Imagine a warm summer day, walking out into your backyard and picking fresh fruit from your very own tree. In Alabama, we have a unique assortment of climate zones that make it possible to grow a wide variety of fruit trees. From the cooler climate surrounding the Appalachians in North and Central Alabama, to the subtropical climate around the Gulf of Mexico that borders Mobile and Gulf Shores, if it bears fruit, you can probably grow it somewhere in this state.

Growing fruit trees is not difficult and can be incredibly rewarding. To begin, select the best variety of fruit trees that thrive in your area. Apples, peaches, figs, cherries, pears, kumquat, Asian persimmon and passion fruit are just a few of the many fruits to choose from for your yard--many are native to the state.

Other than good, fertile soil, adequate water and about six to eight hours of sun each day, the main ingredient needed for a successful harvest is a good pollinator. Most fruit trees require another tree to cross-pollinate so they can bear fruit. However, there are some self-pollinating fruit trees that can be grown individually.

What is pollination and how does it relate to my fruit trees? Here's a quick explanation:

 
Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen, or male part of the flower from one plant or tree, to the pistil, or female part of the flower of another plant or tree in the same species. Pollen is transferred by bees, wind, birds, butterflies, moths or even splashing rain-although bees are the primary pollinators of fruit trees. Most fruit trees require cross-pollination with a different variety of the same type of tree. Pollen is usually transferred by several bees working a single tree and then transferring the pollen to other bees in the colony who then take it to another tree. In reality, pollination is simply a beneficial by-product of bees collecting nectar and pollen for their own purposes.  

Fruit trees that require two different varieties or cultivars should be planted within 100-200 feet of each other. This ensures that bees will pollinate the trees often enough for adequate fruit to set. Nut trees are pollinated more by wind and should therefore be planted within 50 feet of each other. If trees are separated by a greater distance, be sure to provide other pollen sources between them to keep the bees around.  

Remember, whatever fruit trees you plan to plant, if you want plenty of good fruit, be good to the bees. They are a vital resource to your growing tree. So, to avoid killing bees and other insect pollinators do not apply insecticides while plants and trees are in bloom. A healthy bee results in a healthy harvest!