Selecting the right plants for your garden lays the foundation for healthy and lush growth. By considering crucial characteristics of your garden, such as acidity, water level, soil structure, sunlight and shelter (winter hardiness), we can accurately predict which plants will flourish best in your specific environment.
Soil qualities #
Soil is the foundation of a healthy garden. Different fruit species have specific requirements regarding acidity, soil structure and water level. Below is an overview of the requirements of various fruit species in our range:
Fruit type | Acidity (pH value) | Soil structure | Water requirements | Sun requirements | Hardiness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple tree | 4,5 – 8 | Lightly to heavily structured | Well-drained soil required. Increased risk of fruit tree canker at pH 4-5. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Very resistant to winter conditions. Requires little shelter. Insensitive to late night frosts. |
Pear tree | 4,5 – 8 | Lightly to heavily structured | Well-permeable soil required. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Very resistant to winter conditions. Requires little shelter. Insensitive to late night frosts. |
Nashi pear tree | 4,5 – 8 | Lightly to heavily structured | Requires well-drained soil. Does not cope well with drought. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Very resistant to winter conditions. Requires little shelter. Insensitive to late night frosts. |
Plum tree | 4,5 – 8 | Lightly to heavily structured | Requires well-drained soil. Prefers well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Very resistant to winter conditions. Requires little shelter. Very little to no trouble from late night frosts. |
Sweet cherry tree | 4,5 – 8 | Lightly to heavily structured | Well-permeable soil required. | Thrives well in sun. | Very resistant to winter conditions. May suffer from late night frosts in exceptional cases. |
Sour cherry tree | 4 - 8 (all) | Lightly to heavily structured | Can grow in less permeable soils. Suitable for coastal areas. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Very resistant to winter conditions. Requires little shelter. Insensitive to late night frosts. |
Peach tree / Nectarine tree | 4-8 (all) | Lightly to heavily structured | Well-permeable soil required. | Thrives well in sun. | Very resistant to winter conditions, but may suffer from late night frosts in many cases. |
Fruit type | Acidity (pH value) | Soil structure | Water requirements | Sun requirements | Hardiness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Blueberry | 4 – 5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Likes moist soil, but well-drained. | Tolerates semi-shade to sun. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Strawberry | 5,5 – 7 | Lightly to heavily structured | Well-permeable soil required. | Thrives well in sun and light shade. | Moderately to well hardy. |
Raspberry | 5,5 – 6,5 | Lightly to heavily structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Moderately hardy. Shelter from cold may be required. |
Burr | 5,5 – 7 | Lightly to moderately structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Moderately to well hardy. |
Gooseberry | 6 – 6,5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Likes moist soil, but well-drained. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Red currant | 5,5 – 6,5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Blackcurrant | 6 – 6,5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Likes moist soil, but well-drained. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Currant | 5,5 – 7 | Lightly to moderately structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Sea buckthorn | 5 – 7 | Lightly to moderately structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Tolerates sun and light shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Jostabes | 6 – 6,5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Likes moist soil, but well-drained. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Gooseberries | 6 – 6,5 | Lightly to moderately structured | Likes moist soil, but well-drained. | Thrives well in sun and semi-shade. | Good winter hardiness. Requires little shelter. |
Fig | 6 – 7 | Lightly to moderately structured | Tolerates well-drained soils. | Thrives well in sun. | Reasonably hardy, shelter may be needed in colder climates. |
Explanation of Table
The table offers insight into which fruit species prefer specific locations and which, on the contrary, are very flexible in their growing environment. Matching the characteristics of your garden to these needs will help you choose the right fruit plants for a healthy and abundant harvest.
If you are missing a specific fruit variety in our overview, please feel free to contact us for personalised advice.
The Importance of Proper Soil for Fruit Plants: An In-Depth Analysis #
A flourishing and luscious fruit harvest starts with the soil. The right soil creates an ideal environment for plant roots to absorb nutrients, retain water and provide a solid foundation. It forms a complex ecosystem where micro-organisms, minerals and organic matter work together to create a fertile soil.
Soil structure and permeability #
Soil that lets water through properly is essential for healthy fruit plants. It allows the roots to get oxygen and prevents waterlogging, which would suffocate the roots. Heavy clay soil can lead to stagnant water, while overly sandy soils struggle to retain moisture. Good soil structure promotes rooting and ensures optimal growth.
pH Value and Soil Fertility #
Soil pH plays a crucial role in determining which nutrients are available to the plant. Most fruit plants thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6-7). A well-balanced pH promotes the uptake of essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Regular pH testing and adjustment is an important part of soil management.
Organic Material and Soil Life #
Organic material, such as compost and well-digested manure, is a nutritious source for the soil. It enriches the soil with valuable nutrients, promotes a healthy soil structure and stimulates soil life. Worms, bacteria, fungi and other micro-organisms are indispensable for breaking down organic matter and releasing nutrients for the plant.
Soil health and disease resistance #
Healthy soil is the first line of defence against diseases and pests. Strong and well-rooted plants from a well-balanced soil are better able to defend themselves. Moreover, some soil microbes can engage in useful interactions with the roots, helping the plant absorb nutrients and fend off pathogens.
Sustainable Soil Management #
A sustainable approach to soil management is essential for long-term success. This includes minimising soil disturbance, encouraging soil cover, using organic mulch and applying crop rotation. By keeping the soil healthy, we lay a foundation for an abundant and resilient fruit crop, year after year.
In short, soil is the foundation of healthy fruit growing. Understanding and appreciating the complexity of soil enables gardeners and growers to create the best possible environment for their fruit plants, leading to a rich harvest and a thriving garden.
These guidelines can serve as a guide when selecting and caring for different fruits within these categories. Always pay attention to the specific needs of each species and adjust soil conditions accordingly.