Too late for an apple tree?

[barefootlinzi]

I would like to put a couple of apple trees on my allotment and have been looking at the keepers nursery website and most of the varieties are sold out now till the winter. Have I left it too late to plant apple trees or should I just choose from what is left? There is also the thing that this is my first allotment and first time seriously growing fruit and veg, so maybe I should wait till next winter to make sure that I keep my allotment up and have some experience behind me?

[dave45]

FWIW I have planted apple trees at all times of the year and they have all survived. Whether and when you get apples on them is another question ! As always check whether your apple variety needs special varieties nearby to pollinate properly. Not many, but some do. And the books tell you to check the rootstock is suitable for the eventual size of tree you want.... can't recall Homebase bothering to write such trivia on their labels !
My worst habit is buying such trees then not planting them for up to 9 months.... as I said - they have survived !

[Rosendula]

With bare rooted trees it's best to plant them in the winter when they are dormant, as you will be disturbing the roots. If you want to plant at other times of the year, it's best to get a pot-grown tree. You don't normally get apples in the first couple of years.

[Green Aura]

It might be a good idea to check any planting restrictions - we weren't allowed to plant trees or flowers (don't ask). If others have got them you're probably OK.

[Rosendula]

It might be a good idea to check any planting restrictions - we weren't allowed to plant trees or flowers (don't ask). If others have got them you're probably OK.

It says in our tenancy agreement that we're not allowed to plant fruit trees, strawberries, rhubarb or asparagus. No-one takes a blind bit of notice.

I agree: see what other people are doing.

[Millymollymandy]

Gawd, that's a bit mean. What's wrong with strawbs? Did they give an explanation as to why not?

[Rosendula]

It says,

19. With the object of protecting the Council from claims for compensation the following improvements are to be treated as prohibited for the purpose of Section 47 of the Smallholdings and Allotments Act 1908, viz.:

• a) Planting of standard or other fruit trees permanently set out;
  b) Planting of fruit bushes permanently set out;
  c) Planting of strawberry plants;
  d) Planting of asparagus, rhubarb or other vegetables crops; which continue productive for two or more years.

The same document also refers to The Tenant in masculine terms only, as did the application form I had to fill in, which also asked for the applicant's "Christian name". I know what I thought of that, but wonder what other allotmenteers of non-Christian religions made of it

[Millymollymandy]

Claims for compensation makes no sense whatsoever! However Christian name is just English for first name/s. It always has been christian name and surname, as long as I've been alive.