How to Order New Fruit Plants in November: Essential Tips for a Successful Orchard

November is the perfect time to start planning for next year’s fruit garden by ordering new fruit plants. Whether you’re expanding your orchard or starting fresh, ordering fruit plants in November allows you to get ahead of the spring rush and ensure you get the best varieties suited to your growing conditions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations for ordering new fruit plants, from selecting the right varieties to understanding how to prepare for planting in the spring.

Why Is Ordering New Fruit Plants in November Important?

Ordering new fruit plants in November offers several advantages for gardeners:

Wider selection of varieties: By ordering early, you have access to a wider range of fruit plants, including popular varieties that may sell out quickly as the planting season approaches.
Preparation for spring planting: Ordering plants now gives you ample time to prepare your garden and ensure the soil is ready for planting as soon as the weather warms up.
Better planting timing: Bare-root plants are typically delivered when they are dormant, which is ideal for planting in early spring. Ordering in November ensures you’ll receive your plants in time for this optimal planting window.
Plan your garden layout: Early ordering allows you to thoughtfully plan your garden layout, whether you’re adding new trees, bushes, or canes to your existing setup or starting a new fruit garden.

By ordering your fruit plants in November, you’ll be well-prepared for the upcoming growing season and ensure your orchard has a strong start.

Top Tips for Ordering New Fruit Plants in November

1. Choose the Right Fruit Varieties for Your Climate

The first step in ordering new fruit plants is choosing varieties that are well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Some fruit plants, like apples and pears, are hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures, while others, like figs or peaches, need warmer conditions.

Tip: Research the cold-hardiness zones of the plants you’re considering and match them to your local climate. If you live in a colder region, opt for hardy varieties that can withstand frost and lower temperatures.

2. Consider Disease-Resistant Varieties

If you’ve struggled with diseases in the past, look for disease-resistant varieties when ordering new fruit plants. Many fruit trees and bushes are bred to resist common diseases like apple scab, fire blight, or mildew, making them easier to grow with fewer chemical interventions.

Tip: Check with reputable nurseries or online suppliers for disease-resistant varieties that are suited to your region. This will reduce the need for chemical treatments and improve the overall health of your garden.

3. Order Bare-Root Plants for Spring Planting

November is the ideal time to order bare-root fruit plants, which are shipped during the dormant season and can be planted in early spring. Bare-root plants are often more affordable than potted plants and are easier to handle and plant.

Tip: When ordering bare-root plants, make sure the nursery ships them at the right time for your region—usually in late winter or early spring, when the ground is workable but the plants are still dormant.

4. Check Pollination Requirements

Many fruit plants, such as apples, pears, and plums, need cross-pollination from another compatible variety to produce fruit. When ordering new fruit plants, make sure you have the right pollination partners to ensure a good fruit set.

Tip: If you’re unsure about pollination requirements, ask the nursery or check the plant description for details on which varieties will pollinate each other. Some self-pollinating varieties, like certain peaches and cherries, don’t require a partner.

5. Consider Space and Growth Habits

Before ordering, think about how much space you have in your garden and choose fruit plants that fit your available space. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are great options for small gardens or container growing, while full-size trees require more room.

Tip: Check the mature size of the plants you’re ordering, as well as their growth habits. Consider whether you have enough space for spreading bushes like raspberries or tall-growing trees like standard apple varieties.

6. Look for Trusted Nurseries

When ordering fruit plants, it’s important to buy from reputable nurseries or suppliers that offer high-quality, healthy plants. Look for nurseries with good reviews, disease-free certifications, and guarantees on their plants.

Tip: If you’re ordering online, check the shipping policies and plant guarantees to ensure you’re covered if there are any issues with your order. Trusted nurseries often replace plants that don’t survive their first season.

7. Plan Your Garden Layout in Advance

Once you’ve selected your fruit plants, take some time to plan your garden layout. Consider how much sunlight, space, and water each plant will need, and plan accordingly. Proper spacing ensures good air circulation and sunlight, which are essential for healthy fruit production.

