The Fruit and Veg Expert, March's meeting.

I have recently been reading up on fruit trees before buying some for my allotment, but I learnt so much more from Tom Cole’s talk than from the books I was reading, Tom certainly knows about fruit trees. Many members have told me how much they enjoyed Tom’s talk and how informative it was, so many thanks to Tom from all of us.   

Tom is a natural speaker, and keen to answer everyone’s questions, explaining the details of planting, soil care, plant choice and pruning with ease. Tom explained some of the golden rules; apple and pear pruning is from November to February, stone fruit is later from early spring to mid summer to avoid fungal  infection. Tom advised using grease bands on fruit tress in November and again in February to prevent insects climbing (such as the wingless cankerworm)  up the trunk.

During the second half of the talk Tom explain how to get the best out of organic fertilisers and the importance of applying the right amount. Tom also explained that lime, if required, can be applied at the start of the season and not only in the autumn as previously thought.

As a result of the interest and questions Tom received from members he was pushed to cover all of aspects of his talk, however fear not as due to Tom’s popularity we will be inviting him back.