We sell bareroot trees which means that they are grown for one to two years and shipped when dormant. You will receive a small, healthy plant that will adapt well to transplanting. We will include planting instructions with your order. In general, all fruit trees require well drained, fertile soil with good sun exposure. We have cold storage, so plants are dormant when shipped. It is critical to mulch and to water weekly when rainfall is less than an inch in the first growing season. Afterwards, as the tree grows and matures, there is mulching, fertilizing, and some pruning.
Order only as many plants as you can realistically monitor and water during the growing season.
Include several "surefire success" choices, marked with an (S). Suggested reading includes Landscaping With Fruit, and Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden by Lee Reich, both of which we sell under books.
We also recommed The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping by R. Creasy, The Backyard Orchardist by S. Otto and Rodale's Fruits and Berries by Susan McClure and Lee Reich
Fall planting (recommended for USDA zones 6-9) allows your trees to become established over the winter. Roots will grow as long as the ground is not frozen. You can also plant in spring but plants will require more watering over the summer. Zone 5 and colder should plant in spring but order as soon as you know what you want for best selection, and indicate spring ship date. We have cold storage, so plants are dormant. Your local extension agent or another gardener can be helpful in determining the best time to plant for your area. For help in determining your zone or planting time, ask us on your order form. If you include an email address you will receive a message from USPS with a tracking number when your order is shipped.
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (opens in new window)
NAFEX membership is open to amateur and professional fruit growers and includes a quarterly magazine that is online and member written. There is also an annual nationwide gathering. NAFEX members are a great source of information and inspiration. For more information on becoming a member visit www.nafex.org.