Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Reinforcing mesh used in building
construction is also effective, if less aesthetic.
A bracing crossbeam at the top of the trellis
will make the structure sound.
2
3
When building a trellis for horizontal designs,
place the wires 35 cm to 60 cm apart
depending on how closely you want the
mother branches to grow. Those gardening in
cool areas need distances at the wider end of
this spectrum so that the branches can be
exposed to the maximum amount of light.
Those in warm areas can place the wires
more closely.
5
1
4
Figure 5.15
All supports need to be solidly built. They
need wires strung at 30 cm to 40 cm intervals. For
nectarines and peaches pinch out new growth then prune
to two buds/leaves in summer (1). First spring growth from
the triple bud (2). Next summer, prune out crowded shoots
to one bud (3). After harvest prune out the shoot that has
fruited leaving a bud (4). The new growth from this bud
will grow next spring and carry next season's crop (5).
When training trees as fans, place wires
between 30 cm and 40 cm and fasten bamboo
rods or wooden dowels onto the wires where
you want the branches to be trained (see
Figure 5.15). This is ideal for peaches and
nectarines (see Table 5.1 for other suitable
trees for fan training).
60 cm. Check your tree and cut it back to buds
or branches that are nearly opposite to each
other, these will form your first tier of mother
branches. The sequence of bud/leaf/branch
arrangement is outlined on page 6,
so there will be buds on the whip or
feathered maiden to suit your purpose within
this height range (see Figure 5.1). Again, by
observing the bud arrangement, the place to
prune in order to create the next tier of
mother branches, will be clear. Always cut to a
bud facing in the direction you want growth
to go.
If you want to grow your espalier against a
wooden fence, use hooks and wire or attach
strong wooden dowels or even metal
reinforcing rods instead of wires. A brick wall
can have wires strung between masonry plugs
at least 10 cm in front of the wall or a heavy-
duty trellis can be erected.
Generally, when using dwarfing rootstocks a
trellis about 2 m wide and 2 m high is
enough to contain one tree. If a more
vigorous stock is used a framework of 2.4 m
high by 5 m long could be needed. If you
want to attempt a Belgian fence, make your
trellis as long as required and plant your
dwarf trees at 1 m spacings to create the
desired effect.
Managingmotherbranchesorpruning
andtrainingforfruit
As your potential mother branches extend,
they should be gently trained to the horizontal
throughout the summer. Pears appear the
most flexible, followed by apples and plums.
Peaches and nectarines are more brittle and
therefore more suited to fan training.
The lowest mother branches can be started as
low as 45 cm from the ground or as high as
