Growing Apple, Pear, and Cherry trees?

[SavinTheFamilyFarm]

Ok, I want to put in a small orchard of trees. I would like some Honeycrisp apples, and a couple others. Also I want pears, and cherries. I want quality fruit to sell at my stand, but I don't know much about it. Where can I get the trees? I heard it's best to get year old trees and transplant. I was wondering if you guys could tell me important things about growing, what sprays, how to space them and do general care. Also how long before I get fruit. Just if you guys could tell me what all I need to know. Thanks, Mike

[Gnome]

Mike,

Just if you guys could tell me what all I need to know.

That's a pretty tall order. 'All I need to know' encompasses a lifetime of work for some people, we can't possibly provide that scope of knowledge of a forum such as this. Perhaps you should invest in some good books, they will serve you well in the coming years.

In the meantime, if you could narrow your inquiry somewhat perhaps you will receive some useful replies.

Norm

[Kisal]

I think it would be beneficial if you also developed a relationship with the Master Gardeners and other experts at your nearest Extension Service office. They also have agricultural specialists who could guide you in your endeavors.

[cynthia_h]

And, to follow up on Gnome's recommendation, another free service is the public library. Dewey Decimal category 635 is the gardening category; peruse the shelves and check out the books that look promising.

If you like them, purchase copies on the used market. If you read everything your local branch has, talk to the reference or circulation desk and find out what their procedures are for interlibrary loans. (I read my library out last year on veggie gardening and now request books from other county branches quite comfortably.)

Best wishes, and happy gardening.

Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9

[Bobby G.]

I have had fruit trees for 40 years, and to get quality fruit takes a lot of experience, and know how, way too much information to post here, you have to know when to spray, and what kind of spray, you have to know how to prune, you will have disease's, and insects to contend, with fertilizing, and watering also has to be done. It takes a skilled hand to get fruit good enough to sell at a stand. I would suggest the first thing you do is invest in some reference books, like THE BACKYARD ORCHARDIST by Stella Otto

Growing good fruit can be very satisfying, so go for it, and good luck.

[rainbowgardener]

Totally agree with everything that's been said so far. I just thought I'd mention, you do know that after you plant fruit trees, you have to tend them for four or five years before you start getting any significant fruit crop?