Pruning dwarf fruit trees

[FB.]

At this time of year, not many nurseries will take orders as its too late.

As far as I can tell, Blackmoor > Link < close for bare-root orders this weekend (although may offer some container stock)

I'd prefer to pick up some M26's/QuinceC from there. They'll cost a little more, but the varieties and rootstocks will be far more useful to a spray-free grower.

I'll have a look and see if I would recommend any in particular.

(I have no connection with Blackmoor!)

[FB.]

OK, here are some not-too-vigorous varieties which I would shortlist, which are also available as one-year maidens (the best for training into what you want):
(maybe also pick up a few strawberries, raspberries, currants etc in the same order?)

Apple Early Windsor Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Greensleeves Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Meridian Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Rev.W.Wilks Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Saturn Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Scrumptious Blackmoor Nurseries

Pear Concorde Blackmoor Nurseries
(Quince A will not be a problem with Concorde as Concorde is, itself, a semi-dwarf)

Cherry Regina Blackmoor Nurseries

Plum Opal Blackmoor Nurseries
(Opal is a semi-dwarf, so should be manageable on St.J.A)

[Jason Cartwright]

Cheers FB.
I think I've chosen which trees I'd like and if 4 of there ain't a problem in my new trough then I'll order some. If I'm too late for this year then I'll get in early for next year.

Thanks

[FB.]

You'll be able to get four in the trough, but no more than four.
One year old maidens would be best as they'll be easier to train and will not have too large roots which might get in the way when planting.

With multiples in the same trough, they will compete with each other, which will keep them smaller than if they had a whole trough each. The M26 or equivalent roots will be vigorous enough to cope with the competition from other plants in the trough (as you'll note in the nursery rootstock guide in my earlier link at 07:37 PM ; M26 and equivalent roots will grow in any reasonable soil and will tolerate some competition from grass or other plants when mature).

The trees will need correct pruning when necessary in their first few years if they are to become what you need. If possible, take a picture when they arrive (Blackmoor usually only take a few days to deliver).

I'd be inclined to put the strongest-looking ones in the middle and the smaller ones at the end.

[miker2d2]

if i bought a plum, pear and cherry would i have any trouble with pollination? i notice the pear is group c but the other 2 self fertile

i know i have to order this weekend as its getting late for planting

thanks in advance

OK, here are some not-too-vigorous varieties which I would shortlist, which are also available as one-year maidens (the best for training into what you want):
(maybe also pick up a few strawberries, raspberries, currants etc in the same order?)

Apple Early Windsor Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Greensleeves Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Meridian Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Rev.W.Wilks Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Saturn Blackmoor Nurseries

Apple Scrumptious Blackmoor Nurseries

Pear Concorde Blackmoor Nurseries
(Quince A will not be a problem with Concorde as Concorde is, itself, a semi-dwarf)

Cherry Regina Blackmoor Nurseries

Plum Opal Blackmoor Nurseries
(Opal is a semi-dwarf, so should be manageable on St.J.A)

[FB.]

Pollintion would depend on whether the pear was self-fertile (depends on the variety - you didn't say which) or on the presence of a different variety of pear tree in nearby gardens.