Apples :  Almost all apple varieties require at least one other apple variety nearby that flowers around the same time to ensure pollination and a good fruit set. The pollinating partner can be from any of the apple types - dessert, cooking or cider just as long as it flowers within a week of the other to ensure as many blossoms are open at the same time for the insects to do their work transferring the pollen between trees. Some varieties eg Bramley Seedling, require at least two pollinating partners - these are indicated in the catalogue descriptions.

Pears : Much the same as apples except pears flower earlier in the year and are more a risk from frosts damaging the blossom. Pollinating partners should be in flower at the same time to achieve a good crop. Pollinating partners are indicated in the catalogue descriptions.

Apricots :  Plant at least two different varieties together if possible. Because apricots are so much more frost sensitive than other fruits, because they bloom so early in the season, it is important to try to pollinate as many blooms as possible. If you are fortunate enough to set a "limb-breaking" crop, and are worried about size, then you can thin them down somewhat.

Plums : When planning your orchard make sure that you have at least two different varieties of plums in the same class, even though some may be somewhat self-fertile (eg Victoria) and need no other plum nearby but most do require a pollination parner - another plum tree flowering about the same time. Plums need lots of varied pollination so plant several different varieties close together for the best results.

Peaches : These are self-fertile so don't require a pollination partner to set fruit but do benefit from human intervention to improve pollination by gently moving pollen between flowers on the tree. This involves a using a soft artists paintbrush or a small ball of cotton wool and gently brushing and dabbing flowers to transfer pollen from one to another around the tree. Best done around the middle of the day in fine weather and repeated several times over a week or so. Its both a relaxing and ultimately rewarding activity !

Medlars : These are self-fertile, so no problems with setting fruit.

Quinces : Similarly, self-fertile.

Figs : Do not need pollination to fruit.

Pollination and bees

Without bees of one kind of another, there would be little food in the world. Almost all fruits, vegetables, and many other crops, except for many of the grains which are wind-pollinated, depend on honeybees, wild or native bees, bumble bees, and other insects for pollination.

The honeybee is the most well recognized pollinator, but is now known to not be the most efficient! Wild, native bees and bumblebees have been found to be much more efficient since they often work harder, under harsher conditions, and may have different ways to pollinate a flower.