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Growing Pear Trees

Pears are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow, and they taste great as well.  Why not consider growing some pear trees in your garden?  Read on for our guide as to how.

Buying Pear Trees

It is best to buy pear trees from the nursery.  These trees are a couple of years old and, once planted in your garden, will take another two to four years to start bearing fruit.  Pear trees can also be grafted onto other fruit trees.

Planting Pear Trees

When planting pear trees, choose a location that receives full sun.  Be aware that pears require a mild summer and a cool to cold winter in order to bear fruit well.  Dig a deep hole and add plenty of decomposed compost or blood and bone.  Ensure that the compost or blood and bone are well mixed with the soil.  If your tree came in a decomposable peat pot, leave it in the container when planting. Just make a few slits to help the roots grow into the surrounding soil.  If it came in a regular pot or a bag, remove it before planting.  Bare rooted pear trees can be planted directly.  When using bare rooted pear trees, ensure that the grafting union is about 8-10cm above soil level. Bury the plant to the top level of soil that it had in the container and water it thoroughly.

Caring for Pear Trees

Once the tree is planted, it is a good idea to use a stake for the first year, as strong winds can cause the young tree to bend and grow on an angle.  When the tree has established itself, feed the tree with a balanced fertiliser such as Dynamic Lifter or a specially formulated fruit tree fertiliser.  When the tree starts to fruit, remove any pears that have been damaged by insects.

Pear Trees and Pests and Diseases

Pear trees are less susceptible to pests and disease than many other fruit trees.  It is recommended to use an oil or spray formulated for fruit trees before the flower buds open, in order to kill insects and prevent disease.  If you have a problem with pear scab (black spot), spray with Bordeaux or Lime Sulphur before flowering.  The main pest for pears is codling moth.

Pruning Pear Trees

When the pear tree is established, it will need pruning.  Regular pruning will result in more fruit.  Pear trees should be pruned each year in the early spring before new growth begins.  Remove any dead or unhealthy branches.  Prune the tree so that you can easily access fruit with a ladder.  Also prune areas that are very bushy as this will help sunlight and air to penetrate, improving the overall health and growth of the tree.  You can prune to maintain shape as well.  Be careful not to prune too heavily or strong unproductive vertical shoots will form.

Harvesting Pears

Pick the pears when they have reached full size, are still quite hard, and the skin has lost its deep green colour.  Once picked, store in a ventilated plastic bag in the fridge.  Remove when you need them, and then store in the kitchen for a few days until the flesh has softened.  This way, you will get the full flavour of the pears.

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