Page 61 - homes & gardens

GROWING POME FRUITS COMPANION PlANTING
IN AN ORCHARD AND IN POTS FOR FRUIT TREES
n Pome fruits need rich, well-drained, moist soil. Most n Apples should be kept away from potatoes to avoid
require a period of winter chill to fruit well, though early blight. Try underplanting with chives, penstemons,
PLANT OFFER
spring pear blossom should be protected from frost. nasturtiums (which prevent sawfly and woolly aphids)
n For most apples, crab apples and pears, a mix of and, in a wilder area, stinging nettles.
MEDLAR AND QUINCE
varieties is needed for pollination. A few apples, such n Crab apples often grow wild in hedgerows so can be Homes & Gardens readers
as ‘James Grieve’, are self-fertile, as are quinces. accompanied by meadow grass, wildfowers and other can buy two plants – a
n Most hard fruits can be grown in pots, as long as the hedgerow plants, such as hawthorn. medlar Mespilus germanica
tree has been grafted on a dwarf rootstock. Gardening n Pears need a fairly open site and are hindered and quince Cydonia oblonga
expert Christine Walkden recommends M9 and M26 by grass, but will cope with a few hardy geraniums – for only £44.99 with free
rootstocks for apples and Quince C for pears. around their trunks. delivery (normally £5.99).
n Medlars and quinces can be grown from seed, though n Quinces can be surrounded by pungent herbs, such The plants will be supplied in
medlars are usually grafted on a pear or quince stock. as chives and garlic. four-litre pots within 14 days
of ordering. To order and
n Weed around the trees, apply mulch and spray with n Medlars often grow in moist open woods, so choose for terms and conditions,
seaweed fertiliser in spring. woodland plants such as corncockles and campion. call 01386 426245 and
n Hard prune apples, pears and quinces in winter and For more information on growing orchard fruits, visit the quote ROHS15 or visit
take out lengthening shoots in summer. Crab apples National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Farm, Faversham, hayloftplants.co.uk/ROHS15.
and medlars need only remedial pruning. Kent ME13 8XZ or go to brogdalecollections.org. Offer closes 31 October 2015.

september 2015 | H&G | 61