February fruit growing tips

14:02:20 17th February 2010

Brits intending to use their garden or greenhouse to grow fruit this year should take their cue from the weather, it has been suggested.

Those in colder areas may have to wait a few extra weeks before taking action, but the same tasks must be completed regardless of location, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggested.

According to the gardening organisation, fruit growing is an art mastered over a number of years, so those who plan to make this their first season should not fret if things go awry.

Fruit trees mature over time and generally bear more and healthier fruit throughout the year, meaning it may be worthwhile persevering with your efforts.

Once the last frost has disappeared, fruit trees should be planted with a top dressing of sulphate of potash.

The surrounding earth should be stripped of weeds and the plants should be given a last winter wash.

Trees should also be sprayed against weed curl and any established specimens should be pruned back, while outdoor soil-grown strawberries should be covered with cloches to produce an earlier crop.

Meanwhile, moving pot-grown strawberries into the greenhouse or under glass of some sort will also speed growth.

In other news, garden expert Pippa Greenwood recently wrote in the Daily Mail that raised beds are not a necessity for vegetable growing.