Advanced fruit tree care courses?

[paradise]

There are loads of basic fruit tree pruning courses, some of which I've done, and I've got a few books and stuff, but I'd really like to learn some more advanced stuff about fruit trees. All the courses I can find on google are one or two days and don't look very suitable for someone who already has good knowledge of trees and pruning in general. Anyone know of any good advanced courses - preferably in or near London?

 

cheers

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

I have always wanted to do a fan trained apple in my garden, might make this a goal for this year, wont be worried about training for it though.

 

What do you mean by "advanced"?

[delabodge]

mate theres two schools of thought from what I can work out,,,,colleges etc say prune in autumn,,,but many of my old customers ,,who have lovely cordens ,,faned pears etc,,prune in march to encourage vigourous regrowth,,,,but have to acept limited or no fruit,,,for first year,,,,,i generally go with old school as they have experience,,,and hands on knowledge....two day courses tell you to prune a third of growth,,,so I go with customers requests,,(after my advice),,and making sure growth points etc,,,,have had repeat custom,,,so,,,good luck

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

mate theres two schools of thought from what I can work out,,,,colleges etc say prune in autumn,,,but many of my old customers ,,who have lovely cordens ,,faned pears etc,,prune in march to encourage vigourous regrowth,,,,but have to acept limited or no fruit,,,for first year,,,,,i generally go with old school as they have experience,,,and hands on knowledge....two day courses tell you to prune a third of growth,,,so I go with customers requests,,(after my advice),,and making sure growth points etc,,,,have had repeat custom,,,so,,,good luck

 

Pruning the regrowth is really down to objectives, obviously leaving as many fruiting spurs as possible while pruning the regrowth.

 

if the tree is the size and shape you desire then cutting back the new shoots to one or two buds is going to be the order of the day this keeps the ramification and sucsession of fruiting buddds coming through, 2 year maturation cycle?

[delabodge]

like i said,,,agree totally,,,,

[paradise]

I also looked around for orchard work but found it was hard to come by on a casual basis. If anyone knows a place that recruits casual workers do let me know.

[AA Teccie (Paul)]

Hi all, 'feeling fruity eh?!'

 

Although I know nothing, or at least very little, about FTP I'm lead to believe this organisation, whilst Devon based, has links up&down the country and hence may be worth a look and a contact.

 

Orchard Link Home page

 

Good luck..!

Paul

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Hi all, 'feeling fruity eh?!'

 

Although I know nothing, or at least very little, about FTP I'm lead to believe this organisation, whilst Devon based, has links up&down the country and hence may be worth a look and a contact.

 

Orchard Link Home page

 

Good luck..!

Paul

 

 

Oh Paul, im dissapointed, your supposed to know EVERYTHING arb! lmao:laugh1:

 

I believe there are a great number of orchards around the kent area?

[BenR]

I have always wanted to do a fan trained apple in my garden, might make this a goal for this year, wont be worried about training for it though.

 

What do you mean by "advanced"?

 

Apparently if you grow a pear against a wall it will naturally grow in a fan shape..

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Apparently if you grow a pear against a wall it will naturally grow in a fan shape..

 

I find that both interesting and believable as most of the walltrained pears ive seen have looked far to well trianed for ameteurs!