When to Plant Fruit Trees in the UK

There isn’t a better feeling than looking out of your kitchen window and seeing a tree full of fresh fruit! However, we know just how daunting growing and planting fruit trees can be; there’s so much pressure to ensure it’s all done correctly.

That’s where we’re here to help, because with the right timing and a little bit of love, you can set your fruit tree up for success.

From planting apple trees, peaches, and cherries, this is everything you need to know about when to plant fruit trees.

The Right New Fruit Trees for your Garden

The right tree for your garden is out there, but there are just a few things to consider before choosing. Here are the things you need to think about.

• What size is your garden? Larger trees wouldn’t be suitable in smaller gardens as they take up too much space, but there are many small trees perfect for small outside spaces. (like those grown with a dwarf rootstock) You can also consider whether you choose ground planting or container planting, depending on space.
• What type of fruit do you enjoy? There’s no point planting an apple tree in your garden if you don’t eat apples.
• What wildlife does it attract? If you love wildlife and want your garden to be full of insects, birds, and mammals, there are some trees that will work better for you.

You don’t need a large garden to enjoy fruit trees; you just have to consider the species that will be best for you. If you’re short on space, it’s usually best to consider self fertile varieties too, so that you can get a good crop without the need for cross-pollination.

Planting Bare Root Fruit Tree

For many people, planting bare root trees is the better option; however, they can only be planted at certain times of the year.

The ideal time to plant bare root fruit trees is between November and March, as this is the dormant season. (Our trees arrive dormant if they are bare root). We recommend planting during any mild spells when the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged.

Once planted, bare root trees can establish their roots before the growing season, so that you can begin growing a healthy fruit tree in your garden.

Planting Container Trees

Container grown trees offer flexibility as they can be planted at any time of the year. So, if you’ve missed the dormant season, they are a great option for you.

The ideal time to plant container fruit trees is in autumn or early spring, when soil conditions are good, and moisture levels are naturally higher. However, they can be planted at any time of year, provided the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. Extra care should be taken when planting in summer, as trees will require more frequent watering during dry spells.

Once planted, container-grown trees can continue to grow without interruption, allowing them to establish well and produce healthy new growth in your garden.

When Not To Plant Fruit Trees

There are two periods where it is important not to plant fruit trees: these are summer and when the ground is frozen.

Summer is the time fruit trees begin growing the quickest (between May and August), and planting in the summer reduces the chance of you getting an established fruit tree.

Winter is the best time to plant bare root trees and container trees, but avoid planting when the ground is frozen or there is super bad weather. To store them during this time, heel bare root trees in the garden or in a bag of compost in the garage, and keep container planted trees in the cold garage until you find the right time to plant.

Planting Top Tips

• Before planting, soak bare roots in water for 1-2 hours and prepare fertile soil mixes with well rotted manure or compost.
• If you can, plant them at the same depth they were before, you should be able to see a soil mark on the trunk! Once planted, firm the soil to remove air pockets.
• It’s also good to mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.