Ordering New Fruit Plants in December: Essential Tips for Planning a Productive Garden

Introduction

December is the perfect time to start planning your garden for the next growing season, and that includes ordering new fruit plants. By selecting and purchasing your fruit plants early, you can secure the best varieties, prepare your garden, and get a head start on planting when spring arrives. Many nurseries offer a wide range of bare-root fruit plants in winter, which are easier to handle and often more affordable than potted plants. This guide will explain why December is an excellent time to order new fruit plants, how to choose the best options for your garden, and answer common questions to help you make informed decisions for a fruitful year.

Why Order New Fruit Plants in December?

Secure the best varieties: Nurseries begin selling new fruit plants in winter, and ordering in December allows you to have access to a wider selection of varieties. You can secure popular or hard-to-find plants before they sell out.
Plan ahead for spring: Ordering plants early gives you ample time to prepare your garden, plan out where each plant will go, and gather any necessary supplies for planting. This reduces the rush in spring and sets your garden up for success.
Save money: Bare-root plants, which are typically sold during winter, are more affordable than potted plants. They are easy to transport, less expensive, and often establish quickly once planted.
Ensure timely delivery: By ordering early, you can choose the best delivery dates, ensuring your plants arrive when you’re ready to plant them. This minimizes the risk of delays and helps you plan your gardening schedule effectively.

Types of Fruit Plants to Consider Ordering in December

Here are some popular types of fruit plants that you can order and prepare to plant in spring:

Apple Trees

Description: Apples are one of the most versatile and popular fruit trees for home gardens. Varieties like ‘Gala,’ ‘Fuji,’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ offer different flavors, ripening times, and uses.

Berry Bushes

Description: Berries like raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries are easy to grow and provide delicious harvests throughout the summer. They are perfect for smaller gardens and can even be grown in containers.

Pear Trees

Description: Pears are known for their sweet, juicy flavor. Varieties like ‘Bartlett,’ ‘Anjou,’ and ‘Bosc’ can thrive in many climates and offer different harvest times.

Grapevines

Description: Grapes are excellent for eating fresh, making juice, or producing wine. Popular varieties include ‘Concord,’ ‘Thompson Seedless,’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon.’

Stone Fruit Trees

Description: Trees like peaches, plums, cherries, and apricots fall under the category of stone fruits. They require specific conditions but can yield bountiful harvests when cared for properly.

Citrus Trees

Description: Citrus trees such as oranges, lemons, and limes are best suited for warmer climates or indoor growing. Varieties like ‘Meyer Lemon’ and ‘Clementine’ are popular choices for home growers.

How to Choose the Right Fruit Plants for Your Garden

Selecting the best fruit plants involves considering several factors, from climate to soil conditions. Follow these steps to ensure you make the right choices:

1. Understand Your Growing Zone

Check your USDA hardiness zone: Knowing your zone will help you determine which fruit plants are most likely to thrive in your area. Some varieties are bred to withstand colder climates, while others need warm, frost-free conditions.
Choose climate-appropriate plants: For example, citrus trees are best suited for warm regions, while apples and berries can handle colder temperatures. Select varieties that match your local climate.

2. Consider Space and Location

Assess available space: Determine how much space you have for new fruit plants. Some trees, like apples and pears, need more room, while berries and dwarf fruit trees can fit into smaller areas or containers.
Plan for sun exposure: Most fruit plants need full sun (at least 6-8 hours per day). Make sure you have a suitable location that receives ample sunlight.

3. Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties

Reduce maintenance: Opt for disease-resistant varieties to minimize the need for pesticides and other treatments. This ensures a healthier garden and reduces the time you spend on maintenance.
Ask about rootstocks: If ordering grafted trees, ask about the rootstock. Some rootstocks offer additional benefits, such as dwarfing properties or increased disease resistance.

4. Decide Between Bare-Root and Potted Plants

Bare-root benefits: Bare-root plants are lighter, easier to handle, and often cheaper than potted plants. They also establish well when planted during the dormant season (late winter to early spring).
Potted plant advantages: If you prefer to plant later in the season or want a more established plant, potted options are available. These can be more expensive but offer flexibility for planting times.

