| 1.
The size of the tree required |
this is controlled by the rootstock chosen.
|
| 2.
Pollination |
unless
varieties are self fertile they will need a pollinator
in the same or adjacent groups.
|
| 3.
Varieties for ease of management |
choose
varieties with good disease resistance.
|
| 4.
Earlies, mids, lates. |
choose
varieties that can be eaten from August or store well
until spring.
|
| 5.
Triploids |
will
require two other pollinators.
|
| 6.
Dwarfing trees |
need the best soil and a permanent stake.
|
| 7.
Trained trees/soft fruit |
if space is limited and a sunny wall or fence is available
‘trained’ forms of tree and soft fruit bushes
such as cordons, espaliers and fans are ideal.
|
| 8.
Best time to plant |
the
best time to plant is during the dormant season. Bare
rooted plants have to be planted at this time. Container
grown trees can in theory be planted anytime, but particular
attention to watering will be necessary if planted from
spring onwards.
|
| 9.
Site |
the ideal site would be a well sheltered south facing
slope. More vigorous rootstocks have more root to provide
better anchorage on exposed sites All fruit trees need
good light to produce good quality fruit, and south or
west is best.However, plums, pears and apples will fruit
when east facing. Morello cherries, cooking apples, gooseberries,
red currants and blackberries will all produce some fruit
on a site facing north.
|
| 10.
Soil |
most fruits prefer a fairly neutral soil, pH of 6.5. Dwarfing
rootstocks should only be planted in the best soils.More
vigorous rootstocks can cope with a less than ideal soil.Where
possible it is best to improve planting sites well before
the trees arrive.Sandy soil should have plenty of organic
matter incorporated, to increase the water retention of
the soil.On heavy soils try to incorporate plenty of grit
and organic matter to aerate, and improve drainage.
|
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