Site Requirements for Fruiting Plants
Before planting any fruit tree, bush or vine, you must carefully consider the plant's site requirements. Most species need a warm, sheltered position to allow the fruits to ripen fully and to protect them from cold, damaging winds. Plants that flower in early spring will also need to be planted in a spot that is unlikely to be subjected to frost.
The table below details the planting needs for a range of tree, soft and vine fruits:
| Fruit | Site Requirement |
|---|---|
| Apple | Open, sunny and sheltered. Well-drained soil preferred. |
| Apricot | Sunny, sheltered and frost-free in spring. Slightly alkaline soils preferred. |
| Blackberry | Sheltered, sunny or partially shaded. |
| Blackcurrant | Sheltered, frost-free, sunny or partially shaded. Avoid poorly-drained or acidic soil. |
| Blueberry | Sunny or partially shaded. Soil should be well-drained with a pH of 4-5.5 |
| Gooseberry | Sunny or partially shaded. Must be kept relatively cool. |
| Grape | Warm, sheltered and sunny. Soil should be well-drained with a pH of 6-7.5 |
| Medlar | Sunny or partially-shaded. Avoid badly-drained or chalky soil. |
| Peach | Sheltered and very sunny. Slightly acidic soils preferred. |
| Pear | Warm, sheltered and sunny. Well-drained, yet moisture-retentive soil preferred. |
| Plum | Warm, sheltered and frost-free in spring. Avoid badly-drained or chalky soil. |
| Quince | Sunny and sheltered. Moisture retentive and slightly acidic soils preferred. |
| Raspberry | Sheltered, sunny or partially shaded. Will not tolerate poor drainage. |
| Strawberry | Warm and sunny. Avoid poorly-drained or chalky soil. |
| Sweet Cherry | Open, sunny and sheltered. Well-drained soil preferred. |