Selection and Care of Fruit Plants

Learn how to select and care for small fruits and tree fruits, and prevent and or manage their problems in the home garden.

Growing many types of fruit successfully (especially tree fruits) even for backyard growers requires taking measures to prevent insect and disease problems.

Growing tree fruit successfully in the home landscape is challenging and potentially rewarding. Tree fruits are subject to many problems (insects, diseases, weather extremes, wildlife) which can frustrate the novice grower and seasoned gardener alike.

Peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots, and cherries are all closely related members of the Prunus genus and are commonly referred to as stone fruits. Planting stone fruit presents some unique challenges for the backyard grower such as blooms suffering damage from late spring frosts, diseases, and insect pests.

Pears share many cultural similarities and pest problems with apples. They are botanically grouped with apples and are collectively called 'pome fruits'.

Strawberries are the ideal fruit crop for backyard growers with very limited space. They can even be grown in containers.

Blueberry cultivars for the small garden. Planting and soil preparation for blueberries.

Growing grapes, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries in the home garden. They are collectively known as small fruits and are well-suited to Maryland's growing conditions.

Fruit plants need adequate soil nutrients for good growth and fruiting.