Some of the pleasures of summer and fall include biting into a moist, fresh piece of fruit, or eating a warm, baked pastry filled with juicy fruit. Adding to the enjoyment would be if the fruit came from a tree in your garden.

Fruit trees are popular in Central Valley home gardens since we have the perfect temperate climate many varieties thrive in. Autumn is the best time of year to plant bare-root fruit trees (dormant deciduous trees with no leaves that are not in pots). However, growing fruit trees can be a challenge and sometimes takes years of learning, hands-on experience and trial and error.

Stanislaus County Library Talks

The UC Cooperative Extension Stanislaus County Master Gardeners' November library talk topic on “Backyard Orchard Fruit Trees” is a perfect way to gain information on how to grow fruit trees. Topics covered include which type and size tree(s) to choose (“right tree for the right spot”), how to plant, irrigation, training your tree by pruning, thinning, maintenance, potential issues (including where to get help), terms such as scion, rootstock, self-fruitful trees vs. self-unfruitful trees, and some of the many possible varieties of fruit trees available. (Note: this talk will not cover citrus trees, that talk will be given in January).

Whether you are growing fruit trees now, have done so in the past, or want to plant a fruit tree for the first time, come to a Master Gardeners talk that will be chock-full of information to learn about the best ways to grow fruit trees. Eventually, you will literally be able to enjoy the fruit of your labors!