When to plant:  Plant bare-root trees during a spell of fine weather, any time between November and the end of March. Container grown trees can be planted at any time of the year provided the tree is watered well and regularly in the first year.

Do not plant in waterlogged or frozen soil. Avoid wet areas entirely for most fruit trees - though Plums and Quinces do well on wetter ground. Choose a site that gets as much sun as possible, as fruits will have much more flavour and colour.

• How to plant: 
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• The planting hole should measure at least 1 foot diameter and comfortably accommodate the roots.
   
• Fork the bottom and the sides of the hole to improve drainage and allow the roots to spread outwards. Do not add any fresh manure to the hole, roots may be damaged.
   
• Mix in a handful of phosphate based fertilizer e.g. super phosphate or bone meal (wear gloves).
   
• Knock in a short (3-4ft) tree stake leaving 2-3ft above soil level. Then plant the tree on the leeward side of the stake, so the tree isn’t blown onto the stake.
   
• Firm the soil around the roots as you backfill. Bring the soil level up to the original soil level on the tree.
   
• Attach the tree to the stake using a flexible tree tie and attach a rabbit guard.
   
• Water well at planting and during any dry spells for the first year.
   
• Keep an area of about one square metre (or as much as possible) free from grass and weeds around the tree for two years, this will greatly aid establishment as the tree will have less competition.
   
• If available, mulch the weed-free soil around the tree with garden compost or straw after a good watering, but do not mound this up the tree trunk, keep a few inches clear all round.