On 08/05/2013 15:29, Sumgod wrote:
Hello Folks!

Any and all anecdotes/experiences/advice welcome with regard to espalier
fruit trees.

I have a lean-to greenhouse with a wall 7m long and 2.28m high.

I wish to grow an espalier fruit tree against it.

This would be sited in the middle of the wall. Either side I thought
about growing passion fruit or somewuch (decorative).

My thoughts so far:

A cherry – root stock? Can be espaliered but what about the summer heat?

An apricot – root stock? Not suitable for an espalier and I don’t have
enough height for a fan?

A peach/nectarine – Root stock? Suitable for an espalier?

Secondly, what to grow it in.

I have some 16”cube pots/boxes.

Would this be suitable for an espaliered fruit tree?

If grow in such a pot this reduces the height available to 1.8.m approx.

Alternatively I could break out some of the concrete floor, dig out the
mid-Wales boulder clay, add drainage and compost and grow from the floor.

Thanks for reading and being helpful (if you have!)

Happy Gardening! Chris


Firstly I would break up a bit of the concrete, then either build up
with a layer of concrete blocks or bricks to about12 inches a trough of
about24 inches long.
Mind you with a wall that size I'd go for 2.

By breaking the concrete you will have drainage and the roots can go
down after water.
As you say dig out a bit of the clay and add coarse grit and a bit of
compost.
Passion fruit would be much to vigorous

Personally I'd go for fan trained, you do have over 7ft height and above
that picking wouldn't be easy. I don't know why you say No to an Apricot
see http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/...e.aspx?PID=625

In the troughs below the trees you could try strawberries/
You just have to make certain your lean to greenhouse had adequate
ventilation.
Also think how the fruit will be pollinated.

Traditionally it was Peaches and Apricots that were grown inside.

You don't say where you are in the UK and which way this wall faces.

David @ the showery end of Swansea Bay