Depending on where you live, you can usually become a recreational fruit tree grower simply planting and caring for a fruit-bearing tree. Fruit trees can take several years to mature to the point where they can produce a harvest, but with a little care and attention, the process is relatively simple. Commercial fruit tree farming, on the other hand, is often a much more difficult undertaking. To work as a commercial fruit tree grower, you’ll likely need extensive orchard training as well as the business acumen to manage finances, pay employees, and hire help.
Fruit trees make wonderful, productive additions to a variety of landscapes for many backyard gardeners. Growing fruit trees is generally a bit more challenging than growing most other plants. Before making an investment, it’s usually a good idea to do some research on the types of trees that thrive in your climate and soil type.
The majority of gardeners choose to buy already-planted trees from a nursery. While a fruit tree can be grown from a seed, it is extremely difficult. A seed can take up to ten years to mature into a fruit-producing tree. Many nurseries and orchard supply stores sell trees that are only a year or two away from maturity and are ready to plant. The simplest way to become a fruit tree grower is to start with one of these types of trees.
Many amateur fruit tree growers intersperse fruit trees with flowering plants and other garden elements to create a year-round garden with something blooming or growing at various heights throughout the year. Apple and cherry trees are two of the most hardy trees, growing well in a variety of climates. Peach, plum, apricot, and other fruits are more sensitive to temperature and soil conditions, but with the right care, they can grow almost anywhere.
To become a home fruit tree grower, you’ll probably need to do some research, but the required knowledge is relatively simple. This isn’t always the case for those looking to start a commercial fruit-growing business. Large-scale fruit production necessitates meticulous planning, a thorough understanding of horticulture and plant biology, and the ability to manage a business.
Operating a fruit orchard is rarely as easy as it may look. The first step is to buy land, but it is far from the last. You’ll need to cultivate the soil to make the best conditions for whatever type of fruit you want to grow. The next step is to obtain and plant the trees, taking into account proper spacing and soil depth.
Large-scale fruit tree farming also requires a lot of asset management. You’ll probably need some help inspecting the trees for health, keeping track of their moisture, applying pesticides and bird nets as needed, and harvesting the fruit when it’s ready. Marketing your fruit, distributing it to vendors, and determining prices are all important aspects of the job.
Studying under an established orchard owner is one of the simplest ways to become a commercial fruit tree grower. Working with trees and learning from a seasoned expert can give you hands-on experience that is hard to match. Maintaining industry contacts is also a good way to get questions answered quickly and frequently receive references and tips on everything from employee management to brand design.