What to Expect We sell bareroot trees which means that they are grown for one to two years and shipped when dormant. You will receive a small, healthy plant,1 to 4', that will adapt well to transplanting . We will include planting instructions with your order. In general, all fruit trees require well drained, fertile soil with good sun exposure. It is critical to mulch and to water weekly when rainfall is less than an inch in the first growing season. Afterwards, as the tree grows and matures, there is mulching, fertilizing, and some pruning. Start-up Recommendations Order only as many plants as you can realistically monitor and water this year. Include several "surefire success" choices, marked with an (S). Suggested reading includes Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden by Lee Reich, which we sell. We also recommed The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping by R. Creasy and The Backyard Orchardist by S. Otto. When to Plant Fall planting (recommended for USDA zones 6-9) allows your trees to become established over the winter. Roots will grow as long as the ground is not frozen. You can also plant in spring but plants will require more watering over the summer. Zone 5 and colder should plant in spring but order now for best selection and indicate spring ship date. We have cold storage, so plants are dormant. Your local extension agent or another gardener can be helpful in determining the best time to plant for your area. For help in determining your zone or planting time, ask us on your order form. If you would like us to notify you in advance of your ship date, a self-addressed stamped envelope or email request is appreciated. USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (opens in new window) North American Fruit Explorers NAFEX membership is open to amateur and professional fruit growers and includes a quaterly magazine that is member written. There is also an annual nationwide gathering. NAFEX members are a great source of information and inspiration. To join, send $13 (yearly dues) to NAFEX at 1716 Apple Road, Chapin ,IL 62628. Find helpful growing information at www.nafex.org.