fruit trees
Sun, 13/06/2010 - 20:57 — melaniem
Hi. I am a member of a small school-based children's nursery and we are investigating setting up a pot based orchard in our play area. We would like to plant native species of apples/pears and other fruits such as raspberries and strawberries. We are based close to the bridgend allotments and were hoping to link in with their expertise if possible. Can anyone help with suggestions for trees in the first instance and with practical advice such as container sizes/amounts of compost/tools/etc that we should factor into our plans?
Thanks in advance!
fruit trees
Hi
As you will be growing in containers you will most likely be looking for dwarf tree stock. Most garden centres will have some available and should be happy to advise on the best varieties. Try googling for "heritage fruit trees", there are lots of suppliers online as well.
Soft fruit can do well in pots. Blueberries (in ericaceous compost), black-red-white currants, gooseberries and strawberries are all possibilities. Raspberries would probably be too large a plant.
For all of these the larger the container the better, apart from strawberries which are fine in smaller pots.
If you email bridgend.allotment[at]blueyonder.co.uk I can answer more directly.
Cheers