Tips for Ordering New Fruit Plants in December

Once you’ve decided which fruit plants to buy, follow these tips to ensure a smooth ordering process:

1. Order from Reputable Nurseries

Choose quality suppliers: Look for nurseries with a good reputation for quality plants. Check online reviews and ask for recommendations to find reliable suppliers.
Ask about guarantees: Many reputable nurseries offer guarantees on their plants. This ensures that if a plant arrives damaged or fails to thrive, you can get a replacement or refund.

2. Plan for Delivery Timing

Choose a suitable delivery date: Order early, but schedule the delivery for a time when you are ready to plant. This helps avoid issues with storing the plants or having them arrive when the ground is still frozen.
Track the shipment: Make sure you can track the delivery so you know when to expect your plants. If possible, be present when they arrive to inspect them immediately.

3. Prepare Your Garden in Advance

Amend the soil: Prepare the planting sites in advance by testing and amending the soil. Add compost or organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Plan for spacing: Make sure you have enough space for each plant to grow and spread. Overcrowding can lead to disease and reduce fruit production.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ordering Fruit Plants in December

Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when ordering new plants. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Ignoring hardiness zones: Choosing plants that are not suitable for your climate will lead to disappointment. Always check the hardiness zone and select varieties that can thrive in your area.
Over-ordering: It can be tempting to order more plants than you have space for. Start with a few well-chosen plants and expand as you gain experience.
Failing to prepare the planting site: Don’t wait until the plants arrive to prepare the garden. Plan and prepare the soil ahead of time to ensure a smooth planting process.

Benefits of Ordering New Fruit Plants in December

Wider selection: Ordering early gives you access to a broader range of varieties. This means you can find the perfect plants for your garden before they sell out.
Cost savings: Bare-root plants ordered in winter are often cheaper than potted plants available in spring or summer. This allows you to save money and invest in more plants if desired.
Efficient planning: By ordering in December, you have plenty of time to plan, prepare your garden, and gather supplies, making the planting process more efficient when spring arrives.

Best Practices for Ordering New Fruit Plants in December

Research each variety: Learn about the specific needs of each plant variety to ensure they are a good fit for your garden. Consider factors like pollination requirements, harvest times, and care needs.
Check delivery options: Make sure the nursery offers flexible delivery options, allowing you to choose a time that works best for you.
Keep receipts and order confirmations: Save all purchase details, including receipts and confirmations, in case you need to refer back to them or contact the nursery.

Common Questions and Answers About Ordering New Fruit Plants in December

Why is December a good time to order new fruit plants?

December is ideal because nurseries have a wide selection of bare-root plants available, and ordering early secures your preferred varieties before they sell out.

What’s the difference between bare-root and potted fruit plants?

Bare-root plants are sold without soil and are typically less expensive. They are easy to handle and plant during the dormant season. Potted plants come in soil and can be planted later but are usually more costly.

How do I know which fruit plants will grow in my area?

Check the USDA hardiness zone for your area and choose varieties that are known to thrive in those conditions. Consider local climate factors such as temperature, humidity, and frost dates.

Should I order fruit plants from local or online nurseries?

Both have benefits. Local nurseries may offer plants better suited to your region, while online nurseries provide access to a wider variety of options

. Choose a reputable supplier with good reviews.

What should I do if my plants arrive damaged?

Contact the nursery immediately. Many reputable nurseries offer guarantees and will replace damaged plants if you report the issue promptly.

Can I store bare-root plants before planting them?

Yes, but keep them in a cool, dark place with the roots wrapped in damp burlap or plastic to maintain moisture. Plant them as soon as possible to prevent drying out.

What are the best fruit plants for small gardens?

Consider dwarf fruit trees, berry bushes, and container-friendly varieties like strawberries and grapes. These options require less space but still produce excellent yields.

Do I need to buy multiple plants for pollination?

Some fruit plants are self-pollinating, but others require a second plant for cross-pollination. Check the pollination needs of each variety you order.

When is the best time to plant bare-root fruit plants?
- Plant bare-root plants during late winter or early spring while they are still dormant. This gives them time to establish roots before the growing season.
How should I prepare the soil before planting new fruit plants?
- Test the soil’s pH and amend it with compost or organic matter as needed. Ensure the planting area is well-drained and has adequate nutrients to support growth.