Many of us are spending more time at home at the moment. And whilst these are obviously worrying times one way we can take our minds off things for a while is to work in the garden. Gardening can be a welcome distraction but it’s also a good way to get some exercise. Also, with the warm weather coming (eventually) spending time in our gardens is a nice way to get out in the sun especially as, for the foreseeable future, we won’t be able to enjoy days out or weekends away as we would normally do. And what better way to enjoy gardening than to plant a fruit tree?

A few suggestions for easy to grow fruit trees for the garden

Some gardeners are a little intimidated by fruit trees. Pollination can be mystifying, pests a constant problem and there’s plenty of maintenance. Pruning can be a trial. Then there’s always the worry whether or not the tree will actually bear fruit in the summer.

However, don’t be put off. There’s plenty of fruit trees which are easy to grow and low maintenance. Look for self-fertile varieties so you don’t have to think about pollination. And you can be sure you’ll get a great crop of fruit every year.

If you want a few suggestions on which trees to try here’s a short list of easy to grow fruit trees for the garden that may suit you. They’re all self-fertile so even first-time gardeners will be able to get great results. And plenty of fruit...

Victoria Plum

Let’s start with probably the most popular fruit tree of all. The Victoria plum is of course quintessentially British and has been a staple of gardens since the middle of the nineteenth century. And there’s very good reasons why Victoria is so popular. It can be grown in virtually any garden and will flourish equally well in a border or container on the patio. You’ll get great results with a Victoria plum and you’re almost guaranteed to have a bumper crop of delicious fruit. In fact, the Victoria produces so much fruit its branches will often snap under the weight so you may need to prop them up to add some strength.

Pyrus Conference Pear

Pears are always popular and this variety of conference pear produces absolutely delicious fruit. A very heavy cropper you'll have more fruit than you can handle in autumn. Eat the pears straight from the tree or make any number of wonderful pies and desserts. The pyrus conference pear is easy to grow and is very vigorous. It can reach up to 12 feet tall although it can be kept smaller if you don't mind getting stuck in with your pruning shears.

James Grieve Apple

Although this article is about the easiest fruit trees to grow in the garden the James Grieve is ideal whether you have plenty of space or just a patio. This wonderful dwarf tree grows to a maximum height of five feet. So, it’s perfect for the deck or anywhere you can position a pot. If you have a small garden this is the fruit tree for you. You'll have an attractive tree which will give you a nice crop of juicy apples in the summer.

Stella Cherry

Another dwarf tree which is perfect for small gardens or the patio. This really is a lovely tree which produces amazing white flowers in spring. But of course, it's the fruit you'll be most interested in. And Stella doesn't disappoint. Every summer you'll have a wonderful crop of sweet and juicy cherries. It's a very hardy plant and will do well in most soils. The Stella cherry is a fruit tree which is ideal for inexperienced gardeners.

Green Gage Plum

If you have a sweet tooth this is the tree for you. Green gage isn't widely known. And you won't find it in many gardens. Which is a great shame because this is a wonderful tree and the fruit it produces is delicious. Green gage is an attractive tree with green foliage and lovely white blossoms. It bears its fruit, which is yellow / green in colour, in late summer. With it being so sweet the fruit can be used to make many different desserts. Though it can also be eaten straight from the tree. Different and unusual the green gage completes our list of easy to grow fruit trees for the garden.

Direct Plants offer a huge range of fruit trees for sale all of which are grown right here on our Norfolk nursery. If you're looking for something a little different you could try growing walnut trees in pots. For more information call our friendly team on 01485 601143 or email us at sales@directplants.co.uk