Growing fruit1 October 2012
Autumn is the best time of year to plant fruit trees and bushes for growing fruit.
The soil is still warm and roots are growing below ground. A tree, bush or cane planted now has time to establish and grow away strongly in spring.
Fruits that grow on trees, bushes or canes include apples, pears, plums, gooseberries, raspberries and blackcurrants.
You have plenty of varieties to choose from.
For berried fruits see Welsh Fruit Stocks and Buckingham Nurseries. For tree fruits Brogdale has more fruit varieties than you could ever imagine.
If you want to try local varieties The Marcher Apple Network, the East of England Apples and Orchards Project and the Brogdale Trust (see above) are good sources of information.
Or maybe join other enthusiasts in the RHS Fruit Group or Northern Fruit Group.
This is an edited extract from "Earthmatters", Friends of the Earth's supporter magazine. Join Friends of the Earth and you'll receive a free magazine 3 times a year.
