Page 23 - ALG 1 2018 html5 version

Fruit Focus
Planting your Bare Root Fruit Tree
Bare root fruit trees are available from November until March/early April. They are less expensive than container grown trees and establish a good root system much quicker, although they may take longer to fruit.
The tree is grown under eld conditions, and when it is lifted from the ground with all of the soil washed off the bare roots, the roots are best surrounded with wet straw inside a sack or bag. They will remain in good condition for several days packed like this.
Dig a hole at least 15cms/6ins wider than the spread of the root system and plant at the same depth at which it was grown in the nursery; never bury the graft union. Make sure that the subsoil at the bottom of the hole has been loosened up to improve drainage. Place the tree in the centre of the hole, driving the stake into the subsoil with the stake at the windward side. Replace the soil, jiggling the tree as you go, to help the soil settle into any air pockets, then rm the soil around the trunk and mulch to suppress weeds.
There is a large choice of bare root fruit tree varieties available. Most plot holders will need to look out for varieties available on dwar ng rootstock; apples - M9, M26 or 27, pears and quinces
– Quince C, Plums and Gages - VVA1 or Pixy, Cherry – Gisela 5. Trees grown on dwar ng rootstock need good soil conditions, care and attention in their rst year. Nearly all fruit trees are self-sterile;
this means that pollination can only be achieved by the successful transfer of pollen from suitable trees that are growing nearby and owering at the same time. It doesn’t have to be the same cultivar/ variety of fruit. On an allotment in an urban area it is likely that there
is a pollinating partner for an apple or pear, which crop best when pollinated by a different variety. If you do not have room on your plot for a pollinating partner choose one of the self-fertile varieties such as Cherry ‘Stella’, Oullins Gage or Plum Opal.
When choosing a spot for your tree please also think about your plot neighbour, as the tree will cast shade and the roots will spread and draw moisture and nutrients from an area at least as wide as the canopy.
Check out page 7 for exciting new member bene t
J MAHER LTD.
Suppliers To Growers, Allotments & Horticultural Societies in Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside & Greater Manchester.
Distributors Of The Following Manufacturers: Clover, Durstons, Thomas Elliot Fertilisers, Chempak, SBM (Bayer Garden), Maxicrop, Creoseal, Gardman, Scotts Miracle Gro, Westland, JBA & WCF Seed Potatoes Johnsons Grass Seed, Doff, Organico (6X), Vitax,
Plus Many More.
Ring or E-mail for a comprehensive price list
427/429
Lever Edge Lane, Bolton, BL3 3BG,
Mail –
Tel (01204) 64918 E-
jmaherltd@btconnect.com
23