Fruit tree planting tips, how to plant fruit trees for a fresh supply of fruit every year for all the family. So, how exactly to start planting fruit trees for your own supply of organic, delicious fruit? Landvision regularly advise clients on planning and planting of fruit trees and orchards; what could be healthier, more money saving or more timely than your favourite fruit, your favourite plums and cherries for instance, already on your garden/doorstep?
The beauty of growing your own fruit is that you can choose what to plant and which of your favourite fruit you would really like to eat. Even in the smallest plot, there are dwarf varieties of trees which are readily available. There are also a wide variety of apples and pears, plums and cherries. Think about taste, growth habit of the trees and appearance. If you have more space, then what about planting some of the more unusual fruit trees mulberries, elderberries, quinces, medlars, nuts, filberts, walnuts, sweet chestnuts amongst your apple, pear, plum and cherry trees?
If you are unsure where to start and have a general fruit tree planting query or if you would like to have specialist, professional fruit tree planting advice with horticulturist advice on specific varieties of fruit trees, please ring Landvision; our help and advice will save you time and money ring Landvision 01892 782200; charmaine@landvision.co.uk.
The Chinese proverb asks,”when is the best time to plant a tree?..20 years ago.”
Don't delay! Starting sooner is wise as fruit trees will take several years to establish and then to produce fruit.
Here are some fruit tree planting tips.
The planting season of bare root tree stock runs from late November to early March- so this is the best time to select and plant bare root fruit trees for your home/school/ community orchard.
So, where to start planting?
Planting location is vital. Your local growing conditions are important – in England, we are situated in the cool temperate region where fruit can be damaged by late frosts. So, you need to make sure that you choose a sunny, sheltered spot where the trees will thrive and where blossom and fruit will be protected from cold winds. Avoid planting in a frost pocket. This is because all fruit is sensitive to frost. If you do have to plant in one, plant larger trees at the bottom of the slope and smaller trees at the top.
Planting preparation is very important.
Prepare the soil well, dig in well-rotted compost to provide organic matter and make sure that this is well mixed into the excavated soil and the back fill. Make sure that it is well drained (as standing water will kill off fruit tree roots.) Equally do not pave around fruit tree roots. Make sure that there is adequate space for the mature tree to grow, a full system of roots and tree canopy without competition from weeds will ensure maximum oxygen and food for the roots and thence higher fruit production.
Keep the tree roots covered until the last moment, to avoid drying out. Plant the tree at the same height as it was grown in the nursery. This is vital. (If you plant too deep, tree trunks will rot, too high and the roots will be exposed and will cause the tree to die.)
Ask us if you need help and advice, ring Landvision 01892 782200 or email us at charmaine@landvision.co.uk
The age of the plants you use.
This is important, as many fruit trees are not available in large sizes, with mostly 3 year old trees available in specialist tree nurseries. The older trees are useful as there will be a shorter time to wait before they bear fruit for you. Be patient though, trees like apple and pear take a few years to grow and bear fruit (5-6 years.) If you look after them they will bear more fruit, so undertake regular maintenance and pruning. If you don't know how, ask ian@landvision.co.uk or call Landvision 01892 782200 for help and advice; to save you time and money.
What if your trees produce a surplus? Why not make your own jam, pickles, chutneys, fruit flans, cakes and pies, for use through the whole year until the next harvest? Or you can swop with neighbours and donate surplus fruit to your local friends and family and the wider community. You can set up a Transition group and local food producers' directory.
Finally, don't forget your fruit tree maintenance.
Maintenance. This needs to be regularly undertaken to ensure good establishment of the trees and to ensure a good supply of fruit, correct pruning needs to be undertaken. Weeding also needs to be carried out and mulches used.
Finally for South east England...Brogdale Horticultural Trust in Faversham, Kent have an apple festival weekend this weekend 23rd- 24th October 2010 - why not visit? They are open all year round and have lots of fruit trees on display.
For more professional fruit tree planting tips and advice on all aspects including varieties, ring Landvision; our help will save you time and money on 01892 782200; email; charmaine@landvision.co.uk
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