Fruit trees, fruit canes and bushes are best grown in garden soil, although there are varieties of apples and pears that are grafted onto dwarf rootstock that can be grown successfully in large tubs.
There are usually many different varieties to choose from each with distinctive flavours. Your local garden centre will be able to advise you on varieties that do well in your area and whether they need a partner for good pollination. Popular varieties will also be available growing on different rootstocks so you can choose plants that will keep to a reasonable and pickable height, already trained into the shape you need for your space.
| Tree Fruits | Soft Fruits |
|---|---|
| Apple | Strawberry |
| Pear | Raspberry |
| Plum | Blackberry |
| Cherry | Gooseberry |
| Peach | Blackcurrant |
| Nectarine | Red Currant |
| Quince | White Currant |
Caring for your fruit tree or plant
Planting
Plant carefully, digging a good sized planting hole and enriching the soil with lots of organic matter.
Tree Staking
Trees must be staked and tied with two tree ties for at least the first two years while the plant roots become established.
Feed
A starved plant cannot support a large crop, so feed every year with a controlled release plant food applied in early spring.
If fruit is growing in pots, you can feed and water with soluble plant food every couple of weeks in spring and summer to encourage strong growth and large fruits.
Pest Control
Take the appropriate action to control pests and diseases of fruit. Watch out for greenfly on apples, pears and plums. Protection against maggots on apples is sensible if this is a local problem.
