I am lucky that I get offered other fruit from friends, as there is a limit to how many fruit trees one can fit in one’s garden.
If I were only able to have one fruit tree in my garden, it would be a Black Doris plum. Great eating, fantastic jam, a great flavour for ice cream and it makes a tasty sauce.
If you are considering planting a few fruit trees, the best time to plant in New Zealand is autumn to early winter (May to July).
Planting during this cooler, dormant period allows the roots to settle into the warm soil before spring growth begins.
If I were to plant new fruit trees in a restricted space, I would seriously consider dwarf varieties.
I have to be honest and say I am always drawn to the dwarf varieties because I am not tall, and I always think of the picking.
But realistically, there is more to the correct selection of trees than being able to reach that last piece of fruit from the top of the tree.
Both dwarf fruit trees and standard (full-sized) fruit trees offer unique advantages, so the choice depends on your garden space and care preferences.
Why plant dwarf fruit trees?
Dwarf fruit trees take up less space and tend to bear fruit quicker than standard trees.
They are perfect for small gardens, patios or even containers, and are more manageable in tighter areas.
Because of their smaller size, dwarf trees make it much easier to harvest fruit, as you don’t need a ladder to reach the branches, which can be especially helpful.
When it comes to faster fruit production (and who doesn’t want that), dwarf trees tend to bear fruit more quickly than standard trees, often within two-three years of planting, whereas standard trees can take four-six years or longer.
Dwarf trees are easier to maintain, prune and manage, and their smaller size makes it more straightforward to shape them and care for them.
Additionally, their smaller root systems require less water and nutrients.
Why plant standard fruit trees?
Full-sized trees are a good long-term choice if you have the space.
Standard (full-sized) trees produce a much larger quantity of fruit compared to dwarf varieties.
If you’re aiming for a bigger harvest for preserving, full-sized trees are better suited to provide that abundance.
They generally live longer than dwarf trees and continue producing fruit for many years.
If you have the space and want a tree that can be a lasting part of your landscape, full-sized trees are a good long-term choice.
Standard trees have larger, more robust root systems that help them withstand drought, wind, and other environmental stresses better than dwarf varieties.
There are more varieties of standard fruit trees to choose from, giving you more options in terms of fruit types, flavours, and characteristics.
If you’re looking for a more traditional orchard look or a tree that offers significant shade and beauty, standard fruit trees are often more ornamental due to their size and stature.
With a bit of planning and variety, it’s possible to harvest fresh produce from your garden every month of the year.
Selecting a mix of fruiting trees and plants with staggered ripening times ensures a continuous, homegrown food supply, thus saving money and making your household more self-sufficient.
You need to look at planting a fruit tree as a long-term investment.
They can be costly, but when you think you could have a fruit tree for 20 or 40 years, it is a worthwhile investment.
If you have the room, planting a nut tree is also worth considering.
You could also try planting a few different trees, such as fig, guava, crab apple, or quince.
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