Allotments 4 All

I'd like to have a couple of apple trees on my allotment but don't know what to get and where from.  I've sort of sussed out the pollination aspect and have a list of types I could choose from but I don't know what size to get.

If I get the dwarf variety (up to 6" I think) will this produce many fruit?  I think other people onsite have normal large trees but keep them pruned and trained outwards rather than upwards.  Presumably the dwarf variety will be quite contained so unable to do that but then I wouldn't have to prune so often or as much (would I?).

Prices seem to vary wildly as well - £6.99 in lidl (not one near me so not an option) to £30+
Any suggestions on where to buy please?
Thanks (as you can tell I'm a beginner)  ;D

You couldn't be in a better place Cobnut. We all have to start somewhere ;D.

Hi,
Cobnut, check out Demelzah's post same area.
Plenty of info there. ;)
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,66026.0.html
Good luck with your plot.

Quote from: cobnut on March 11, 2011, 17:48:24
If I get the dwarf variety (up to 6" I think) will this produce many fruit? 

It's the rootstock that dwarfs it - M27 will take years to exceed 2m and can be kept around 2m with pruning.

Dwarf rootstocks will produce the same or more fruit per cubic metre of tree - IF they are on good soil. They will start producing more quickly too.

They also need good feeding but don't start that until the second year - they need to hunt for water and food in the first year to become well established.

This year just sheet mulch at least 1 metre square to make sure there's enough water but not too much.

Cheers.