When you want to add something to your UK garden, a fruit tree is the perfect addition, and it provides you with free and delicious fruit. However, not all fruit trees suit the UK climate, so you may struggle to grow fresh mangos or papaya. There are still plenty of options available that are suitable for the climate in the UK, and once planted, you will suddenly have an abundance of fresh and tasty fruit. Below are some fruit tree options you can consider growing in your garden that will provide lots of fruit and look fantastic.
Pears
The pear tree is an excellent choice for your garden, and these trees provide lots of delicious and refreshing pears that are perfect for the end of summer. Options such as the Conference and Doyenné du Comice pears will thrive in a UK garden, but they will want plenty of sunlight and are more suited to the warmer parts of the UK. Pear trees often require a pollination partner, so you may want to plant two compatible trees or select a self-fertile option like Concorde. Doing so will ensure that you get plenty of fruit every year.
Apples
Apple trees are also suited to the UK climate, with many native varieties from which you can choose and over 2500 available. You can select a tart option, such as Bramley’s, perfect for cooking, or a sweet and juicy option, such as Cox’s Orange Pippins. Apple trees often require a pollination partner like pears, and they are relatively simple to grow and require little maintenance. For smaller gardens, choose an M26 or M9 rootstock, which will help keep the tree compact and easily manageable. However, you must ensure that your chosen variety of apple trees is compatible with your local climate and soil type to ensure a bumper crop each year.
Plums
Another fantastic option for a UK garden is a plum tree, which provides delicious fruit in the Autumn and beautiful flowers in Spring. Two of the most popular options for plum trees are Damson, ideal for preserves and cooking, and Victoria, which produces a sweet and versatile plum. Plum trees are often self-fertile so that you can enjoy an excellent harvest from just one tree. They will grow well in a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. You may want to prune your trees annually, and you must also keep an eye out for common pests, such as plum moths and aphids.
Cherries
Cherry trees are known for their beautiful blossoms in spring and their delicious fruit, which you can eat straight from the tree or use to cook. A cherry tree will grow well in fertile soil in a spot that receives lots of sun, and you may want to plant it deeper than other fruit trees. There are also self-fertile options available, so you can often get excellent crops from one tree, and there are dwarf and compact versions available, suitable for smaller gardens.
Whatever fruit tree you decide to plant, it will be a welcome addition to your garden. It will provide fresh fruit for you and the local wildlife and look fantastic when it is in full bloom.
