Growing apples, pears, plums and cherries with Sylvia Travers

Garden courses

Ref: S1D12251

Beginners/Intermediate £134
Print
Book now

Places available

About this course

An introductory guide to growing tree fruit, including selecting rootstocks and varieties, general care and management, including pests and disease, and formative pruning.

Course Description

This course is an introduction to tree fruit production. You will learn the basic principles of growing apples, pears, plums and cherries. Topics covered include:

• Selecting varieties and rootstocks

• What to look for when choosing a tree

• Planting and tree establishment

• Introductory principles on pruning (and some basic information of fruit tree training)

• Pollination and fruiting

• Storing fruit

• Pests and disease – identification and control

The tutor will use illustrated talks and discussion.

Booklist: Any good fruit growing book such as the RHS titles.

Timetable

Timetable for one day courses

Students should arrive by 9am for registration.

Classes are from 9.15 - 5pm

Lunch is included.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Please try to identify the soil type in your garden
  • Bring a note of the size of your garden and what fruit is grown in the area
  • A notebook and pen

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Notebooks and pencils
Please wear appropriate clothing for the workshop. This includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Tutors

Sylvia Travers

Dr Sylvia Travers has worked in horticulture for 20 years, having studied at the Botanic Gardens in Dublin and at Reading University – with a detour to Denmark to complete a PhD in plant science. Sylvia currently works at RHS Bridgewater and oversaw the construction and planting of the Paradise and Kitchen gardens.

Courses of interest

Sign-up to be the first to know

Sign up to our Short Course enews to hear about new courses, late availability and get creative inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.