Our head of organic horticulture provides a glimpse of what’s happening on his balcony and at the allotment this autumn – and shares tips for growing fruit.

Alternative text should describe the visual content of the image. — Raspberries can be bought as bare-root plants, or you can ask a friendly neighbour for some canes

The first tinges of the autumn are beginning to show - and the end of a long hot summer hoves into view. As gardeners, I think it’s safe to say that this year has been an exceptionally challenging growing period and one I think we all need to reflect on.

For the moment though, let us enjoy the serene, peaceful season that is autumn. It’s time for the big sleep and I for one always get a pang of jealousy when I see the trees preparing for the winter hibernation! Of course, plants being plants - and the gift that never stops giving - they will go out in style with displays of bright colours.

Balcony change over

It’s all change on my balcony this month. This has been my most successful garden this year. As it was so close to hand, I was able to give it the attention it needed during the most intense parts of the summer. It rewarded me with colour, wildlife and, over the last few weeks, a serious glut of tomatoes. Homemade pasta source incoming!

However, as most of my balcony is seasonal, the majority of plants will be making the trip to the compost bin and be replaced with bulbs in preparation for next spring. These will be planted at the same time as a compost change in both my containers and baskets. Fresh peat-free compost, with a small mix of homemade compost, will replace 50% of the existing medium. This will those early spring bulbs a good healthy boost.

Fruit growing at the allotment

The allotment has been a struggle this year – due to heat and lack of water. I don’t mind admitting that I eye the retired old boys on the allotment with a touch of envy as they have what I don’t: time.
As things slow down, however, autumn presents many opportunities. One project I’m embarking on is removing an old fruit cage and its contents. I’ll also be expanding an orchard.

Seven tips for fruit growing 🔗

Choose a sunny spot. Most fruits like it bright and warm. The exception is raspberry, which will grow in partial shade, though their yield will be reduced.
Plant bare root specimens. October is a good time to buy and plant these. They not only makes economic sense, they’re also more likely to be home produced making them more resilient to our growing conditions. If you’re growing in containers, on a roof or balcony, opt for ‘dwarf’ fruit varieties.
Start with the basics. If you’re new to fruit growing, I recommend starting with easier fruits like strawberry or raspberry. Sketch out a space specially for this on your veg planner, and in early spring plant some low-growing hardy annuals around them for display.
Check your soil. Most fruit likes a slightly acidic soil, but some fruits like blueberry will require ericaceous soil. Remember to enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter and make sure it’s free draining.
Feed your fruit. Nurture your fruit bushes with a high-potash comfrey feed in the spring/summer. Bocking 14 is the best as it’s less invasive. Here’s how to make it. It’s also a good idea to mulch fruit trees in early spring, using homemade compost or well-rotted manure. This helps retain moisture and provide nutrients. During dry periods, bank up some mulch around the edge of the shrub’s crown.
Get pruning. As plants mature, cut out any crossing or tangled wood on the woody varieties. Let the air circulate around the plant, as this prevents diseases. For more advanced pruning advice, check out our pruning pages and downloadable booklet.
Cover your crops. Netting can be useful to deter birds from eating your fruit in summer, but ensure you check the nets regularly to make sure no insects/birds/animals have been caught in them. Last spring, our fruit trees were caught by a late frost, so if you have any plants in flower at this time of year keep an eye on the weather. If a cold snap is predicted make sure you cover your plants with fleece overnight.