Best fruit trees to grow in Jersey
Given the current climate, eating 5-a-day cannot be stressed enough. While most fruits provide large amounts of vitamin C and boost the immune system, some superfruits are known to benefit mental health by reducing the anxiety levels and improving the brain function.
Why to grow your own fruit trees
- With the raising cost of produce in supermarkets, growing your own can save you money in long run
- You get to spend some good quality time outdoors getting vitamin D from the sun
- It is a rewarding and satisfactory experience during harvest
- You will get a better quality, organic fresh produce free (or very limited) from chemicals
Fruit trees sizes and shapes
Nowadays, most trees are propagated (grafted) on small rootstock to produce small trees ranging from 3-5 meters in height and width, suitable for any sized garden.
Espalier varieties, reminding the shape of fan are suitable for growing against the walls, helping to save valuable space
If the growing space is restricted to small courtyards or balconies, dwarf Pixie varieties are widely available.
Before you begin
Before you begin planting your own fruit trees, ensure they will benefit from full sun and shelter. Soil should be thoroughly prepared, and the drainage improved if necessary.
You should also check with the doctor for possible allergies. Most trees, if not all, attract bees and wasps and if you are allergic, avoid planting the fruit trees or maintain a safe distance.
Best fruit trees to grow in Jersey include
Apples
Apples are one of the most produced fruits in the world and without the doubt one of the favorites. They are packed with fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins C and K, copper, and potassium.
The old saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” might be very close to the truth. They have been known to support weight loss, prevent heart diseases, promote digestion, reduce the risk of diabetes, and might even help to fight asthma.
Whether you choose desert or cooking apple trees, some will require a pollinating partner whereas others are self-pollinating. Apple trees grow best in sunny, sheltered spots, planted in moist but well drained, humus rich soil. Growing early and late cropping varieties ensures prolonged harvest.
Pears
If you are not a huge apple enthusiast, pears are a great alternative. They contain almost the same nutrition and properties, therefore, their health benefits are almost the same. After harvesting, both apples and pears will last for months if they are stored in a cool place or can easily be turned into juices.
Compared to apples, there are fewer varieties available, but most are self-pollinating. Plant in well drained, moist, and fertile soil in full sun, and sheltered area. Bare Root specimens should be planted in the autumn. Plants bearing root balls can be planted throughout a year, provided water is not sacred.
Pears and apples can be grown in the garden, espalier specimens should grow against the wall and the small compact varieties can be planted in pots.
Plums
Another superfruit to add to the fruit bowl are plums. Their large nutritional value consists of carbs. Fiber, potassium, copper, manganese and vitamins A, C and K. Research has shown relief from constipation, decrease in blood sugar levels and prevention against heart diseases as few of many health benefits of regular consumption of plums. They can be stored as dried fruit or made into jams. Plums can even reduce anxiety levels.
Plums are usually self-pollinating and can be planted in gardens, in pots when opting for smaller varieties or can be grown against the sunny walls. As most fruit trees, they should be planted in well drained but moist soil, rich in nutritional value.
Peaches
Cultivation of peach trees began before the pyramids were built and for a good reason. They are packed with vitamins C, A, E and K and contain large amounts of carbs, potassium, copper, manganese, and all-important antioxidants. Health benefits such as improvement of heart health, skin protection, boost of immunity system and lowering the blood sugars can all be gained from regular consumption.
Peaches can be grown in the gardens, against the wall and dwarf varieties do well in pots. Plant in moist, well drained and humus rich soil in sheltered full sun position. As the peach blossom appears quite early, some protection from frosts may be required.
Apricots
Apricots often resemble a smaller version of peaches, and their health benefits are similar. Their nutritional value includes high amounts of fiber, carbs, potassium and vitamins A, C and E. including apricots in your diet can help to boost the immune system, maintain good eye health, protect the liver, and promote skin and gut health. Apricots and peaches are also very hydrating. They can easily be made into marmalades and pies and can be stored as a dried fruit.
Similarly, to peaches, the early blossom should be protected from the frosts. Plant apricots in full sun position in moist but well drained soil on a slightly alkaline side. They can be grown in the garden or against the wall. Small tree and bush varieties can be accommodated in the pots.
Cherries
These small stone fruits can either have a sweet or sour taste, nevertheless, all varieties are highly nutritious. Cherries are loaded with carbs, fiber, potassium, manganese and copper and vitamin C. Consuming cherries can help with reduction of inflammation, promote recovery from exercise, promote health of the heart, improve arthritis symptoms, and improve the quality of your sleep. Cherry pies and crumbles are incredibly delicious. They can also be easily frozen and consumed fresh later.
The acid varieties can be grown in shade whereas sweet ones prefer full sun. plant in moist, well drained, and fertile soil. For their magnificent blossom, they can be added to the garden planting scheme, grown against walls or in the pots.
Figs
Figs are a tropical fruit but can often ripe in our climate. On the plus side, they are rich in vitamins K and B6, carbs, copper, magnesium, and potassium. Digesting figs can promote skin health, heart health, manage blood sugar levels and promote digestion. They can be stored as dried fruit, however, their consumption might not benefit everyone. In some cases, when used as constipation remedy, figs can cause diarrhea.
When growing figs in Jersey ensure to place them in the greenhouse or plant against a sunny wall. The heat reflected from the wall creates microclimate helping the fruit to ripe. Plant in well drained soil of most types. Some protection from frosts may be needed when growing outdoors.
Kiwis
Although kiwis mostly remind us of New Zealand, they are native to China. Regardless of their origin, they have a high mineral content including copper, potassium and manganese and vitamins C, K and E. In fact, eating one kiwi provides over eighty percent of vitamin C of your daily value. Kiwis also benefit heart health, digestive health and massively boost the immune system.
Kiwis are climbing plants by nature and should be grown against sunny walls or in the greenhouses and polytunnels, providing they have an extra support. Plant varieties can self or cross pollinating and should be planted in well drained, fertile moist soil. Protect young shoots from late frosts.
Walnuts and hazelnuts
Considered a fruit, walnuts and hazelnuts are packed with iron, potassium, magnesium and are rich in fiber and protein healthy fats such as omega 3. Some of many health benefits include inflammation decrease, lowering the risk of diabetes, decrease of blood pressure, support of brain function and healthy aging process. They can be stored for a very long time and although regular consumption of nuts supports weight control, beware of their high calorie count when on diet.
Both walnuts and hazelnuts are relatively easy to grow and tolerate moist soil types, providing they are not moisture retentive. For best results, plant in full sun. Sadly, there are no varieties suitable to grow in pots.
Final note: all the fruit benefits listed above are based on scientific research. If in doubt, please consult your local retailer or do your own independent research prior to purchase.
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