[Janeymiddlewife]

I've just had a small bonus at work , I'd like to buy some apple trees with it as there aren't any near my plot.
I know i will need 2 different types to pollinate, I need to check the rootstock so i know how big they'll get/ water well the first year/ probably put some sort of rabbit protection around them - but
what else do i need to look out for, any recommendations for nurseries to purchase online from, or is it better to go and buy some in pots at a nursery?
thanks
janeym

[AndyRVTR]

Hi Janey... try LIDL... they have some cracking trees...

[waddecar]

Janey, this is the website for info on fruit:

LINK

[PinkTequila]

Personally I like to see what I am buying and make sure I get a good tree. Bare rooted are normally pretty good, and you can see what you are getting in terms of well developed roots! Decide what size trees you want,  I guess a semi or dwarfing rootstock probablyand make sure you prune them correctly to get the right shape now rather than have to prune more drastically in later years. I would then go for a dessert and a cooker in the same pollination group.

[Janeymiddlewife]

Thanks, very helpful, just need to make room for them now!!

[SG6]

Brogdale, the link you were given, will graft any apple type they have, 2000+, on to any rootstock you choose.

That is where I got mine from, all grew. Guess M9 rootstock is probably the best.

[DANNY]

Thanks, very helpful, just need to make room for them now!!

One or two points worth talking about here, (1) as the apple tree,s will be in the ground for many years its well worth while to plant them away from buildings as the roots can cause problems to old walls etc and drains,
and (2) again as these trees will be in the ground for years its well worth ensuring you use good root feed to help them settle "fish blood, is a good one and then once" staked "and planted ensure you use a manure mulch to help both keep the roots moist and keep frost from damaging the roots,
ref protection from rabbits etc, I cut an old oil drum top and base out of the drum and then cut the remaining drum down one side, this enables me to hold the drum open enough to get it so the tree sits in the middle of the drum shell, keeps all animals away from the bark but also helps keep the wind from the base and if I get a strong frost I can fill the shell of the drum with straw to aid protection, I live in France and we do have deer, sheep etc so this is a very good method.

All fruit trees are money well spent when you think of all the years you,ll have fruit to show from the initial outlay.

[paintedlady]

Do check the pollinating partners very carefully - it's not just a case of 2 apple trees (some like Bramley are triploid & will only pollinate with another of its kind)  Some are even self-fertile although they make good partners for other apples - and also WHEN they flower too (although all flower in spring, some are just a bit earlier or later so might miss each other)

I'm lucky to have a long (but narrow) garden and now have 5 different eating apples & 2 Bramleys, 2 conference pears, a sweet cherry, 2 black cherry & a plum - all on semi dwarf root stock, as well as a dwarf peach     Best investment I made 5 years ago - I've had the most fantastic apple & plum crop this year and my freezer is full, have jars of sauce & getting on with dried apple rings.  I would highly recommend getting fruit trees if you have the space    (I've also got 5 elders - no crop this year due to heavy pruning, but next year there will be a good crop of flowers & berries for wine & port   )

Also, might be handy to read up on growing of varieties before purchasing - I have a Cox which struggles to produce anything because the soil conditions are not right (wish I'd known this before I bought it - see, I speak from experience   ) but it still has lovely blossom and makes a pollinating partner for others.