Tip: Sketch out your garden layout, noting the spacing requirements for each type of plant. Make sure there’s enough room between plants to allow for growth and easy access for pruning, harvesting, and care.

8. Prepare the Soil Before Planting

While you may not be planting your new fruit plants until spring, November is a great time to start preparing the soil. Test the soil pH, add compost or organic matter, and clear the area of weeds to create the ideal growing conditions for your new plants.

Tip: Most fruit plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, amend it now to give your new plants the best chance to thrive.

9. Order Additional Supplies

In addition to the plants themselves, you may need to order additional supplies to support your new fruit garden. Stakes, trellises, mulch, and organic fertilizers can all help your new plants get off to a strong start.

Tip: Make a list of any supplies you’ll need, such as mulch for moisture retention, stakes for supporting young trees, or netting to protect the fruit from birds. Having these items ready for spring planting will save you time later.

10. Schedule Your Delivery for Spring

When placing your order, choose a delivery date that aligns with your local planting season. Most nurseries will offer to ship bare-root plants when the weather is suitable for planting in your area, but make sure to confirm the delivery timeline.

Tip: Contact the nursery to confirm your preferred delivery window. Make sure you have time to plant your fruit trees or bushes as soon as they arrive, so they don’t dry out or become damaged while waiting to be planted.

Most Common Questions and Answers About Ordering New Fruit Plants in November

Q1: Why should I order fruit plants in November?
A: Ordering fruit plants in November allows you to secure your desired varieties before they sell out, gives you time to plan your garden layout, and ensures that you’re prepared for planting as soon as the weather warms up in spring.

Q2: What is the difference between bare-root and potted fruit plants?
A: Bare-root plants are sold without soil and shipped while dormant, making them easier to handle and typically more affordable. Potted plants come with soil and can be planted at any time, but bare-root plants often establish better when planted in early spring.

Q3: How do I know which fruit varieties are best for my climate?
A: Research the hardiness zones of the fruit varieties you’re interested in and match them to your local climate. Hardy varieties can tolerate colder temperatures, while more tender varieties may need extra protection or warmer growing conditions.

Q4: Do all fruit plants need cross-pollination?
A: Not all fruit plants need cross-pollination, but many, like apples, pears, and plums, do. Check the pollination requirements for each variety and make sure you plant compatible varieties for proper fruit set.

Q5: Can I grow fruit plants in containers?
A: Yes, many dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit varieties can be grown in containers, making them ideal for small spaces. Be sure to choose a large enough pot and use well-draining soil for container-grown fruit plants.

Q6: Should I order disease-resistant varieties?
A: If you’ve had issues with disease in the past, it’s a good idea to order disease-resistant varieties. These plants are bred to resist common diseases, making them easier to care for and improving your chances of a healthy harvest.

Q7: How do I prepare the soil for planting fruit plants?
A: Prepare the soil by testing its pH, amending it with compost or organic matter, and clearing the area of weeds. Most fruit plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Q8: How much space do I need between fruit plants?
A: Spacing requirements vary by plant type. Dwarf varieties typically need 8-10 feet between trees, while full-size trees need 15-20 feet. Raspberries and blackberries require about 3-4 feet between plants.

Q9: When should I plant bare-root fruit plants?
A: Bare-root fruit plants should be planted in early spring when the ground is workable but the plants are still dormant. Order them in November to ensure they are delivered in time for spring planting.

Q10: What supplies should I order along with my fruit plants?
A: Consider ordering stakes, trellises, mulch, organic fertilizers, and netting to support your new fruit plants. These supplies will help protect and nurture your plants as they grow.

By ordering your new fruit plants in November, you’ll secure the best varieties, get ahead on garden planning, and ensure your plants are ready for planting when the growing season begins. With proper selection and preparation, your fruit garden will thrive and produce a bountiful harvest for years to come.