Top Fruit: There is not an exact classification of a top fruit. But we can include withinthis group all of the fruit- bearing woody plants which grow as trees in their natural state, but a handful (e.g Quince) are shrubs. Bear in mind that the trees will be with you for years, so pick the site with care and prepare the soil correctly.
Apples:
Apples are the most popular of all top fruit trees, they are gorgeous when in bloom and are rewarding at crop time. Most areas of Britain are quite suitable for Apple cultivation, but some people with small gardens are put off by the thought of large standards. Standard trees are not for the average plot. Nowadays you can buy dwarf bushes which will not reach your height during their lifetime, or it is possible to train cordons to clothe a garden fence or wall.
Site and soil: Apples will grow in most situations, but growth and cropping suffer in chalky soils, poorly drained sites and gardens close to the sea. The selection of variety is completely up to you if the conditions are fully satisfactory for Apples, but site and soil should govern your selection if you find problems. For northern gardens, shaded sites and land which is more than 5oo ft. above sea level, pick out cooking and/or early -ripening dessert varieties.
Planting: October - March is the planting period. Cut back any damaged or broken roots - make certain that the remaining roots are spread out without bending in the plant hole. For bushes and standards firm staking is vital, drive in a short stake before planting. Plant to the old soil mark - the graft must not be buried. Make sure that the soil is kept moist after planting. Don't grass over the soil above the planting hole for at least 2 - 3 years.
Pears:
Pears are a bit more temperamental than Apples. They detest cold easterly winds - young foliage is blackened and torn on open sites. Flowers open sooner than Apple blossom, the late spring frosts are often very damaging. Catalogues and large garden centres offer numerous varieties, but choose Conference should you live in the north of Britain. No other Pear is quite as dependable under cold conditions.
Site and soil: Pears dislike shallow soils, chalk around the roots and salt-laden air. They really are more sensitive to cold winds and late frosts than Apples, as noted above, but they do do possess the distinct benefit of thriving in heavier land than is suitable for your more fashionable rival, the Apple. On the whole, the site for Pears should be chosen with a little more care than for Apples. Some shelter from cold winds is essential and try to pick the warmest spot in the garden.
Planting: For planting Pears follow exactly the same rules as for the Apple and you are not going to go far wrong. Happy Gardening.
Author Resource:
An incredible amount of my time is spent in my garden, but as I am getting older and things are becoming harder to do. I have decided to use a firm called Landscape Gardener London . Up to now they have given me all the help and advice that I have asked for. I still do a bit of pottering around my own garden.
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