Pears

Overview

Pears are an easy crop to grow and are available on dwarfing rootstock, for pears the choice is between Quince C, Quince A and EMH. Pears grow in a more vertical way than apples but to reduce height they can be trained as fans or cordons (step-overs) - a low-growing, horizontally-trained tree that can be planted along an edge of a path or a bed and used to make a divider on the plot. Step-over trees can be bought ready to be trained along a framework.

How to grow

Planting - containerised trees can be planted in all but the worst conditions, bare root trees are available between November and March and can be planted if the ground is not frozen or sodden.

• Soil and aspect. A free draining and reasonably fertile soil is best, no fruit tree likes to be waterlogged at the roots. A south or west facing aspect is required for most dessert fruits.
• Open and airy site. The planting site should be free from the competition of overhanging trees/buildings and there must be the free movement of air to prevent diseases such as canker establishing itself. Under damp conditions the branch work must be able to dry quickly.
• Avoid frost pockets and positions that are exposed to high winds. These will cause damage to developing fruits and flowers at critical times in their development.

Dig a wide hole no deeper than the roots, breaking up the sides and base with a fork. Place the tree in the centre and the stake to the side if one is required. Refill with soil, firming as you go to remove air pockets then water and mulch; ensure that the area is kept free of weeds.

Water in dry periods and when the fruit start to swell and give a balanced feed in spring. To stay productive your tree should be pruned every year, timing and method of pruning depends on the type of pear you are growing.

How to Harvest

Harvest pears just before they are ripe but firm and swollen. Pears can be eaten fresh or used in pies, puddings and preserves.

Issues

There are a variety of pests and diseases such as aphids, codling moth and mildew that can affect your pear tree, you can limit their effects by practicing good hygiene, pruning appropriately, using physical barriers such as traps or grease bands to deter codling moth and encouraging natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.