With Bay Area yards getting smaller and smaller all the time, many homeowners feel they longer have the space to enjoy fruit trees. But with the advent of Multi-Grafted Fruit Trees and new backyard orchard culture concepts, homeowners can once again enjoy the beauty and benefits of fresh, great tasting home-grown fruit.
A multi-grafted fruit tree gives you the convenience of 3-4 different varieties on one tree with no need for a pollinizer because the varieties cross-pollinate each other. The added benefit is you don't get stuck with a tree full of the same fruit ripening all at the same time. You get an extended harvest period because each variety ripens at least 2-3 weeks apart from the next.
Espaliered Fruit Trees are another space saving idea. These trees are multi-grafted varieties of apples that are grown in 2-3 horizontal tiers and can be planted flat right next to a fence. Simply attach the branches (for support) to a trellis or directly to the fence and you're in business! Espaliered trees are usually available in apple and pear combinations.
Another small-space planting concept that is gaining popularity is planting three trees into one hole. This allows you to select and match up the varieties that interest you the most. It is important though, to select a combination of varieties with similar growth habits and different ripening dates. You simply dig a slightly larger than normal hole and plant all three trees at very slight angles away from each other (creating space in between them). As they grow you simply thin out the interior branches of the three trees to allow more light to penetrate the center of the tree combination. The effect will be to create a multi-stemmed tree.
Almaden Valley Nursery stocks the most extensive selection of multi-grafted fruit trees in Santa Clara County. They are available in combinations of apples, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, pears, Asian pears, plums and of course our specialty, those phenomenal tasting pluots.
And for those of you with really small yards, we also have the largest selection of Fruit Cocktail Trees available which have a variety of apricot, nectarine, peach and plum all grafted on the same tree! Stop by and let one of our garden experts help you create your own small-space home orchard.
Written by:
Matt Lepow, Owner, CCNPro, B.S. Ornamental Horticulture |
