Getting a good crop from fruit trees requires a lot of patience; in fact, growing fruit is not as easy and quick as growing vegetables, and if you decide to plant these varieties, you must be aware that it will take several years before you get your own crop.
What’s more, even after the time required for the plant to bear fruit has passed, it may not be possible to obtain maximum results, so let’s see how to ensure abundant and quality production.
1. As we have already mentioned, once the fruit trees have been planted, it is necessary to be patient and wait for the time necessary for production to begin; in fact, most fruit plants do not produce a crop for 5-7 years.
Some varieties, such as figs or wild berries, can start producing earlier, usually after 2-3 years.
During the waiting period, it is important to remove the flowers, as this allows the plant to concentrate its energies on growth rather than trying to produce, which at best would result in a poor crop anyway.
2. If you don’t want to wait a long time for the first harvest, it is advisable to opt for the dwarf varieties that interest us most, since they tend to produce their first fruit after 2-3 years, are easier to work with and take up less space, aspects that are always important, especially for the amateur gardener.
3. Pruning plays a fundamental role in the amount of fruit a plant can produce. First of all, we are talking about training pruning; when the plant is young, it is necessary to strengthen it by pruning only the weak branches that are too far apart, in order to guarantee the formation of a strong trunk and a compact and solid structure.
The tools used for pruning must be sharp and always disinfected in order to avoid the risk of infecting the plant with dangerous fungal diseases that would jeopardise its healthy and luxuriant growth.
4. In the case of grafted fruit trees, the shoots should be removed at the base, as if they are left to grow they will prevent the plant from concentrating its energies on its development.
5. It is important to know the needs of each plant, both in terms of nutrients and soil PH, which can play a crucial role in fruit production.
If you are unsure about the quality of the soil in your garden, it is best to take samples and test them; only then can you be sure that you are growing your fruit plants in the ideal soil.
6. Constant and careful monitoring of plant health is the only way to avoid serious damage from pests and fungal diseases.
While some pests are very obvious and therefore easy to spot and eliminate, there are several fungal diseases that can only be detected by their effects on the plant.
If you notice strange colours on the trunk or foliage, rather than a general state of distress in the plant, it is a good idea to consult a professional to make sure you are not taking any risks that could undermine all your efforts.
7. Pest control is essential to the quality of our fruit and the best control starts with prevention; a clean and healthy environment is an excellent shield against pests and fungal diseases.
To avoid these problems it is advisable to keep the soil in the best possible condition, for example by removing weeds, picking rotten fruit from the ground and cutting off weaker branches.
8. Pollination is a crucial factor in the production of flowers and therefore fruit; to encourage rather than hinder pollination, avoid the use of pesticides and plant flowering species in your garden that attract bees.
9. Finally, it is necessary to harvest all the fruit produced by each plant, otherwise it will produce less fruit the following year.
There you are! If you follow those 9 tips, you will surely obtain delicious fruit produces. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.
