Question
Hello,

I have been told that it is a waste of time to plant seeds in the Northern Mediterranean, but to plant young trees instead, along with mulch. I am currently considering planting young fig-trees, young tangerine-trees, plus any plum-bearing treees/bushes. Any particular advice?

Answer
Hi Geoff,
Thanx for your question.  I wouldn't necessarily say it was a waste of time to plant tree seeds but most of the fruits you mention, have been so hybridized that it will be difficult to find seeds that come true when they germinate.  When a hybrid plant makes a seed, due to the mix of genetics, the seed will more likely than not, produce a plant that is inferior to the parent plant.  The plant most-likely, will NOT resemble the parent in whatever was bred into that plant by the growers.  So, that is one of the main reasons one is advised not to grow fruit trees from seed.  The other disadvantage is time.  If you purchase saplings.  You will probably get some fruit the next year and even more the subsequent years.  With a seed started tree, you will have to wait 3-5 or more years for fruit.  I most definitely advise purchasing fruit saplings or small trees.  Hunt around for bargains, you'll find them.  If you really want to plant seeds, look for heirloom, heritage or open-pollinated varieties.  These seeds will be more likely to produce the same kind of fruit and have the same characteristics as the parent plant.  Some have a tendency to be more flavorful but some may be more prone to diseases and pests.  I hope this helps.
Tom