news article, distributed through the Southwest Region News Service, that provides unbiased information relevant to lawn and garden issues.
For more information, or answers to your specific lawn and garden questions, contact Gaylord Moore, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension or the Greene County Master Gardener Hotline at 417-862-9284.
Date: 1/27/05
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