Fruit
Tree Fruit Production Guide
Common Problems
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Whether you want to grow fruit at home or start a commercial orchard, successful fruit farming requires careful planning and thorough research. With Penn State Extension, grow the best fruit in the business and expand your knowledge of pests and diseases, soil quality, and weed management. Discover tips on marketing your produce and managing your business.
Fruit Production in Pennsylvania
The state of Pennsylvania is an established leader in agricultural production. Agriculture is a highly important sector in the Commonwealth that generates steady income and provides employment.
Pennsylvania produces 400 to 500 million pounds of apples per year and ranks fourth in the nation for apple production, according to the US Apple Association. Other fruit crops that make large contributions to the state’s economy are peaches, cherries, pears, grapes, and small berries. The soil, rainfall, and climate of Pennsylvania accommodates home orchards and industrial fruit production.
Fruit Farming: Get Started With Fruit Trees
If you are interested in starting an orchard – or you wish to grow fruit on a small scale – it’s important to know that tree fruit production is a process that often starts a year or two before planting the first tree.
The first things to consider when starting a fruit tree farm are the type of trees you want to grow and your marketing plan. Keep in mind your region, available space, and growing conditions. Weigh in factors such as acreage and produce volume, demand, and retail/wholesale market opportunities.
When deciding on the type of fruit tree you want to plant, remember that each has its own unique growing requirements. Pear and apple trees, for instance, prefer drier soil and good drainage. Read more about fruit culture, budgeting, and marketing in Penn State’s Tree Fruit Production Guide.
Find resources on growing tree fruit on Penn State Extension’s Fruit Cultivars and Rootstocks page. For the latest research-based information, join the Commercial Tree Fruit School educational program.
Small Fruit Farming
Small fruits are a high-value crop. Strawberries are a good choice for beginners and a great cultivar for small-scale fruit producers as they grow low to the ground and produce quality fruit for up to three years.
Blueberries are another excellent option. Although they require at least two years to establish before a crop is harvested, blueberries can continue to fruit for up to fifty years. Discover how to grow brambles with Penn State Extension’s Growing Raspberries and Blackberries: From Planting to Harvest online course.
Pests, especially birds, are a major concern in small fruit production. Control methods often include netting, noise devices, and repellents. Information on production practices and insect treatment recommendations can be found in The Mid-Atlantic Berry Guide for Commercial Growers.
Orchard Management
Selecting the right location and creating a management plan is key for maximizing production and increasing farm profitability. Factors to consider when choosing an orchard site include soil conditions, production systems, and rootstock selection.
When developing an orchard management plan, cover topics such as fertilizing, watering, and pruning. A strategy for controlling fruit tree pests and diseases should be established, as well. Mites, among other pests, can decrease flowering and reduce fruit production.
Weeds is another commonly encountered problem that can reduce both fruit yield and quality. Weeds compete with trees for water, light, and nutrients. Also, they harbor insects, provide cover for rodents, and can impede pesticide coverage. Weed scouting is an essential management practice that can determine weed abundance and identify problem weeds that may require treatment.
Additional resources – as well as checklists of orchard planning and preparation tasks – can be accessed through Penn State Extension’s educational videos, webinars, and courses.