Sweet Cherry

Choosing the Right Tree: When picking a sweet cherry tree, look for healthy young trees at your local nursery. You'll want to select varieties like 'Bing' or 'Stella,' which are known to grow well in home gardens.

Timing: The best time to plant sweet cherry trees is in early spring or late fall when the weather is cool but not freezing. This gives the roots time to settle before the extreme temperatures of summer or winter.

Tools and Materials:

Shovel or spade

Mulch (like wood chips or straw)

Watering can or hose

• A young sweet cherry tree
• Compost or well-rotted manure
• Stakes and ties (to support the tree as it grows)

Tip: If you're planting more than one tree, make sure they're spaced about 20-30 feet apart to give them enough room to grow.

1. Digging the Hole: Start by digging a hole that's about twice as wide as the root ball of your cherry tree but just as deep. This will give the roots plenty of space to spread out.
2. Preparing the Soil: Mix some compost or well-rotted manure with the soil you've dug out. This enriches the soil and helps the tree get off to a good start.
3. Positioning the Tree: Place the tree in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground around it. Spread out the roots gently.
4. Filling the Hole: Backfill the hole with the enriched soil, pressing it down lightly to remove any air pockets. Don't pack it too tightly; the roots need to breathe.
5. Watering: Give the tree a good soaking with water right after planting. This helps settle the soil around the roots.
6. Supporting the Tree: Drive a stake into the ground near the tree (but be careful not to damage the roots) and loosely tie the tree to the stake using soft ties. This will help keep the tree upright as it grows.

Tip: Make sure the tree is standing straight before you finish filling the hole!

Sunlight Requirements: Sweet cherry trees love sunlight! They need at least 6-8 hours of direct sun each day, so pick a sunny spot in your yard for planting.

Watering Method:

• Water your cherry tree regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy—think of a damp sponge.
• In the first year, water deeply once a week. After that, you can reduce watering to every two weeks unless the weather is particularly hot or dry.

Fertilizing Tips:

• Use a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mix) in early spring before the tree starts to bloom.
• Scatter the fertilizer evenly around the base of the tree, but don’t let it touch the trunk.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to too much leaf growth and fewer cherries.

Pruning:

• Prune your cherry tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to allow light and air to reach all parts of the tree.
• Keep the center of the tree open to improve air circulation, which helps prevent disease.

Tip: Always use sharp, clean tools for pruning to avoid damaging the tree.

When to Harvest: Cherries typically ripen from late spring to early summer, depending on your climate. You'll know they're ready when they're fully colored (usually deep red), firm but slightly soft to the touch, and easily come off the stem with a gentle pull.

How to Harvest:

• Gently pluck the cherries from the tree using your fingers or small scissors.
• Be careful not to pull too hard, as you don’t want to damage the fruiting spurs, which will produce next year’s cherries.
• Harvest in the morning when the cherries are cool for the best flavor and shelf life.

Storage:

• Fresh cherries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To freeze cherries for longer storage, wash and pit them first, then spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.

Tip: Enjoy some fresh cherries right away, but save some for cooking or freezing for later!

Q: Why are my cherry leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the soil isn’t constantly soggy and adjust your watering schedule if needed.

Q: My cherry tree isn’t producing fruit. What should I do?

A: Cherry trees often need a pollinator nearby to produce fruit. If you only have one tree, consider planting another variety close by to help with pollination.

Q: How do I protect my cherry tree from birds?

A: Birds love cherries too! You can cover your tree with netting when the fruit starts to ripen to keep the birds away.

Q: Can I grow a cherry tree in a pot?

A: Yes, you can grow dwarf varieties in large pots. Just make sure the pot has good drainage and is big enough to accommodate the tree’s roots.

Q: My cherry tree has lots of flowers but no fruit. Why?

A: It might be due to frost damaging the blossoms. Protect your tree with frost cloth during cold snaps if possible.