Fruit growing is great fun, especially with unusual fruits

Fruit growing is perhaps the most rewarding and yet least considered aspect of producing food from the garden. Many gardens have a fruit tree or two and most gardeners will say there are few things more satisfying than eating fruit straight from the tree or vine. But is there more to it?

This page is the starting point to find out about pruning and fertilizing fruit trees, as well as pollination and even beekeeping. There is also specific information on growing various types of fruits, berries and other tree or vine crops including rare or unusual fruit.

However, the range of potential fruit types is enormous so the information here will be updated regularly. In the meantime, if you want to learn about a specific type of fruit, you can find a range of resources in out Fruit Growing Bookstore. This too will be added to regularly, so please contact me if you are looking for something and can't find it.

Growing Citrus

All Citrus need warm sunny positions that are protected from draughts (ie. 'focused', channeled air). Given a good position, they are normally quite 'low maintenance', requiring little pruning or other inputs - other than water and fertilizer.

Citrus are subtropical trees and shrubs, with broad leaves. This means they will need moisture all year round and a good supply of nutrients. The best way to care for Citrus is to grow them in a garden bed so they don't have to compete with lawn grasses for moisture and nutrients.

A layer of mulch will help the soil retain moisture and application of a Citrus fertilizer twice a year (Spring and Autumn) will ensure good growth and fruit production.