Fruit trees for schools?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Chris Setz on March 20, 2014 at 0:01

I'm part of Haringey Tree Wardens and can maybe help - there's a list of grant giving organsations on our website and here's another. When would you like to start and how big is the tree-planting area?

Permalink Reply by scunch on March 20, 2014 at 8:27

Thanks Chris- the idea is for the year 6 kids to plant the trees and leave the beginnings of a garden legacy that they can revisit in years to come. We're really pushed for time and need to get going and would be thankful for your advice. Thanks for the links I will check them all.

Permalink Reply by Dick Harris on March 20, 2014 at 2:22

Half a dozen bared rooted apple trees on M9 rootstocks would cost less than £100 and you would need 50 sq metres of ground for them.  Pear and plum trees might need slightly more space.  To plant them this year you would need to move immediately or wait till November.

The work of preparing the ground for them might be more significant than the purchase price and there would be a few costs for stakes, ties, bone meal and, if the soil needs lightening, compost.

 

Permalink Reply by scunch on March 20, 2014 at 8:31

That's really helpful advice- thank you Dick.

Permalink Reply by Liz Douglas on April 18, 2014 at 3:31

Check out this link to the RHS site which has info on dwarf fruit trees on M27 root stock which will only grow to about 1 metre high or others which grow to around 1.5 to 2meters and can all be grown in 20ltr containers with the right soil etc. https://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/profile.aspx?pid=359 

You might also want to do a bit of research on home made (DIY) Fruit cages and or netting to stop the birds eating all of your fruit.

Check out your local branch of Freegle #ilovefreegle.org which is a free recycling/reuse website with over 550 groups and more than 1.6 million members offering things they no longer want and/or getting things they do. Freegle actively encourage Schools and many others such as Community Groups, Charities and other Nonprofits to post for resources completely free of charge. You can check them out on Freegle on Facebook once registered you can respond to offers and/or post wanted ads for whatever you need. You can offer or request just about anything so long as its free and legal and you're able to pick them up.

Permalink Reply by Chris Setz on March 20, 2014 at 12:53

Totally support Dick's suggestion - I like the fact that all apples (Malus sieversii)  probably came from just one set of trees in Khazakstan yet retain enough diversity to flourish.

Looking at the vast number of different apples visible every October at Transition Crouch End's Apple Day at Hornsey Vale Community Centre, people say it's better to spread the harvest more evenly throughout the year, so you might want to consider trees that fruit in a different month.

Pleased to help more if we can.