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 several (e.g Quince) are shrubs. Remember the trees will probably with you for many years, so pick the site with care and prepare the soil properly.
Apples:
Apples are the preferred of all top fruit trees, they are lovely when in bloom and are rewarding at crop time. Most areas of Britain are quite suitable for Apple cultivation, but many people with small gardens are put off with the thought of huge standards. Standard trees are not for your average plot. Nowadays you can buy dwarf bushes which will not reach your height in their lifetime, or you can 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 near to the sea. The choice 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 have problems. For northern gardens, shaded sites and land which is more than 5oo ft. above sea level, decide on 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 inside the plant hole. For bushes and standards firm staking is crucial, drive in a short stake before planting. Plant to the old soil mark - the graft must not be buried. Make sure that your soil is kept moist after planting. Do not grass over the soil above the planting hole for at the very least 2 - 3 years.
Pears:
Pears are a little more unreliable 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 can be 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 are more sensitive to cold winds and late frosts than Apples, as noted above, but they do have the distinct benefit of thriving in heavier land than is suitable for your more popular 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 crucial and attempt to choose the warmest spot in your garden.
Planting: For planting Pears follow the same rules as for the Apple and you will not go far wrong. Happy Gardening.
Author Resource:
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