I want to plant a fruit tree on my allotment but, it is very open on top of a hill and prone to wind damage, is there any chance i could plant one? and keep it small, connie
If you choose a dwarf root stock to keep the tree small, stake it properly to stop wind rock and allow the roots to form properly you should be ok.
My garden is subject to a wind tunnel effect( westerly winds) but I have a large bramley apple tree at the top of the garden, which produces amazing numbers of of apples each year. Your tree may lean in one direction over time, but they are amazingly robust. I'd leave the stakes in place for a good few years to allow a good root structure to form.
Once it gets about 4 inches in diameter ( a few years) it should withstand almost anything we get.
I would like to grow several varieties of fruit trees from bare root stock, unfortunately I do not have a plot ready to plant in. Is it possible to plant in a temporary area and perhaps next spring transplant to the permanent site, if this is possible would it disrupt the fruit production?
Conference pears are semi self-fertile and will produce a crop without a pollination partner - however they will produce a better crop with a partner from the right group - it is not another Conference that they need, but one of these
Planting two different varieties would be better. A single tree will still provide fruit but a second tree of a different variety grown nearby will improve pollination and increase the crop of both.
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Posts
If you choose a dwarf root stock to keep the tree small, stake it properly to stop wind rock and allow the roots to form properly you should be ok.
My garden is subject to a wind tunnel effect( westerly winds) but I have a large bramley apple tree at the top of the garden, which produces amazing numbers of of apples each year. Your tree may lean in one direction over time, but they are amazingly robust. I'd leave the stakes in place for a good few years to allow a good root structure to form.
Once it gets about 4 inches in diameter ( a few years) it should withstand almost anything we get.
Hi , thanks for all replies, been helpful
Hi lindawalker
Conference pears are semi self-fertile and will produce a crop without a pollination partner - however they will produce a better crop with a partner from the right group - it is not another Conference that they need, but one of these
http://www.ashridgetrees.co.uk/hedging-trees-fruit-questions/fruit-tree-growing-guides/pollination-pear-trees
If you're looking for a pollination partner for Conference - can I recommend Concorde - my favourite pear of all time and a good match for Conference.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Planting two different varieties would be better. A single tree will still provide fruit but a second tree of a different variety grown nearby will improve pollination and increase the crop of both.
Dove, you keep beating me tonight! I must buy a new keyboard - the symbols have worn off of this one and as I can't touch-type I have to keep editing!
One thing not mentioned, but I believe it is a good idea to sprinkle fungus in the bottom of the hole in contact with the roots.