Hello,

Please look at the article below. It addresses your questions. The Pawpaw is in the second article.

Check out the MSUE article: Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - April 30, 2024 - Revised by Barbara Gregerson & Derek Plotkowski, MSU Extension. Original (2018) by Diane Brown-Rytlewski (retired) & Duke Elsner (retired), MSU Extension at this link:

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan

Growing Pawpaws - Indiana Yard and Garden - Purdue Consumer HorticulturePurdue University Indiana Yard and Garden – Purdue Consumer Horticulture

Preparing the Site

Soil Testing & Amendments: Start with a soil test to identify your clay soil's pH and nutrient levels. This will help you understand what amendments might be needed. Michigan State University Extension can assist with soil testing.

Check out this link: Smart Gardening: Don’t guess - soil test!

Based on the results, you may need to amend the soil with lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Additionally, adding organic matter like compost can improve the structure and fertility of your clay soil.

Irrigation and Drainage: Ensure you have an irrigation plan, as young trees need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Drip irrigation is an efficient method for delivering water directly to the root zones. Proper drainage must also be ensured to prevent waterlogging.

Tilling and Aeration: Till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches and mix in organic matter to help break up the clay and improve aeration.

Creating Raised Beds or Mounds: Consider planting on raised beds or mounds to ensure better drainage, especially since your site has a slight slope.

Mulching: After planting, use mulch around the base of the trees to retain moisture and suppress weeds. More information at this link:

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan

Layout Recommendations

Planning and Spacing: For semi-dwarf fruit trees, a general guideline is to space them about 12-15 feet apart. Here is a simple layout recommendation for your trees:

Row 1: Apples

Row 2: Pears

Row 3: Plums

Row 4: Cherries

Row 5: Peaches

If possible, plant the rows in an east-west orientation, as this can help ensure they receive maximum sunlight. Consider leaving adequate space between the rows for maintenance and harvesting, around 15-20 feet.

Pollination: If necessary, ensure you plant compatible pollinator varieties. For example, most apple trees need a different apple variety for cross-pollination.

Check out Table 1. Tree fruits that require bee pollination for optimal fruit set.

Pollination in vegetable gardens and backyard fruit

Sunlight: Choose a location that receives at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight daily.

Orientation: Consider the natural slope and plant the trees to maximize sunlight exposure and optimize drainage. More information at this link:

Smart Gardening: Growing Backyard Fruit Trees - Gardening in Michigan

Pruning and Training: Check out the below links:

Smart Gardening: Pruning and training backyard apple and pear trees

Proper pruning means healthier, more productive fruit trees - MSU Extension

You asked: Do you think cherries are a good idea with our climate warming?

Check out this article: Traverse City cherry, apple grower optimistic new climate program will address soil health - Jack Falinski - June 19, 2024, at this link:

Traverse City cherry, apple grower optimistic new climate program will address soil health - Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program

Figs are not hardy enough to do well outside in Michigan. So, you will need to grow them in pots and move them to semi-protected sites in the winter. Semi-commercial growers grow figs in polyhouses where they can be protected from low mid-winter and spring temperatures. Chicago Hardy, Brown Turkey tends to be the variety of choice, but there are many varieties and many opinions.

I am unaware of anyone in MSU Extension with much expertise in growing figs, as they are a minor crop. Various forums provide various opinions on varieties, such as the following.

Other References:

Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide Bulletin 940 - Latest Revision (Ohio State University) at this link:

Midwest Home Fruit Production Guide - OSU Extension Publishing

Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings Bulletin 780 - Latest Revision (Ohio State University) at this link:

Bull780_Control-Diseases-Insects-2010.pdf

I hope this information helps!