Looking for the best Fruit Trees to plant in the UK this winter? The warm summer evenings may now seem like a distant memory, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still be active in your garden. In fact, the winter months are actually the best time to be thinking about bringing fruit trees and bushes into your garden. And while this might sound a little counterintuitive, it’s actually one of the best times to get started. Here’s why. During winter, the plants are actually dormant, and while they’re not actively growing above ground, they’ll be busy developing strong roots below. Think of this as giving your plants a bit of a head start before the growing season kicks in later in the new year. Whatever you’re looking to plant this winter, our top tips will ensure your fruit trees produce bigger, healthier yields this summer and that your fruit garden or orchard continues to thrive for years to come. What to grow? Thankfully, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from if you’re looking to add some additional fruit trees or bushes to your garden this winter. There’s a wide variety of soft fruits that can be a fantastic addition to any garden, including those with only a small sunny spot. Raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, red and white currants, and hybrid berries such as jostaberries, loganberries, and boysenberries can all be planted from now until well into the late winter months If you’re lucky enough to have a bit more space to work with, stone fruits are fantastic for growing in the UK. Plum Trees, like the ever-popular ‘Victoria’ or the sweet and tangy greengage, are hard to beat, especially if you’re into making jams. Cherry Trees are another favourite, with sweet varieties perfect for eating straight from the tree and sour ones ideal for baking and preserving, not to mention the spring blossoms that make them a garden showstopper. If you’ve got a warm, sheltered spot, you could even try your hand at something a bit more exotic like apricots or even a peach tree, but keep in mind they’ll need protecting from the cold during the winter frosts. Apple trees are a classic choice for homegrown fruit, offering an incredible variety of flavours and textures that go way beyond what you’ll find in most supermarkets. Pears are another timeless favourite, with a surprisingly wide range of Pear Trees that will happily thrive in Britain’s cold, wet climate. Preparing for Winter Planting Fruit trees love sunny, sheltered locations where they can soak up plenty of light while being protected from strong winds, so, take a little time to plan your garden and choose a spot accordingly. Bear in mind, if your garden also tends to get waterlogged, consider raising the planting area or improving drainage to keep those roots healthy. A soggy tree is an unhappy tree! Next, you’ll need to prep your soil. Winter planting gives you the perfect opportunity to enrich your soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This will give your trees a nutrient boost as they settle into their new home but remember, fruit trees don’t like competition when they’re just getting started, so once your spot is ready, be sure to clear away any weeds or other debris that may interfere with their development. Above all else, the key to successful winter planting is timing. You want to get your trees in the ground while they’re dormant but avoid days when the soil is frozen solid or overly waterlogged. With a little prep work beforehand, your trees will be sure to develop strong root structures to thrive once spring rolls around. Planting Guidelines Planting fruit trees in winter is pretty straightforward but taking a little extra care right from the start will certainly help set your trees up for long-term success. Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, dig a hole that’s about twice the width of the tree’s root ball or bare roots in order to let them spread out once planted. For depth, aim to match the soil level of the tree to where it was growing before. You’ll often see a mark on the trunk indicating this. Planting too deep can smother the tree while planting too shallow can leave roots exposed. If you’re working with bare-root trees, gently spread out the roots in the hole to avoid tangling. Backfill with the soil you removed earlier, mixing in some compost or well-rotted manure as you go. Make sure you firm the soil down gently; you want to remove air pockets but want to avoid over-compacting. The roots can’t breathe if they are too tight. Once planted, water the tree thoroughly to help it settle, even if the soil is already damp and adding a layer of mulch around the base doesn’t go amiss as this will help retain moisture and protect the roots from frost. Caring for Young Trees in Winter While planting fruit trees in winter is ideal, young trees still need a little extra care to settle in. Adding a layer of mulch around the base to protect roots from frost and conserve moisture is recommended at the time of planting, but keep it slightly away from the trunk to prevent rot. You can also use horticultural fleece or tree guards to shield your trees from harsh weather as well as invasions from certain wildlife! I think we can all agree, that it’s unlikely to be dry during a UK winter, but on the off chance we do see a little dry spell, give your trees a good soak with the hose, just to ensure the roots remain hydrated. Setting Expectations for Growth and Harvest So, how long before all this winter effort pays off? Well, fruit trees take time to mature and that means sometimes a few years may pass before you see any fruit, but the wait is worth it. Focus on pruning during dormancy to shape the tree, watch for pests or diseases, and feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring. With patience and care, your trees will reward you with delicious homegrown fruit for years to come. Need some help? For quality trees and expert advice, contact Trees Direct and get everything you need to enhance your fruit garden or orchard this winter. BACK TO ARTICLES
