In The Orchard

My pear trees have started fruiting in their 2nd year and the fruit is looking good.  Home Depot was having a fruit tree close out sale, so I picked up three pear trees and two apple trees.  These trees were being sold for five dollars each so I grabbed 5 trees thinking I had friends who might be interested in such a great deal.  I contacted a couple grower friends but found no real interest in the trees, so I went ahead and planted them all.   At the time I was thinking that one kieffer pear and one granny smith apple tree was enough in my garden.  Now I feel happy having all five trees in the garden since I realize that these varieties seem very well suited to the climate conditions here in Georgia. The apples have not yet fruited yet, but they are growing vigorously.  All three pear trees have fruited, and the fruits are looking pretty good. 

Pests and diseases can be a huge potential problem with fruit trees, and there are signs of some insect and disease pressures (some leaf damage and some fruit spotting), but these issues look manageable with organic approaches.  Successful fruit growing has a lot to do with pest and disease management, good variety selection for your area, and proper installation of the plant.  I have taken a high-density approach to planting since these trees are planted close together in a small orchard garden.  Thus far I have pruned them extensively and focused on training them in hopes of keeping them small.  No fertilizer applications or pesticides have been used.