Grow a Fruit Garden
“The trees that are slow to grow, bear the best fruit.”
Moliere
Explore our wide variety of top-quality fruit plants; fruit trees and berry bushes, carefully chosen for their excellence in yield and flavor. We have something to suit every garden and taste preference including: apple trees, fig trees, peach trees, pear trees, persimmon trees, blueberry bushes, blackberry bushes and other fruit-bearing plants. Shop our fruit trees for sale in-store for the largest selection and online for our curated offering.
Premium Fruit Trees and Berry Bushes
Fruit trees and berry bushes can be planted outdoors beginning in April. As with vegetables, follow the proper spacing, fertilizing and watering guidelines so that you can produce the best possible harvest. Trees and bushes planted late summer or fall may bear fruit in the spring.
Apple Trees
We offer a broad selection of quality apple trees that will delight any home orchard enthusiast. Our assortment of apple trees includes the most popular varieties, each handpicked for their outstanding flavor, texture, and resistance to disease. Whether you favor the juicy sweetness of Honeycrisp apples or the crisp skin of the Royal Gala, we have the ideal apple tree for you.
Planting and caring for apple trees is a fulfilling experience that can yield delicious fruit for many years. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, here are some best practices to ensure your apple tree thrives:
- Sunlight: Plant your tree in an area that receives 6 or more hours of sunlight a day.
- Water: Apple trees need regular watering, particularly during dry periods.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Pruning: It’s best to prune late winter to early spring before new growth starts. Remove dead, damaged and crossing branches. Thin out the canopy for better air circulation and light penetration.
Common Questions About Apple Trees
When is the best time to plant apple trees?
The optimal time to plant apple trees is during the dormant season, usually in late winter or early spring. Planting during this period allows the roots to establish before the tree begins to actively grow. Choose a day when the ground isn’t frozen, and the soil is workable. Avoid planting during extreme heat or cold.
How long does it take for an apple tree to produce fruit?
The time it takes for an apple tree to grow and bear fruit varies depending on the apple variety and the growing conditions. Most apple trees begin producing fruit 2 to 4 years after planting. However, some dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties may start producing fruit as early as the first year.
Berry Bushes
Berry bushes not only bring a dash of vivid color to your garden but also offer a host of benefits. From easy upkeep to multiple health perks, they are an excellent choice for any garden. Whether you’re a fan of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, having your own berry bushes lets you enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful fruits right from your backyard.
Our handpicked collection includes the very best varieties for your Long Island garden, hardy and resilient against pests. No matter your gardening experience, these tried-and-true practices will ensure your berry bushes flourish:
- Sunlight: Plant your berry bushes in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.
- Water: Berry bushes thrive with regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist, and your berries will thank you with juicy, flavorful abundance.
- Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer to your berry bushes in early spring. This helps fortify the plants and promotes robust, healthy growth.
- Pruning: Optimal pruning is best done in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. Remove dead or damaged branches, address any crossing limbs, and thin out the canopy to enhance air circulation and light penetration.
Common Questions About Berry Bushes
When’s the best time to plant berry bushes?
The prime time to plant berry bushes is early spring. This period allows the roots to establish before the active growing season begins. Choose a day when the soil is workable and not frozen, avoiding extreme heat or cold.
How long does it take for berry bushes to bear fruit?
The timeline for berry bushes to produce fruit varies depending on the specific variety and growing conditions. Generally, most berry bushes start bearing fruit within 1 to 3 years after planting. Some fast-maturing varieties may even yield fruit in their first year, ensuring a swift reward for your gardening efforts.
Read our Blog ‘How to Grow Blueberries’ to Learn About:
- Blueberry Bush Planting
- Caring for Your Blueberry Plants
- Harvesting Blueberries
- Planting Blueberries in Containers
- Troubleshooting
How to Plant
Plants have a much better chance of surviving and thriving if transplanted correctly. Hicks Nurseries planting instructions for trees, shrubs and perennials will ensure success and many years of enjoyment.
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