Welcome! I'm in Johnston County NC too. We are in zone 7 here. I'm a transplant from MA (Zone 5) so the transition has been a work in progress. I try not to plant anything new until after April 15th, which is our traditional last frost. It's always easy to remember because it's tax day.

In my garden, I have a horrible problem with Japanese Beetles, but last year was better and I'm thinking that was due to the drought the previous year. I will let someone more knowledgeable comment on your questions regarding fruit trees.

Again, welcome.

I'm not in Johnson County, but just want to say WELCOME!

Cameron

Thank you Deirdre for the info
Thank you Cameron I enjoyed reading your web page.