How to Grow Fruit Trees - Part 4 : Espaliering Fruit Trees
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Espaliering fruit trees is an innovative and efficient approach to maximising available space in your garden. This technique allows you to train trees to grow vertically along walls, fences, or trellises, making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban spaces.
By employing this method, even those with limited room can enjoy a delightful harvest of fresh, homegrown fruit. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of espaliering fruit trees and how to extend your fruiting season.
What is Espaliering?
Espaliering involves carefully training the branches of fruit trees to grow in a flat formation against a support structure. This not only optimises space but also promotes better air circulation, increased sunlight exposure, and easier harvesting. Additionally, the decorative aspect of espaliering adds an aesthetic appeal to your garden, transforming a simple wall or fence into a vibrant fruit-laden feature.
Getting Started with Espaliering:
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Choose the Right Varieties:
- Not all fruit trees are suitable for espaliering. Opt for varieties that are naturally vigorous yet responsive to training. Apples and pears are popular choices due to their adaptability.
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Set Up a Support Structure:
- You can use trellises, wires, or wooden lattices to support the branches of your fruit trees. Ensure the structure is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the tree as it grows and bears fruit.
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Prune Regularly:
- Regular pruning is essential in espaliering. This technique involves careful cutting back of branches to encourage lateral growth and maintain the desired shape. Pruning should be done during the dormant season to promote healthy regrowth.
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Train the Branches:
- As the tree grows, gently tie the branches to the support structure using soft ties or string. Avoid tying too tightly, as this can cause damage to the bark.
Fruiting & Extending the Season
One of the joys of growing fruit trees is the ability to enjoy fresh produce throughout the year. To keep the fruit coming, consider planting a mix of varieties with different harvest times. Here are some excellent combinations for various fruit types:
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Apples: Triple Grafted
- Royal Gala (Early Fruiting): Known for its sweet flavour and crisp texture, this apple is perfect for immediate enjoyment.
- Red Delicious (Mid-Season Fruiting): This well-known variety produces sweet, juicy apples, ideal for snacking.
- Braeburn/Granny Smith (Late Season Fruiting): With their tangy taste and firm texture, these apples are excellent for cooking and baking.
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Pears: Double Grafted for Pollination and Extended Picking Time
- William Bon Chretien (Early Season Fruiting): This popular pear is known for its juicy, sweet flavour.
- Doyenne du Comice (Late Season Fruiting): Renowned for its exceptional taste, this variety is perfect for dessert and fresh eating.
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Plums: Double Grafted for Pollination
- Black Doris (Early Season Fruiting): A favourite for its sweet, tangy flavour and juiciness.
- Santa Rosa (Late Season Fruiting): This variety is known for its aromatic scent and balanced sweetness, making it a great addition to your garden.
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Apricots: Double Grafted to Spread Harvesting Time
- Trevatt (Early Season Fruiting): Sweet and succulent, this apricot variety is perfect for jam and fresh eating.
- Fitzroy (Late Season Fruiting): This variety is known for its richer flavour and is excellent for cooking and preserving.
Benefits of Diversifying Your Harvest
Planting a mix of varieties with staggered harvest times not only maximises your yield but also extends the fruiting season throughout the year. This approach allows you to enjoy fresh fruit from your garden for as long as possible, and it helps with pollination, improving the overall health and productivity of your trees.