Planting Potted Fruit & Nut Trees

Potted Trees Make a Great Addition to Your Spring Garden

Planting a fruit tree can transform your garden into a vibrant and productive oasis. While bare-root trees are typically planted in the fall or winter, spring and summer offer an excellent opportunity to add a potted fruit tree to your garden or orchard. Certain fruit trees, such as figs, pomegranates, olives, and citrus, are especially suited for planting from pots or sleeves due to their sensitive roots.

In our video, Tricia demonstrates how to successfully plant a fig tree in a home orchard. Here, we’ll walk you through the process of planting potted trees and explore the benefits they bring to your garden.

Choosing the Right Site for Your Fruit Tree

Selecting the ideal site for your fruit tree is crucial for its health and productivity. Here are key factors to consider:

1. Sunlight Requirements

• Most fruit trees require 6 to 8 hours of full sun each day.
• Consider the tree’s mature size to ensure it won’t be shaded by nearby structures or other trees as it grows.

2. Soil Drainage

• Fruit trees thrive in well-drained soil, but fig trees are more tolerant of wet soil compared to other varieties.
• Aim for a soil depth of at least 3 feet.

3. Soil Conditions

• If your soil is compacted or has an impervious hardpan layer, plant your tree on a berm or in a raised bed about 2 feet deep.
• Check soil drainage before planting. A simple test can help identify and address drainage issues.

4. Access to Water

• Choose a site near an irrigation source to make watering your tree convenient, especially during the growing season.

Preparing the Planting Hole

Proper preparation of the planting hole ensures your potted tree has the best chance to thrive:

1. Dig the Hole: Make the hole as deep as the pot or sleeve and twice as wide as the root ball.
2. Test for Drainage: If you’re unsure about your soil’s drainage, consult local gardening resources for guidance on testing and correcting it.
3. Gopher Protection: If gophers are common in your area, use a Root Guard Gopher Baskets to protect the tree roots from damage.

Planting the Potted Tree

Follow these steps to plant your potted tree successfully:

1. Remove the Tree from the Pot: Gently ease the tree out of its pot or sleeve, being careful not to damage the roots.
2. Inspect the Roots: Cut off any dead roots and loosen those wrapping around the root ball.
3. Position the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, ensuring the graft union (if present) faces northeast to avoid harsh sunlight.
4. Backfill with Soil: Use the original soil to fill the hole, adjusting the tree’s position to keep the trunk at the proper height. The tree should be planted at the same soil level as it was in the pot.

Special Considerations

• In areas with specific soil deficiencies (e.g., low phosphorus), add appropriate amendments like rock phosphate.
• Avoid adding fertilizer to the planting hole unless advised by local experts.

Preventing Crown Rot

To prevent crown rot, slope the soil away from the trunk of the tree, creating a basin just beyond the edge of the planting hole.

Compost and Mulch

• Add a 3–4-inch layer of compost around the tree, followed by a 4-inch layer of mulch.
• Keep compost and mulch at least 4 inches away from the tree trunk to prevent rot and pests.

Irrigating Your Potted Tree

Proper watering is essential for the health of your newly planted tree:

1. Initial Watering: Water the tree with about 5 gallons each week immediately after planting to eliminate air pockets in the soil.
2. Weekly Watering: During dry seasons, provide 5 to 10 gallons of water weekly, depending on your local climate.
3. Winter Adjustments: When winter rains arrive, adjust the basin to prevent water from pooling around the trunk.

Check with your local Master Gardeners or agricultural extension office for watering recommendations specific to your area.

Pruning the New Tree

Pruning helps shape the tree and encourage healthy growth:

• Bare-Root Trees: Prune at planting time to promote strong branch development.
• Potted Trees: Delay pruning until the tree enters dormancy in winter to minimize stress.

For guidance on pruning techniques, watch our video or consult local gardening resources.

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Protecting the Trunk

Young trees are vulnerable to sunburn, so protect the trunk using one of the following methods:

1. Paint the Trunk: Apply a mixture of 50% water and 50% white latex indoor paint to the trunk.
2. Tree Guards: Use Spiral Tree Guard as an alternative to painting.

Both methods shield the trunk from intense sunlight, reducing the risk of damage.

Benefits of Potted Trees in Spring Gardens

Adding potted trees to your garden offers several advantages:

1. Year-Round Planting Flexibility

Unlike bare-root trees, potted trees can be planted in spring and summer, giving gardeners more flexibility to expand their orchards.

2. Ideal for Sensitive Trees

Potted trees are perfect for species with delicate root systems, such as figs, pomegranates, and citrus trees.

3. Instant Greenery

Potted trees already have established foliage, providing immediate beauty and shade to your garden.

4. Greater Survival Rates

Since potted trees are planted with their root systems intact, they experience less transplant shock and adapt more easily to new environments.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Know Your Soil: Conduct a soil test to identify deficiencies and adjust accordingly.
2. Choose the Right Tree: Select a tree suited to your climate and soil type.
3. Monitor Growth: Regularly inspect your tree for signs of stress, pests, or disease.
4. Follow Local Guidelines: Consult local gardening experts for advice tailored to your region.

Conclusion

Potted trees are a fantastic addition to any spring garden, offering versatility, beauty, and productivity. Whether you’re planting a fig tree, citrus tree, or pomegranate, following these steps will ensure your new tree thrives.

By carefully selecting the right site, preparing the planting hole, and providing proper care, you’ll enjoy the fruits of your labor for years to come. For more detailed guidance, check out our video and resources from local gardening experts.

Start planting today and grow organic for life!