SUMMER PRUNING DE-MYSTIFIED

Hello,

On Wednesday July 28th - 11 keen gardeners came to the nursery to spend a morning with myself for the latest of our short courses to learn about summer pruning of fruit trees. As with anything connected with the 'p' word - there is much mystery and confusion about the correct techniques. However - hopefully - by the end of the morning session, most people seemed to have got a grasp of the principles behind the practice.

The course began with our usual ' what are you hoping to learn' session - I always like to do this so I can make sure the course is tailored to suit exactly what is required - it is surprising sometimes how I can change the course slightly to bring in a subject that was not originally going to be covered!!

Summer pruning is of particular importance in the training and cultivation of trained fruit trees mostly -espaliers,fans and cordons. Without summer work - these trees would not retain their attractive shape and the potential cropping for next season would be reduced.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make is that they tend to treat their espaliers and fans e.t.c. like a hedge - as soon as it gets too much growth on it - they prune it back - regardless of the time of year!! The whole point of summer pruning is that it is carried out in late summer - usually late July or early August - because the tree growth is just about finished for the year - and the tree is busily making it's flower buds for next spring. It neither has the energy or the time to produce much new growth when pruned in late summer - but if you pruned any of this growth back in May and June - it would simply regrow - since the tree is more interested in growing at that time of the year.

There is much more to be said about the joys of pruning - but that would be more like spoilers for the next course!!!

If you feel that you would like to have a bit more of an idea then our next fruit courses are - Focus on Fruit - Thursday 28th October - 10-1.00 - course fee £25.00 - this is a very general course covering a whole range of topics - or if you are really into the pruning side of it - then Winter Pruning is on either Wednesday 10th November or Thursday 18th November - from 10.30-12.30 either day. This course is specifically aimed at pruning only - and is usually split into shrubs or fruit - depending upon the numbers involved.

To book any of these courses - please do get in early - we have a maximum number - ring the office on 01394 460755.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,
RICHARD