Fruit Garden · Autumn Planting Plant It Now, Pick Apples for Decades Why late autumn is the best moment to plant apple, pear, plum and cherry trees, and how to do it step by step so your tree settles in before spring. There is an old saying: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the second best time is now. For fruit trees, "now" is quite literal. From late autumn to early spring , while the trees are dormant, nurseries sell them as bare-root trees : no pot, no soil, just roots wrapped in a bag. They are cheaper than potted trees, there is a much bigger choice of varieties, and they establish beautifully if you plant them right. Planting in autumn gives the roots a head start. The soil is still a little warm and usually moist, so new roots can grow over winter, and the tree is ready to push leaves and blossom in spring. In this guide: bare-root vs potted trees, choosing the right tree (rootstock and pollination explained simply), picking the spot, th...
Practical growing guides, plant care tips, and seasonal advice for home gardeners of every experience level, from backyard beginners to seasoned green thumbs.