Having access to fresh, homegrown fruits can provide incredible health and financial benefits. If you receive SNAP benefits through an EBT card, you may be wondering – can I buy fruit trees with EBT at Walmart? The answer is yes!
EBT cards can be used to purchase edible fruit trees, vines, bushes, and more at retailers like Walmart. This allows SNAP participants to grow their own affordable, nutritious produce right at home. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buying fruit trees with EBT at Walmart.
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Using EBT at Walmart
EBT cards work similarly to debit cards and can be used to purchase SNAP-eligible foods at participating retailers. Walmart accepts EBT cards at all locations and has a wide selection of EBT-eligible groceries.
When checking out at Walmart, simply swipe your EBT card through the card reader. You will be prompted to enter your PIN. The cashier can process a SNAP or cash transaction depending on what you are purchasing.
In addition to groceries, Walmart allows SNAP participants to use EBT benefits to buy seeds, seedlings, and young edible plants. This includes fruit trees, berry bushes, grape vines, and vegetable starter plants. Purchasing these items with an EBT card can help SNAP recipients grow home gardens and access affordable produce.
Fruit Trees You Can Buy with EBT at Walmart
Walmart sells a variety of miniature fruit trees, bushes, vines, and plants that are eligible for EBT purchase. Here are some of the most common fruiting plants you can buy with EBT at Walmart for home growing:
- Apple trees
- Pear trees
- Peach trees
- Plum trees
- Cherry trees
- Apricot trees
- Nectarine trees
- Fig trees
- Lemon trees
- Orange trees
- Grape vines
- Blueberry bushes
- Raspberry bushes
- Blackberry bushes
- Strawberry plants
The exact selection may vary by location and season. Check with your local Walmart garden center to see what fruiting plants they currently have in stock.
Benefits of Growing Your Own Fruit
There are many excellent reasons for EBT recipients to use their benefits to purchase fruit trees, bushes, and vines from Walmart or another retailer:
- Save money – Growing your own fruits at home can save a lot of money over buying fresh produce.
- Access nutritious foods – Homegrown fruits provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients.
- Avoid chemicals – You control growing methods and can avoid pesticides.
- Know your food source – No mystery about where your food comes from.
- Teach skills – Gardening teaches planning, responsibility, patience.
- Share extras – Share abundance from fruit harvests with family, friends, food banks.
Investing EBT benefits into fruit trees and plants provides ongoing returns in the form of free, healthy food year after year. With proper care, most fruit trees will keep producing for a decade or more.
How to Buy Fruit Trees with EBT at Walmart
If you receive SNAP benefits, follow these steps to purchase fruit trees or plants at Walmart with your EBT card:
- Locate the garden center – Fruit trees are usually located in the outdoor garden area.
- Browse selection – Choose fruit trees and plants suited for your climate.
- Verify EBT eligibility – Confirm the trees are marked as EBT eligible.
- Pay with EBT – When checking out, present EBT card and PIN.
- Care for trees – Plant, water, prune, and care for trees after bringing home.
- Enjoy the harvest! – Plan to start enjoying fresh fruits within a few years.
The process is quick and easy. In just a few minutes, EBT users can purchase fruit trees at the start of the growing season. With proper care and patience, this small investment will start producing abundant fruit crops for years to come.
Tips for Successfully Growing Fruit Trees
To get the most out of your EBT-purchased fruit trees, follow these simple tips for care and maintenance:
- Plant trees at the right time – Spring or fall is best.
- Choose a sunny spot – Fruit trees need 6-8 hours of sun daily.
- Prepare soil properly – Enrich soil with compost before planting.
- Water young trees – 1-2 inches of water weekly for new trees.
- Use mulch – Mulch retains moisture and suppresses weeds.
- Fertilize trees – Use organic fertilizer every spring.
- Prune annually – Pruning helps shape trees and boost harvests.
- Protect from pests – Use nets, traps, or organic sprays if needed.
- Harvest at peak ripeness – Pick fruits when ready for best flavor.
With attentive care and proper growing conditions, the fruit trees purchased with your EBT card can provide abundant harvests to feed your family for years to come!
People Also Ask
Can you buy tomato plants with EBT?
Yes, tomato starter plants are among the vegetable plants allowed for purchase with EBT benefits. Look for young tomato plants stocked near other potted veggie seedlings at retailers like Walmart.
Where can I buy fruit trees using EBT online?
Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com allow EBT purchases of plants and seeds. However, harvested fruit trees are not typically available online due to size and shipping restrictions. Check your local Walmart garden center for best selection.
Does Home Depot accept EBT for fruit trees?
Unfortunately Home Depot does not accept EBT benefits for any purchases, including fruit trees and plants. Focus your search at retailers like Walmart, Safeway, and Dollar Stores that accept EBT for plant purchases.
What if my EBT card is declined for fruit trees?
Politely ask the cashier to double check that the fruit trees are marked as EBT eligible. If still declined, consider speaking with a store manager to understand the policy. You can also contact your state SNAP agency to confirm program rules.
When is the best time to plant fruit trees from Walmart?
Spring and fall are ideal times to plant new fruit trees in most climates. This gives trees the best chance to establish roots before heat, drought, or frost sets in. Talk to Walmart garden staff for planting tips specific to your growing zone.