A guide to fruitful pollination

David Patch explains the botany behind fruit tree pollination and techniques for success Without doubt, pruning fruit trees is the most common area people struggle with when growing fruit trees. Pollination, however, comes a very close second. I think it is because there is a little science involved, and a lot of jargon, all of which seem to confuse and…

Planting fruit

Catalogues offer you tree and soft fruit grown in two different ways. Fruit growers who also supply gardeners will usually grow their plants in the field planted directly into the nursery soil. These are lifted when the plants are dormant from October to March and sent to you with no or very little soil on the roots – hence they…

Where to grow fruit

Most people can find space in their garden, whatever its size, for growing fruit. Here are a few suggestions: Use Minarette or Pillarette fruit trees (single pole trees) in flower borders or put a line of them at the end of your allotment to act as a screen. Several different varieties can be grown to give a wonderful choice of…

Cherry, Apricot and Honey Cake

As stone fruits near the end of their season, Lucy Burton shares her honey cake recipe, which is the perfect base for any soft fruit topping During the summer months, many growers find themselves with a bounty of produce on their hands. While this is, of course, a good problem to have, it helps to have several tried and tested…

Hibiscus and honey poached plums

Sweet plums have a delicate floral flavour which is enhanced by gentle cooking. Lucy Burton shares her recipe for hibiscus poached fruits July brings with it a sweet abundance of stone-fruits. The crates of glossy cherries, apricots, peaches and plums adorning our corner-shops herald from Italy, Spain and the UK alike, and are perfect for summery puddings.  Perfectly ripe fruits…
Blackcurrant Ice Cream

Blackcurrant Ice Cream

Three simple ingredients are all that is needed to make this smooth and delicious ice cream made with fresh blackcurrants. SERVES 5-6 • 450g (1lb) blackcurrants • 175g (6oz) sugar • 275ml (10fl oz) double cream 1. Reserve 2-3 tbsp whole blackcurrants, set aside. Place the remaining blackcurrants into a sieve set over a mixing bowl and mash with a…