Plum

Growing

Find a sheltered spot away from cold winds and late frosts when planting a plum tree, as early flowering makes it vulnerable to spring freezes. To keep a tree manageable in a home garden, use annual pruning and training to tie down upright limbs. This improves structural strength and lateral branching and makes the fruit easier to harvest. In small spaces, you can train the tree against a trellis as an espalier.

Good air circulation is the best defense against disease. Choose a sunny location and avoid overhead watering, as a dry canopy helps prevent powdery mildew, which appears as white, felt-like patches on leaves and fruit. If you notice cankered twigs or dead buds, prune them out and destroy them immediately. Rake up and dispose of fallen, infected leaves to prevent pathogens from overwintering. Watch the fruit for signs of apple maggot, a common pest that can damage the developing crop.

Once the fruit is mature, you can eat the sweet pulp fresh or dry it into prunes. You can also can or freeze the fruit. Store fresh plums unwashed to help them last longer.