Fruit Growing
There is something special about picking fresh, home grown fruit from your own garden. On this page you will find a series of articles related to fruit growing. I hope they encourage you to plant at least one fruiting tree or vine in your home garden. If you are already a home grown fruit devotee, the information contained in these articles may help you boost production.
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The key to successful blueberry culture lies in the soil. Blueberries require an acid soil with a pH of between 4 and 5. Ph levels above or below this seriously impede nutrient availability with deficiencies of iron and zinc a common occurrence. Incorrect soil pH results in poor growth, few flowers and poor fruiting.....

Citrus can be planted at any time of year, but a good choice of varieties is most likely to be available during the winter/spring planting season. Planting distances vary according to the vigour of the tree. A small growing Meyer lemon may be established three metres from other plants, while larger growing lemons may require eight metres between trees. Incorporate plenty of nutrient rich compost into the soil prior to planting. Avoid using fresh animal manure or commercial organic fertiliser when planting as this can burn the roots. Always ensure that the union between the scion or budwood and the rootstock is well above the soil.....

The choko (Sechium edule) is known by various names depending on the country where it is being grown. In the United States it may be known as chayote. In other countries it is known as vegetable pear, popinella, chocho or brionne. Plants are thought to have originated in Mexico.....

It’s official. With its broad, shady canopy and bountiful harvest, the backyard mango (Mangifera indica) is a Queensland icon. The inaugural list of heritage icons recently announced by the National Trust named the backyard mango tree as one of twelve indispensable elements of Queensland culture along with Southern Cross Windmills, Bundaberg Rum and the Flying Doctor Service.....

Mulberries are rarely found on supermarket shelves as the fruit has a short shelf life. You will occasionally find them in farmers markets or organic outlets stocking locally grown produce. When available they typically command high prices because of the rarity of supply and labour intensive harvest. If you love mulberries, the only sensible option is to grow your own tree. Fortunately it is easier than you might think.

Pear trees are renowned for their hardy constitution and longevity. The 1957 edition of Brunnings Australian Gardener notes that a Winter Nelis dessert pear planted in Melbourne in 1851 was still bearing bountiful crops of fruit at ninety-seven years of age! Gardening texts of the era encourage gardeners to ‘Plant pears for your heirs’.

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