FRUIT TREE PURCHASING CHECKLIST

Here is a simple checklist that will help you when you purchase your fruit trees.

1. What are the conditions in which I wish to plant?

• What is the soil like?
• Is the soil wet, moist or dry most of the time?
• How much water is available?
• Is the spot sunny, shady or exposed to winds?
• Is the spot exceptionally sheltered?
• Is your yard prone to early fall frosts or late spring frosts?
• Are there frost pockets in your yard, areas that tend to be colder?

2. What do I wish to plant?

• Do I want fruit for fresh eating, cooking, canning, etc.?
• How much time do I want to spend caring for these plants?
• What is the maximum size I want material to grow to?
• How much room do I have?
• How long do I have to wait for fruit?
• How long will the fruit store after picking?

3. What should I know about the plant material?

• What size will it be at maturity?
• What soil conditions does the plant like?
• Is it suitable for the location I wish to plant in?
• Is it very tough or is survivability marginal?
• Does it need a protected location?
• What rootstock is it grafted on?
• What are the fertilizer requirements?
• How much maintenance is required?
• What are the pollination requirements?

Amanda Chedzoy

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