Consider sun, air flow and soil when planning your plants
Question: What are the best plants to plant against the house on the south and east side?
Answer: There are so many options available. As you peruse catalogs and the internet, consider the following factors. Make sure the plant will fit the available space and won’t obstruct walkways and window once it reaches full size. Be sure there will be sufficient space between the house and the mature size plant. This allows air to flow around the plants, reducing the risk of disease. It also provides space for you to reach all parts of the plants for deadheading, pruning and other maintenance.
Evaluate the amount and time of day each location receives sunlight. An unobstructed east side location usually receives adequate light for most full or part sun loving plants. The morning sun is not as brutal, and the dew dries quickly off the plants, reducing the risk of disease.
The south side, especially next to a house, can be very hot and dry. Keep in mind the summer sun is high in the sky and depending on obstructions may moderate the growing conditions. Consider using full sun plants if the area receives sunlight all day long.
Check other growing conditions such as wind, soil and overhangs that can negatively impact the plants. Use a mix of plants for added seasonal interest, texture and color. Creating a mixed planting also reduces the risk of a disease or insect moving in and killing all the plants. Replacing one or two dead plants is easier and more affordable.
Q: We have five fruit trees that have been planted for five years now and are not producing any fruit. We have tried everything including fertilizer spikes with no success. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
A: It takes most fruit trees several years to begin producing fruit. Apples usually start bearing fruit at four to five years, sour or tart cherries three to five years, pears four to six years, and plums at three to five years of age. Dwarf fruit trees usually begin fruiting several years earlier than the larger standard fruit trees.
Consider having your soil tested before adding any additional fertilizer. Too much of the wrong type of fertilizer can promote leaf and stem growth at the expense of flowers and fruit. The soil test report will tell you what type and amount of fertilizer, if any, is needed.
Water thoroughly as needed and mulch the soil around the trees to reduce competition from surrounding grass. Pull mulch away from the trunk to avoid other problems.
Proper pruning is essential for good fruit production. Creating a more open canopy allows air and light to reach all parts of the tree, increasing flowering and fruiting. The University of Wisconsin Extension service has excellent publications on pruning various fruit trees. Visit https://learningstore.extension.wisc.edu/ to download these and other helpful brochures.
Late spring frosts that kill flower buds or poor pollination and improper use of pesticides can also reduce or prevent fruiting. Invite the bees by growing pollinator friendly plants nearby.
Email questions to melindamyers.com, or write P.O. Box 798, Mukwonago, WI 53149