Article submitted by Matt G - Essex -  ( Free seeds are on their way! )

Manchester Drive allotment society is a demanding institution. Over the last year of Sunday dibbing and hoeing we have been sporadically visited by gangs of ‘society’ people casually wandering past, ostensivly discussing the state of the weather , the prevalence of whitefly or the latest incursion of Limax Maximus on their brassicas whilst casting a critical eye over our efforts. Fortunately being at the end of a row their slow advance can be spotted relatively easily,which allows us to have a quick tidy up, hide the slug pellets ,look busy and stow the illegal bacon sandwich gas stove under the bath tub before they arrive.  However our impressive row of brussel sprouts and my father in lawsCounty Mayo charm have clearly done the trick as we have been granted a second plot for next year. Over a crafty bacon sandwich we have decided to devote this one to perennial veg( rhubarb, artichokes, strawberries etc.) and most importantly Fruit trees.

I’ve always had fruit trees around me. The house I grew up in, although in the heart of suburbia had five apple trees, a pear and a cherry.  The major selling point of my flat was when I walked into the back garden to find three pear trees and an old espalier apple, my wife I think went for the light and airy rooms and the original skirting boards. Whether you have trees on your plot, in your back garden or (for the foragers amongst us) by the side of a road, now is the time to start pruning. January is best for winter pruning as the sap has completely retreated into the plant. You have a window realistically of about two months but a warm February can leave you out of time so the beginning of Jan is always the safest. Remember winter pruning is designed to stimulate spring growth and divert Phloem (sap) into blossom and subsequently the fruit. Whereas summer pruning prevents the tree putting energy into non productive seasonal growth.

Many many books have been written about pruning fruittrees, however there are some basic rules which should ensure ascetically pleasing but most importantly productive trees. My Dads proudest pruning achievement was producing acompletely bowl shaped Conference pear tree in our back garden. It was pleasing to eye and excellent to climb, but most importantly allowed two things two happen. One you could stand comfortably in the middle of the tree and reach most of the fruit without dangling off the end of a branch. Secondly it allowed space, light and air to reach the interior of the tree. This is very important. Increased light obviously allows increased photosynthesis, but the increased circulation of air reduces damp micro climates forming within the tree canopywhich reduce fungal diseases that could limit fruit production.

Sometimes an unkempt tree can look like a wooden version of Ker Plunk with branches criss crossing everywhere. The first thing I did (after sanding the skirting) at my flat, was to cut out all the crossing branches in the trees. Always remove the weakest of the branches. Removing the crosses prevents branches rubbing which cause sores and infection but also stops branches blocking sunlight to each other.

A golden rule of flowers and fruit production is that horizontal branches will produce a better crop. This is again due to Phloem, the sugary sap that provides one part of the fuel for Photosynthesis.  Horizontal or downward pointing branches mean the plant has less work to do sucking the Phloem up against gravity and so more is available for flower and fruit. When pruning try to ensure you are not encouraging the tree to grow straight up as it will have to work harder for your crop. A general rule I’ve always followed is to prune back the previous years growth to two buds. This keeps the tree compact and allows you to control how it grows over the years.  A compact tree is important, the last thing you want to be doing is dangling off a flimsy branch reaching for thatperfect specimen of Conference of James Greive that is just out of reach. If you do find yourself in this position its good to copy Victorian chimney sweeps and get hold of a small child to do it , whether  you light a fire under them is up to you.