Ohio Valley's Unique Climate Offers Fruit Tree Goldmine
The Ohio Valley's unique climate offers gardeners a variety of fruit tree options. Laura Miller, an expert in agriculture, shares the best choices for high yields and reliable crops.
Apples, peaches, and other disease-resistant cultivars thrive in the Ohio Valley's climate, providing high fruit yields. While some apricots, sweet cherries, nectarines, and peaches can survive, their productivity may vary due to colder winters and late frosts. In USDA hardiness zone 6, apricots, peaches, pears, nectarines, and sweet cherries produce more reliably than in zone 5. Apples, pears, and sour cherries are hardy in zone 5 and likely to produce fruit every year. Chill hours, the time fruit trees experience temperatures between freezing and 45°F (7.2°C), also impact fruit production. In zone 7, gardeners can grow hardy pomegranates in addition to various other fruit trees. When ordering online, consider cultivars like Cortland apples, Goldkot apricots, Meteor sour cherries, Bing sweet cherries, and Anjou pears. Local nurseries provide tailored advice on suitable fruit trees and their growing requirements.
For the Ohio Valley, apples, pears, and sour cherries are reliable choices. Consider chill hour requirements and consult local nurseries for expert advice. With careful selection, gardeners can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fruit trees tailored to their region.
