Allotments 4 All

Hello all.

I've just purchased 3 fruit trees from Aldi (see bargains thread). I assume it is a bit cold to plant them out at the moment (I'm in the W Midlands). My problem is that I haven't really anywhere to heel them in. I'm reluctant to do it up the allotment as they might 'walk' and I do not have any where at home to heel them in. Would I be able to put them each in a bucket with roots covered in damp compost and keep them in a cold greenhouse until the ground warms up a bit?

I look forward to your replies.

Regards

Bluecar

I should have thought they would have happier planted outside.   For me now is the ideal time for planting.   If left the buds might start to break.

Thanks Digeroo.

My concern was that I have read that it's not a good idea to plant bare root trees out when there is a risk of freezing, but I guess the ground temperature a few inches down will be okay. I wasn't aware of the problem that the buds might break.

Regards

Bluecar

It is sometimes one of the problems of plants from cheapo shops that they have kept in conditions which are too warm and the buds have started to break prematurely. 

Hi. I think the fruit trees only arrived at Aldi today so you bought them at the right time. They shouldn't have been affected by the warmth of the shop. After a week or two they do start to open up and then they can suffer with the cold. I don't think you need to worry about planting them out immediately as they are dormant but would do best somewhere cool, but frost free. Mine are in my shed - two pears and an apricot.