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Fruit tree quandry...advice welcome

DubloonDubloon Posts: 45
in Problem solving
I have a 1.5 metre space between our boundary fence (2 metres high) and our greenhouse (2 metres plus sloping roof). The area gets a lot of sun but can be a frost pocket in winter (we are near Edinburgh). This space is unused and unloved. I wondered about growing a couple of fruit trees in this space (access would not be too much of a problem). However, is this a daft idea given the tight space involved or might it work? As I write this the more I think it is a daft idea. Be gentle....thank you comrades.

Posts

  • FlinsterFlinster Posts: 883
    Would espalier trees work using the boundary fence?
  • DubloonDubloon Posts: 45
    I did consider this Flinster, thanks. Definitely a possibility but I do prefer the standard tree. 
  • FireFire Posts: 18,082
    Would a tree not cause potential problems for the greenhouse? Shade, potential damage from twigs/wind/fruit, roots? Would fruit bushes work there?
  • Blue OnionBlue Onion Posts: 2,987
    I would go with fruit bushes.. less troublesome.  Red currents?  Black currents?  Blueberries?  The added benefit of the space is it should be easy to net off.  Just put a net roof between the fence and greenhouse.. and along the ends!  
    Utah, USA.
  • hogweedhogweed Posts: 4,053
    What about ballerina fruit trees? They would not cause a problem with the greenhouse and are certainly hardy. 
    'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
  • DubloonDubloon Posts: 45
    Great advice folks. Ballerina trees are not for me but fruit bushes are a nice idea. Good points about potential damage to the greenhouse. Helpful to have this sounding board, much appreciated. 
  • FireFire Posts: 18,082
    Good luck with it.
  • quarteracrefarmhelpquarteracrefarmhelp Posts: 16
    I would go Blueberries , they should do well in Edinburgh, you can put them in a 2 foot high planter bed , hard up against the fence , and the bed only needs to be 600wide, giving you 900 wide thoroughfare beside glasshouse . Blueberries are a good choice because they are easy to manage, as they grow relatively slowly compared with berries , and have soft foliage and no spikes , so walking past them should not be a problem. remember they love acidic soil so choose the right fertilizer and soil mix when planting. try a few different varieties in the bed rather than just one .They are really tasty, expensive to buy, kids love them, and fruit for a decent stretch not just all at once. great idea to use up all the space . Well done you and good luck .
    Grow it yourself, it's worth it in the end. . . 
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