Growing fruit trees on a recreational basis is simple with proper care, but commercial fruit growing requires significant orchard training and business acumen. Researching climate and soil type is important before investing in established trees from a nursery. Large-scale cultivation requires asset management, staff, and marketing. Studying under an established orchard owner is a good way to gain experience.
Depending on where you live, it is often possible to become a fruit tree grower on a recreational basis simply by planting and caring for a fruit tree. Fruit trees usually take a few years to mature to the point where they produce a crop, but with a little attention and proper care, the practice is relatively simple. Growing fruit trees commercially, on the other hand, is generally a much more complex undertaking. To become a fruit tree grower on a commercial basis, you will likely need significant orchard training, as well as the business acumen to manage finances, manage a pay roll and hire help.
For many backyard gardeners, fruit trees make wonderful, productive additions to many different landscapes. Growing fruit trees is generally a little more challenging than growing most other plants. It is generally best to do some research on the types of trees that grow well in the climate and soil type before making an investment.
Most gardeners decide to purchase established trees from a nursery. While it is possible to grow a fruit tree from seed, it is incredibly difficult. It can take more than ten years for a seed to grow into a fruit-bearing tree. Many nurseries and orchard supply stores sell ready-to-plant trees that are only a year or more away from maturity. Starting with one of these types of trees is the simplest way to become a fruit tree grower.
Many recreational fruit tree growers intersperse fruit trees with flowering plants and other garden elements to create a year-round garden where something is blooming or growing at various heights each season. Apple and cherry trees are some of the healthiest and are likely to grow well in many climates. Peach, plum, apricot and others can be more sensitive when it comes to temperature and soil condition, but they can generally be made to grow almost anywhere with the right care.
You will likely need to do some research to become a home fruit tree grower, but the knowledge required is relatively straightforward. The same is not always true for those who want to get into the commercial fruit growing business. Growing fruit on a large scale requires a lot of planning, a keen sense of horticulture and plant biology, and the ability to run a commercial enterprise.
Operating a fruit orchard is rarely as easy as it sounds. Buying land is the first step, but it is not the last. You’ll have to cultivate the soil to optimize conditions for whatever type of fruit you plan on growing. Next, the acquisition and planting of trees, taking into account adequate spacing and soil depth.
Large-scale cultivation of fruit trees also requires a lot of asset management. You will likely need staff to help inspect the health of the trees, monitor their moisture, apply pesticides and bird nets as needed, and pick the fruit when ripe. A system for marketing your fruit, distributing it to suppliers and setting prices are also a big part of the job.
One of the easiest ways to become a fruit tree grower in the commercial field is to study under an established orchard owner. Working with trees and learning from a seasoned expert can provide hands-on experience that is not easy to replicate. Keeping up with industry contacts is also a good way to get quick answers to questions, and often also get referrals and tips on everything from managing employees to designing a brand.
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