So you think you can’t grow Apples and pears?
DID you know that the original Bramley apple tree, grown from a pip in the early 1800s, lived for more than 200 years before succumbing to honey fungus? While you might not get quite so much value from one planted today, fruit trees remain one of the best investments a gardener can make. Opt for an apple or pear tree and, in general, it will need little care and attention and will produce bountiful fruit crops.
When choosing, it’s worth spending some time researching the options before you commit. Get it right, and you will never look back; choose badly and you’ll have bags of fruit that nobody wants.
Key considerations are flavour and usage. Ask yourself: do you prefer something sweet or a more tart taste? And what are you growing the fruit for – eating straight off the tree or cooking? Storing, juicing or making cider?
Other factors are harvesting time and
