Knowledgebase
Can I grow a young fruit tree in a raised bed? #751192
Asked May 20, 2021, 9:42 PM EDT
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Yes, if the drainage is good, and the plants are planted at the correct depth (graft union should be 2-3 inches above the ground. Cherries do better in slightly acidic soil, and I would advise making about 1/3 of the soil material sphagnum peat moss. A year after planting, you can purchase a soil test kit to confirm that the soil conditions match what's necessary for the cherries. Don't add any amendments into the planting hole. Two weeks, later you can add 1/2 lb of 10:10:10 around the base of the tree and irrigate.
Hopefully, the trees you've ordered are on a dwarf rootstock. A standard rootstock that grows 15+ feet might be challenging to support in the long-term.
Growing cherries also involves annual pest management considerations if you want the fruit. Purdue University has a good guide of how to protect cherries (classified as stone fruits) from pests and diseases.
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On May 25, 2021, at 1:48 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
My concern about the Bing is less about the soil and more about the total space required. Standard cherry trees need 20-24 feet spacing between trees. Depending on the size of the raised bed, it will get crowded. Cherries are pruned annually regardless of dwarf or standard size. Trying to prune a standard cherry to remain small will restrict yield in the long-term.
I would first recommend checking the pH of the soil with pH strips or an electronic meter. If the pH is between 6.0 - 7.0, you can leave as is. If it's much above 7.0 and you planted in the last 1-2 weeks, providing a soil type such as peat moss (that is slightly acidic) will be better in the long-term. Alternatively, adding elemental sulfur or ammonium sulfate can lower the pH.