[Annen]

On my way back from the plot I found a pair of hazel or cob nuts, blown off a nearby tree.  Does anybody know the best way to plant them?  And given that I am 68, is life too short?
I would love to grow my own hazel canes.

[arugula]

Much of the information on the internet says you have to plant two distinct varieties and have wild pollinators nearby, but I guess that is more applicable if you want fruit and you suggest that you're more interested in the wood.

BTCV (I think they recently changed their name according the emails I get) say this about sowing:

When the seeds show signs of germination (check them from the end of February) it is time to sow them. In pots, simply place two seeds about 2-3cm deep, firm and water. Keep the pots moist.

In seedbeds we can broadcast the seed. Aim for about 400 ‘sinkers’ in each square metre – you should get 200 plants. The seeds must be pressed into the soil either by rolling or by using a large flat board. Cover the bed with 2cm of horticultural grit.

Source: http://treegrowing.tcv.org.uk/grow/tree-recipes/hazel

Hope this helps.

[allotmentann]

My hazel seems to self seed freely wherever the nuts drop (or the squirrels bury them), so I shouldn't think you should have too much trouble with them. I grow them for the canes too - think I would get disheartened if I wanted the nuts! The squirrels definitely get there first!

[moose]

My neighbour has a row of cob nut trees along our boundary fence. Most of the nuts seem to fall or get squirreled onto my side. This year alone I have pulled up 91 young cob nut trees from all over my garden. Lat year it was over 70. I hate cob nuts.

[SG6]

They grow easily enough, as said squirrels bury them and they pop up all over the place.
I pull them up at regular intervals.

[Annen]

I have never seen squirrels or wild hazelnut trees in this part of Newcastle, so that doesn't bode well for just planting them.
I think I might just put them in a pot of compost and leave them in a corner of the garden under the hedge and forget about them.
Does anybody know how long they take to grow to tree size?

[Salmo]

Putting them in a pot in the garden now is the right way. They should germinate in the Spring.

I think the ones you buy for hedging are either 2 or three years old.