Hello Donald and thank you for reaching out to the UNH Extension Yard and Garden Infoline. My name is Debi Green and I will be happy to help answer your questions on fruit trees!

You are correct that apple trees require cross pollination but not all varieties of peach do. The best variety for a stand-alone tree would be Reliance for peach. See Table 2 below for more specific information.

All pear varieties require cross-pollination to set good crops of fruit, although some varieties, such as Seckel, may set adequate crops when planted alone. With good bee activity, most combinations of varieties are satisfactory for cross-pollination. One combination that doesn’t work is Seckel and Bartlett. Pear flowers are not as attractive to bees as many other flowers, so we recommend planting three or more varieties.
Some varieties, such as Magness and Luscious, do not produce good pollen, and therefore won’t work well as a pollinizer for other varieties.

https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-fruits-growing-pears-home-orchard-fact-sheet

The best time of year to plant fruit trees is in early Spring. The link below explains more about planting, diseases, and winter care for when you are ready to learn more about step-by-step instructions. It also contains a very important information on a NH gardener's biggest challenge: DEER!


https://extension.unh.edu/resource/growing-fruits-low-input-tree-fruits-nh-home-orchards-fact-sheet-0

Regarding the Honeycrisp apple trees,two trees will reward any family with enough fruit to enjoy and share with friends. Apples require pollen from a different apple variety to grow fruit. If you only have room in your yard for one tree, there may be crab apples in your neighborhood to provide the pollen your tree needs. If not, this link contains a list of good varieties that will serve to cross-pollinate Honeycrisps. Although it is from Minnesota, the page contains a lot of excellent information that applies to fruit trees here as well. https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples#apple-varieties-recommended-for-minnesota-247061

Here are some other good eating apple varieties for cross-pollinating:

1. Haralred: Haralred is an excellent pollinator for Honeycrisp apples. It is a cold-hardy apple tree that blooms around the same time, making it a reliable companion for pollination.

2. McIntosh: McIntosh apple trees are another suitable choice for pollinating Honeycrisp. They typically bloom in early to mid-spring, and their flowering period can overlap with that of Honeycrisp.

3. Cortland: Cortland apple trees are known to be good pollinators for many apple varieties, including Honeycrisp. They bloom around the same time and can effectively cross-pollinate with Honeycrisp trees.

4. Beacon: Beacon apple trees are cold-hardy and bloom in mid to late spring, making them a potential pollinator for Honeycrisp apple trees in zone 4.

5. Sweet Sixteen: Sweet Sixteen apple trees can serve as pollinators for Honeycrisp. They produce pinkish-red apples and have a similar flowering time, which makes them a suitable choice for cross-pollination.

https://ask2.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=842303

As always, before any new plantings it is best to obtain a soil test to be sure that you give your new plants the absolute best chance for thriving well.

For your convenience, I have included links to our UNH Extension Soil Lab. Including the specific home, grounds and garden soil test form for you to utilize here:

Here is the link for the UNH Soil Testing Services homepage, which has the address to send the sample to, as well as information on best practices for submitting a soil sample and other resources: UNH Soil Testing Services

And here is the link to the submission form specific to home yards and garden: UNH_soil submission form_Home Grounds and Garden

Thank you again for reaching out to the UNH Extension Yard and Garden
Infoline. I hope we have been of service to you. If you have any further
questions, please don't hesitate to contact us again.