When is the best time to plant fruit trees?

Dreaming of homegrown fruit, fresh from the garden? While planting fruit trees isn’t a difficult job, timing is key. Plant your tree at the right time of year and you’ll set it up for success. Here, we’ll go through the optimal time for planting and share valuable tips for getting bountiful fruit trees - from pears to apples, damsons to cherries - in the ground.

How to choose a fruit tree for your garden

Eager to enjoy your own fruit, but still deciding which variety to choose? The right fruit tree or bush for you will depend on a range of factors, including:

• The size and aspect of your garden
• The type of fruit you like to eat
• Its appearance throughout the year
• The wildlife it attracts
• The shade it will cast in your garden
• Whether you’re planting in the ground or in a pot.

You don’t need a big garden to enjoy homegrown fruit. Many fruit trees (and bushes, like blackcurrants and gooseberries) can be raised in pots, so if you have a balcony garden or a small patio, you can still reap the rewards.

Some trees need a partner to ensure their flowers get pollinated and produce fruit; if you’re short on space, you could consider a ‘self-fertile’ variety like a ‘Victoria’ plum or ‘Stella’ cherry, which delivers the goods all by itself.

Bare root trees vs container plants

Fruit trees are supplied in one of two ways: in a pot or ‘bare root’. Bare root trees start life in the ground rather than in containers. In the autumn, they’re dug up and subjected to low temperatures for a few weeks to prepare them for good growth, before being sold or delivered. Bare root trees should be planted as soon as possible on arrival. If you’re short on time, heel them into the soil temporarily to prevent their roots from drying out, until you can plant them properly.

When to plant fruit trees

Wondering when to plant apple trees? The best time to get any type of fruit tree in the ground is from November to February or March, when the plant is in a dormant state and not actively growing.

Thinking about when to plant plum trees or when to plant pear trees? The timings are the same. If you get them in the ground in late autumn or winter, they’ll be ready to put on new growth when the weather warms up.

Fruit trees can be planted in containers at any time of the year. However, they’ll probably do best if they’re potted up in spring, as their roots will get established more quickly.

Where to plant fruit trees

Wondering where to plant your fruit tree? When deciding on a location, consider how much sunlight your garden gets (fruit trees love a warm, bright spot), how sheltered or exposed it is and the type of soil you have. It’s also a good idea to consider the eventual size of your fruit tree; will it have room to grow, or might it eventually block out light to other parts of the garden?

How to plant fruit trees in the ground

Here’s our step-by-step guide to planting a fruit tree in your garden:

1. Before planting, dig over the ground where you want your tree to go and add a generous dose of compost or well-rotted manure.
2. Soak the roots of your tree for 3-4 hours before planting.
3. Dig a hole approximately 15-20cm wider than the tree’s roots and deep enough to allow it to sit at the same level it was in previously. For grafted trees, the join should sit 10-15cm above the soil once planted. Put the tree into the hole and spread the roots out.
4. Backfill the hole and firm the tree in with your foot. Water it well.
5. Drive a stake into the ground at a 45-degree angle, facing into the prevailing wind. Fix the tree to the stake, using a soft-tie to protect the bark. Check the tie once or twice a year and loosen it as needed to prevent it from rubbing and damaging the tree.

How to plant a fruit tree in a pot

Planting a fruit tree in a container is easy to achieve:

1. Choose a pot that will fit the rootball; a container that’s the same size as the tree’s nursery pot, or larger, will work best.
2. Position the pot where you want it to live, so you don’t have to move it once it’s full. Raise it on pot feet or bricks so water can drain out easily.
3. Add crocks or gravel to the bottom of the container and cover them with compost, to two-thirds of the way up the pot.
4. Remove the tree from its nursery pot. Trim any long the roots and place the rootball in the new pot. Planting a grafted fruit tree? The join at the base of the stem should sit level with top of your container.
5. Backfill the pot with compost, just shy of the rim, and firm your plant in. Give it a good soak with a watering can.

How to help your fruit tree thrive after planting

Once you’ve planted your fruit tree, take a few simple steps to keep it looking its best and encourage it to produce delicious fruit.

Care for young fruit trees in the ground by:

• Keeping the soil moist as the leaves appear (but don’t overwater - it’s a fine balance)
• Weeding around the base, to minimise competition as it gets established
• Adding a straw, compost or well-rotted manure mulch around the base in summer, to provide a nutrient boost
• Covering tender fruit trees, like apricots, when the temperature drops in winter
• Pruning established trees back each year. Different types of fruit need pruning in different ways, so research the techniques involved before getting stuck in.

Care for fruit trees in pots by watering them regularly; they’ll dry out more quickly than those in the ground. Prune larger trees annually and repot them every other year until they reach your desired size.

Common fruit tree issues

Even with the best care, fruit trees can run into some common problems, including:

Pests

Aphids and caterpillars can cause damage to fruit trees. Tackle infestations with soft soap, or introduce ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators.

Diseases

Apple scab, mildew and blight can wreak havoc on fruit trees. Annual pruning can open the tree up, improving airflow between the branches. Clean your tools before making cuts, to prevent cross-contamination or infection.

Extreme weather

Droughts and frosts can cause stress to fruit trees. Regular watering and adequate winter protection can help. Site your trees in sheltered locations and tie those in the ground to stakes to reduce the effects of strong wind.

Deficiencies

Yellow leaves and poor fruit yields can be a sign that your trees are lacking in nutrients. Conduct a soil test to check nutrient levels in the ground and then add appropriate fertilisers or organic matter to balance them out.