October Is The Time To Order These Fruit Trees – For A Lifetime Of Homegrown Harvests

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A Homes & Gardens report says October is a good time to order bare-root fruit trees before the usual late-fall-to-early-spring planting window. Apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry trees are among the options, but the right choice depends on space, climate, sunlight and pollination needs.

Homes & Gardens is advising gardeners to order bare-root fruit trees in October, ahead of the typical November-to-March planting window, when popular varieties may be in short supply. Its report highlights apple, pear, peach, plum and cherry trees, while stressing that climate, available space and pollination requirements should guide the choice.

The report says nurseries and retailers open orders for bare-root trees and bushes in October. These dormant plants are generally planted from late fall through early spring. Ordering early can give gardeners access to preferred varieties before demand reduces availability, although the article does not provide sales figures or stock data.

Apple trees come in types for eating, cooking and cider, and grafted rootstocks can keep some varieties compact, making them one of the fruit trees suited to small yards. Pears may need a compatible partner variety flowering at the same time; even self-fertile types can produce better crops with a pollination partner, the report says. Examples named include ‘Honeycrisp’, ‘Fuji’, ‘Bartlett’ and ‘Bosc’.

Peaches need a warm, sunny site and a variety suited to local winter chill hours. The report names ‘Reliance’ as an option for colder climates and ‘Redhaven’ and ‘Elberta’ among popular choices. Plums also vary by use, while cherries are divided into sweet and sour types. Across the selection, the guidance favors sunny, sheltered locations and fertile, well-drained soil.

Choosing Trees That Can Bear Fruit

Ordering early is only one part of establishing a home fruit tree. Pollination compatibility and local growing conditions can determine whether a tree fruits reliably: a pear planted without a suitable pollinating partner may not crop as expected, and a peach variety with mismatched chill-hour needs may produce a reduced harvest.

The choice also has long-term implications because fruit trees occupy garden space for years. Compact apple or pear trees may suit smaller yards, while varieties such as peaches need enough direct sun. Considering intended use—fresh eating, cooking or preserving—can help gardeners select a tree that fits both their site and their plans for the harvest.

Ordering Before Dormant-Season Planting

Bare-root trees are sold without soil around their roots and are typically available during dormancy. The source describes the main planting period as late fall through early spring, usually November to March. October ordering is presented as a way to plan ahead, not as a claim that every tree should be planted in October.

According to the report, a delivered tree can be planted straight away if the ground is neither frozen nor waterlogged. It recommends a well-drained site and, for pears, mulching after planting. The article also suggests tree guards to protect trunks from animals, but does not compare products or provide local planting schedules.

“The window for planting bare-root fruit trees runs from late fall through to early spring, usually November to March.”

— Homes & Gardens report

Local Availability and Growing Results

The report does not identify a single retailer inventory level, provide current prices, or confirm how quickly any listed variety is selling. Availability can differ by supplier and location. Its named varieties are examples, not a guarantee that each is suitable for every garden.

Gardeners’ results will depend on local climate, soil, the tree’s rootstock and variety, and whether compatible pollinators are nearby. The source does not provide region-by-region planting dates or a complete pollination chart, so buyers should check the supplier’s growing information and local conditions before ordering.

Check Varieties Before Planting

Gardeners considering an order can compare varieties against their hardiness zone, site conditions and available space, then confirm pollination requirements with the nursery. Peach buyers should check local chill-hour suitability, while pear and plum growers should verify whether a second compatible tree is needed.

After delivery, plant during suitable conditions and avoid frozen or waterlogged ground, following the supplier’s instructions for the specific tree. The report gives no further dates for retailer stock updates; availability and planting conditions will vary through the dormant season.

Key Questions

Why order bare-root fruit trees in October?

The Homes & Gardens report says orders open in October and recommends planning early because popular varieties may sell out. It does not provide sales data to measure availability.

When should bare-root fruit trees be planted?

The usual window cited in the report is November through March, from late fall to early spring. Plant a delivered tree only when the ground is not frozen or waterlogged.

Do fruit trees need a second tree for pollination?

It depends on the variety. Some trees are self-fertile, but the report says pears need a compatible variety flowering at the same time and that pollination partners can improve crops for some self-fertile pears and plums.

What should I check before buying a peach tree?

Check that the variety’s chill-hour needs match the local climate and that the planting site gets about six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, as stated in the source.

Source: rss