Top Fruit: There is not an exact classification of a top fruit. But we can include withinthis group most of the fruit- bearing woody plants which grow as trees in their natural state, but a handful (e.g Quince) are shrubs. Remember that the trees will be with you for years, so pick the site with care and prepare the soil properly.
Apples:
Apples are the preferred of all top fruit trees, they are delightful 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 by the thought of huge standards. Standard trees are usually not for your average plot. Nowadays you can purchase dwarf bushes that will not reach your height during their lifetime, or you can actually train cordons to dress 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 selection of variety is totally up to you if the conditions are fully satisfactory for Apples, but site and soil should govern your selection if there are 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 - ensure that the remaining roots are spread out without bending in the plant hole. For bushes and standards firm staking is essential, drive in a short stake before planting. Plant to the old soil mark - the graft must not be covered. Ensure that your soil is kept wet after planting. Don't 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 earlier than Apple blossom, the late spring frosts can be very damaging. Catalogues and large garden centres offer numerous varieties, but choose Conference if 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 all 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 popular rival, the Apple. In general, the site for Pears should be chosen with a little more care than for Apples. Some shelter from cold winds is essential and attempt to select the warmest spot in the garden.
Planting: For planting Pears follow the same rules as for the Apple and you will not go far wrong. Happy Gardening.
Author Resource:-
A fantastic amount of my time is spent in my garden, but as I am getting older and things have become harder to do. I have decided to use a firm called 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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