Growing Fruit Trees

A fruit tree is a great addition to any garden. Not only do they look nice throughout the year, you are also rewarded with fresh fruit picked straight from your very own garden.

Some fruit trees are available to buy in two forms – container (so in a pot) or bare-root (so the roots are exposed). Both will do well, just make sure you buy them from a reputable nursery.

Apple Tree

When to Plant: Bare roots - Autumn to SpringContainer - Winter if possible, but they aren’t too fussy

Likes: A sunny, sheltered spot

Dislikes: Shallow, water logged soil

TLC: Good news - apple trees don’t need much TLC once established. Keep them watered during any dry spells and add a fertiliser in the early spring. Prune them once a year to get the best crop – the best time to prune will be dependent on your choice of apple variety.

When to Harvest: August-November

Pear Tree

When to Plant: January-February

Likes: A sunny, sheltered spot

Dislikes: Shallow, water logged soil

TLC: Like apple trees, pear trees will also look after themselves quite happily. Keep them watered during any dry spells and add a fertiliser in Spring. Prune them once a year to get the best crop.

When to Harvest: August-November

Cherry Tree

When to Plant: Autumn-Winter

Likes: Deep soil which is nice a fertile and well-drained

Dislikes: Sandy, shallow or waterlogged soil

TLC: Cherries like nice fertile soil, so add a compost mulch early in the year and feed them with a general fertiliser just before spring. They aren’t very keen on the colder weather, so if frost is predicted covering them in horticultural fleece will help to protect them.

When to Harvest: June-August

Apricot Tree

When to Plant: November-March

Likes: A warm sheltered spot, ideally south facing

Dislikes: Poor shallow soil

TLC: Let the apricot tree soak up the sun in the day time, but in the winter months cover with a horticultural fleece at night to help protect it from the frost. Dig compost into the soil to add nutrients and to help the soil retain water.

When to Harvest: July-August

Get planting and you could soon have your very own little orchard full of fresh fruit ready to eat within minutes of being picked!