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There's nothing better than picking a nice ripe piece of fruit out of the garden and eating it. For me, its the taste. Somehow my apples taste better than the ones out of the supermarket. I'm not bragging, those reading this who have their own fruit trees will probably agree. So go on. grow your own, its easy, and I'm going to show you how.
Growing your own fruit actually requires less work than growing vegetables, and, once established require only a little looking after. The best site in your garden to grow fruit is a sheltered spot that receives at least half a days sunshine. To save energy position your fruit crops where they will be easy to water, prune & harvest.
A fruit tree in blossom for example makes a good focal point in the garden or lawn.
Tips
| DO choose varieties that are naturally resistant to disease. |
| DO provide the best possible site and growing conditions. |
| DO keep weeds under control around the base of trees. |
| DON'T choose complicated, trained forms - they take longer to prune. |
| NEVER allow fruit to go short of water, particulary in the swelling period. |
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Where to grow your Fruit
| South Facing Wall - A large sunny wall or fence is best for trained forms of pears, peaches and plums. |
| West or North Facing - Grow redcurrants, white currants, 'Morello' cherries and blackberries. |
| Fruit Cage - This is the best place to grow soft fruit because it provides protection from birds and shelter from the wind. e.g. redcurrants, strawberries, raspberries and cherry trees. |
| In Containers - On a sunny patio try growing pots of strawberries, blueberries or a patio peach tree. |
| Dividers & Trellis - Train hybrid berries on trellis or over an arch. |
| Specimen Trees - Makes a good focal point in the garden, especially in a lawn. Remember to keep an 18 inch (45cm) free soil boundary around the base. |
Click Here for info about Tomatoes.
| Rootstock Information |
| Fruit trees are available in a variety of different rootstocks. This determines the vigour and growth of the tree. Always check for a rootstock and if there isn't a rootstock label don't buy it. |
| FRUIT |
ROOTSTOCK |
TREE SIZE |
| Apple |
M27 |
4 to 6ft |
| Apple |
M9 |
8 to 10ft |
| Apple |
M26 |
10 to 14ft |
| Apple |
MM106 |
10 to 12ft |
| Pear |
'Quince C' |
10 to 11ft |
| Cherry |
'Colt' |
11 to 13ft |
| Plum |
'Pixy' |
6 to 8ft |
| Plum |
'St Julien A' |
11 to 13ft | |
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