Where to buy and when to plant a fruit tree? (Raleigh: how much, landscaping)

[jkmeca11]

My grandma passed away and left each of us grandchildren $285. She didn't have much, but wanted to share the little she had with us, which is touching.

My sister asked if we should do something special with it, and at first I told her, do what you want with it, I mean she wanted us to have it and use it on whatever we need. Then I got to thinking. Maybe sis is on to something, I mean it was the last gift grandma would give to us. I remember when we would go to see her family in Nova Scotia that they had awesome berry bushes and fruit trees and thought it might be cool to plant a fruit tree in the yard so that her gift would provide beauty and a nice snack for years to come.

So, where might I find a good nursery that could help me select the right tree and provide guidance on where, when, how, etc.

Thanks to all in advance!

[raccemup]

Sorry to hear about your Grandma, she sounds so sweet!

I hear great things about a place called Broadwell's and their prices are supposed to the best. I think it's in Garner or SE Raleigh. Good luck!

[southernlady5464]

As to when to plant...fall is the best time. Liz

[Claire_F]

Originally Posted by jkmeca11

My grandma passed away and left each of us grandchildren $285. She didn't have much, but wanted to share the little she had with us, which is touching.

My sister asked if we should do something special with it, and at first I told her, do what you want with it, I mean she wanted us to have it and use it on whatever we need. Then I got to thinking. Maybe sis is on to something, I mean it was the last gift grandma would give to us. I remember when we would go to see her family in Nova Scotia that they had awesome berry bushes and fruit trees and thought it might be cool to plant a fruit tree in the yard so that her gift would provide beauty and a nice snack for years to come.

So, where might I find a good nursery that could help me select the right tree and provide guidance on where, when, how, etc.

Thanks to all in advance!

I'm sorry for your loss.

You also mentioned berry bushes. My husband bought seven blueberry bushes from Finch Blueberry Nurseryin Bailey, which is east of Raleigh on 64. He bought several varieties that produce fruit at different times, so he could have fresh blueberries for as long as possible. He loved the place - he thought he would have to wait a year or two for them to bear fruit, but the bushes they sell are ready to bear fruit the same year.

He bought them just before Easter, but didn't plant them until after the last frost. He planted them in raised beds, and he's been enjoying the berries for a while now.

One hint if you do go this route - get some webbing to cover the bushes when they start bearing fruit. He found out the hard way just how much birds like blueberries, too.

[OmegaBaby]

Originally Posted by raccemup

Sorry to hear about your Grandma, she sounds so sweet!

I hear great things about a place called Broadwell's and their prices are supposed to the best. I think it's in Garner or SE Raleigh. Good luck!

Broadwell's is great for typical landscaping plants like Crape Myrtles and Wax Leaf Ligustrums, but they do not have a good selection of fruit trees. When I went there a year ago, they didn't have any fruit trees at all.

[alice_61]

Another source is Edible Landscaping, Edible Landscaping Online, in Afton, Virginia. I worked there briefly and know the owner well. He is extremely knowledgeable about fruits and edible landscaping. All the plants are grown and shipped potted rather than bare root, so they have a survival rate. I'd suggest planting late fall and watering dilegently for a year. Lack of water is what most often does in new plantings. My husband is also an expert on fruit planting for the home, specializing in this climate (which can be challanging for many varieties). He has a landscape design and construction business. Just PM if you'd like his contact info.

Alice

[jkmeca11]

Thanks for all the info everyone!!