By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent
September is a good time to start thinking about fruit trees and plants, not just because cooler weather is around the corner, but because fall can be an ideal season to get new perennial fruit plantings settled into the landscape.
Many gardeners get most excited about planting in the spring, when garden centers are full and the days are getting warmer. But in Kentucky, October and November often offer an excellent planting window for fruit trees, shrubs and other hardy plants. Once plants are dormant, they can focus on establishing roots before new growth begins in spring. Cooler temperatures also reduce stress from heat, dry weather and weed pressure.
Home fruit plantings can be both productive and attractive. Apples, pears, peaches, cherries and pawpaws can fit into a larger landscape, while blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries may work well in garden edges, raised beds or edible landscape areas. Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees are often good choices for home plantings because they are easier to prune, harvest and manage.
Before buying plants, think about the site. Fruit plants generally need full sun, good air movement and well-drained soil. Avoid low spots where cold air settles, because late spring frosts can damage blooms and reduce fruit set. Also consider mature size, spacing and how much time you realistically have for pruning, watering and pest management. A small, well-tended planting usually brings more satisfaction than a large planting that becomes hard to manage.
Choose varieties that are adapted to Kentucky and look for disease resistance when possible. Pollination matters, too. Peaches are generally self-fruitful, but apples, pears, sweet cherries and many plums need another compatible variety nearby to produce well.
Blueberries can produce on their own, but planting more than one variety often improves berry size and yield.
In an ideal situation, soil preparation begins a year before planting. A soil test can show whether pH or available nutrients need adjustment, and fall is a practical time to test because amendments have more time to adjust the soil to the desired conditions before plants begin growing. If you did not test a year ahead, do not let that stop you from planning; contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension office for soil testing information and recommendations before making major changes. Your Extension office can also provide planting, pruning and pest maintenance tips.
Fall planting is not about rushing to fill empty space. It is about giving fruit trees and plants a strong start. With the right site, thoughtful variety selection and a little preparation, your landscape can become more beautiful — and more delicious — for years to come.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.
Upcoming Events:
• The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Wednesdays & Saturdays from 8:00 AM until sell out. The Grayson Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays at 9:00 AM and Tuesdays at 2:00 PM until sell out and is located in the shed behind the Extension Office. The Grayson market accepts SNAP EBT now. A pop-up market will be held at Carter Caves State Resort Park on Thursday, September 17th at 4:00 PM.
• The Extension Office is currently offering free hay testing through the East KY Hay Contest. If you are interested, please call 474-6686 to schedule your appointment. Participants will receive a free nutrient analysis of their hay.
• Hike & Learn – September 28th @ 1:00 – Grayson Lake State Park Lick Falls Trail
• Northeast Area Livestock Association – September 29th @ 6:00 PM; Topic – The Basics of Beef Carcass Grading; Speaker – Jeff Oldfield
