When I was a kid we had a Peach tree in our yard, as well as four apple trees. The apple trees were somewhat problematic with small sour apples. I recall my Mom trying a pie or two from them but they weren’t great for eating right off the tree.
The Peach tree on the other hand delivered huge, juicy Peaches every summer. Trust me, store bought Peaches don’t hold a candle to a tree ripened Peach.
If you love the idea of one or more fruit trees planted in your yard or growing in pots on your patio or indoors you might do well to consider Miniature fruit trees! They never grow large (one example being no more than 6ft after 10 years), can be pruned if need be over the years, and produce full sized fruit!
For those of you who enjoy cooking and canning what could be more perfect, particularly if you have limited space? Fresh plum or peach jam, apple pies, real lemon meringue, blueberry tarts! All from miniature fruit trees or bushes grown in small spaces.
Lets take a quick look at what it takes to plant a miniature fruit tree in the following video clip from Garden Bargains. They are based in the UK so mail order to the US isn’t going to be possible I believe. However, the video is superb in illustrating how to plant a miniature fruit tree. There isn’t much effort involved and no need for large amounts of space. You’ll see size of the miniature fruit trees and the fruit. Garden Bargains Video Clip.
As illustrated in the video clip, miniature fruit trees are often the result of grafting the branch of a fruit tree to dwarf root stock. This automatically restricts how large the tree will grow while still producing full sized fruit.
The Improved Meyers Lemon tree is another popular miniature fruit tree. Improved Meyer Lemon and also Meyer Lemon Tree
Meyer Lemons are apparently sweeter than a typical lemon, with an edible peel. Take a look at the recipes at this link: Sweet and Tart Meyer Lemon Recipes as well as Meyer Lemon Pecan Cupcakes with Shagbark Hickory Syrup
Of course who isn’t interested in Apples? There are some great varieties of miniature apple trees that grow in a columnar fashion, without a wide spread of branches side to side. Columnar Miniature Apple Trees
You don’t have to stop there! If you perform Internet searches on terms such as “Miniature tree”, “Miniature fruit Trees”, or “Miniature fruit bush” you will have plenty of selections to research in miniature fruit trees or bushes. One that caught my attention was a dwarf blueberry bush.
So, for those of us with a little bit of a green thumb who love fresh fruit and perhaps baking with it, there are options out there for growing your own in small spaces or perhaps indoors during the winter months.
Some Practical Considerations
When researching a miniature fruit tree or bush purchase, identify what growing zone you reside in. This identifies whether your miniature fruit tree can be planted outdoors year round or not. It might also determine how well (or not) your miniature fruit tree produces fruit. Sun, soil, amount of rain and humidity are all factors that come into play here. Many mail-order sources for miniature fruit trees will have a zone map available.
Or, use this link from the National Gardening Associations USDA Hardiness Zone Finder.
In zones 4 – 6 it is typically recommended you plant your miniature fruit tree in a pot so it can be brought indoors, or in an unheated space such as a garage, during the winter. If moved indoors, say in a living room, understand lighting needs that may need to be accommodated.
Follow the planting instructions, whether in-ground or in a pot, for your miniature fruit tree. As seen from the video clip provided earlier it’s not terribly esoteric, but don’t be tempted to cut corners. Make sure you use the right soil, that you prepare the soil properly, use fertilizer as recommended, and plant to the recommended depth. Miniature fruit trees should come with planting and care instructions, so, like anything else “read the instructions first.
Be aware that potted plants may require transplanting every couple of years. When considering a miniature fruit tree purchase you plan on housing in a pot, ask questions about transplanting needs, if any.
Pruning a miniature fruit tree is best accomplished while the fruit tree is dormant just before spring growth occurs. Again, question the source you purchased your miniature fruit tree from to understand their recommendations for pruning.
No matter how you look at it, if you love fresh fruit ripened on the tree or bush there are great options for those of us with limited space and small yards. And if you happen to have a cook in the household you will be living like a King with fruit pies, tarts, and other fruit filled goodies!
From the best of all ingredients: Tree (or bush) ripened fruit. Not fruit picked green for shipping to a grocery store.
Sources:
Love to Know/Fruit Trees
Lesley Sheperd, About.com, Miniature and Dwarf fruit Trees
