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.