Page 22 - ALG Issue 3 2019

fruit...
pears
Having a pear tree on your plot gives you the opportunity to grow and eat something a little different; 90% of the pears produced commercially in the UK are Conference pears. It is thought that pears originated in the Caucasus and were first grown in Britain during the Roman occupation. Varieties recommended for an allotment plot (on the right rootstock) are Beth, Conference, Concorde, Louise Bonne, Onward and Petite Poire.
Pears are an easy crop to grow and are available on dwarfing rootstock. Pears grow in a more vertical way than apples but, to reduce height, they can be trained as fans or cordons (step-overs) - a low-growing, horizontally-trained tree that can be planted along an edge ofapathorabedandusedtomakea divider on the plot. Step-over trees can be bought ready to be trained along a framework. Some pear trees are self- fertile but many are not, so to ensure a crop you may need to plant a suitable pollination partner or consider a Kings Seeds Family Pear Tree, which is grafted with three compatible varieties; the early variety William bon Chretien with its super sweet flavour and melting flesh, Conference, the most famous pear in the world and Doyenne du Comice, the Kings of Pears and a great eating experience.
Containerised trees can be planted in all but the worst conditions; bare root trees are available between November and March and can be planted if the
ground is not frozen or sodden. A
free draining and reasonably fertile soil is best; no fruit tree likes to be waterlogged at the roots. A south
or west facing aspect is required for most dessert fruits. The planting site should be free from the competition
of overhanging trees/buildings and there must be free movement of air
to prevent diseases such as canker establishing itself. Under damp conditions, the branch work must be able to dry quickly. Avoid frost pockets and positions that are exposed to high winds. These will cause damage to developing fruits and flowers at critical times in their development.
Dig a wide hole no deeper than the roots, breaking up the sides and
There are a variety of pests and diseases such as aphids, codling moth and mildew that can affect your pear tree
base with a fork. Place the tree in the centre and the stake to the side if one is required. Refill with soil, firming
as you go, to remove air pockets then water and mulch; ensure that the area is kept free of weeds. Water in dry periods and when the fruit starts to swell, give a balanced feed in spring. To stay productive, your tree should be pruned every year (timing and method of pruning depends on the type of pear you are growing). Harvest pears just before they are ripe but firm and swollen. Pears can be eaten fresh or used in pies, puddings and preserves.
There are a variety of pests and diseases such as aphids, codling
moth and mildew that can affect your pear tree. You can limit their effects
by practicing good hygiene, pruning appropriately, using physical barriers such as traps or grease bands to
deter codling moth and encouraging natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
22 Allotment and Leisure Gardener