Nut-bearing Trees in Four Numbers
For those with limited space, growing nut trees in small UK gardens can seem like a challenge. However, with the right selection and management, it is possible to cultivate a variety of nut trees that are compact, suited to the UK climate, and manageable in space.
### Best Varieties of Nut Trees for Small UK Gardens
1. **Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana)** - Known for their ease of growth in the UK, hazelnut trees are ideal for small gardens. They can be maintained as multi-stemmed bushes rather than a single trunk tree. In autumn, they produce edible nuts and are tolerant of UK climate and soil types.
2. **Dwarf Walnut Varieties** - While walnut trees are typically large, dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties can be pruned or selected for smaller spaces. Walnuts are nutritious and grow well in temperate climates like the UK’s. However, they require careful management and pruning to suit a modest garden.
3. **Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)** - Traditional in the UK, sweet chestnut trees can grow quite large but can be kept smaller through pruning. They produce edible chestnuts in the autumn and are a suitable option for small gardens with proper management.
4. **Almond Trees** - Almond trees can be grown in warmer, sheltered parts of the UK. They are smaller and can suit small gardens with some care. In addition to producing edible nuts, they offer pretty spring blossoms.
### Tips for Growing Nut Trees in Small UK Gardens
- **Container or Pot Growing**: This method is beneficial, especially for dwarf or smaller cultivars. Specialist suppliers like Pomona Fruits offer pot-grown nut trees ideal for small spaces and summer planting. - **Heritage or Specially Grafted Varieties**: Seek out varieties from UK nurseries that cater to smaller gardens and UK conditions. Nurseries such as G.V. Bale and Walcot Organic Nursery offer tailored grafted trees suited for UK zone 7 climate. - **Additional Benefits**: Choose trees that provide additional benefits like wildlife support and autumn color. Rowan trees, while not nut trees, complement a small garden with food for wildlife and beauty.
In summary, hazelnuts are the most practical and popular nut tree for small UK gardens due to their size and ease of growth. With proper management, dwarf walnuts and sweet chestnuts are options, while container-grown nut trees offer further flexibility for very small spaces. Consulting specialist UK nurseries for suitable varieties and rootstocks is recommended to maximize success in small garden environments.
Some other edible nut trees to grow in the UK include almonds, cobnuts (also known as filberts or hazelnuts), sweet chestnuts, and walnuts. Varieties like Cobnut 'Purple Filbert' with purple foliage, purple spring catkins, and edible autumn fruits, growing into a large bushy shrub of 3m x 2m, and Walnut 'Lara' and 'Broadview', which are self-fertile and reliable cropper, are also worth considering. When pruning walnut trees, do so from late summer to early autumn as sap is likely to bleed if pruned at other times. Walnut trees need a sunny site and deep, rich, fertile soil.
- Additionally, aside from hazelnuts, other nut trees suitable for small UK gardens include dwarf walnut varieties and sweet chestnuts, which can be managed to fit smaller spaces with proper pruning.
- Furthermore, consider incorporating food-and-drink options such as almond trees and home-and-garden elements like Rowan trees into small gardens for added benefits, such as autumn color, wildlife support, and aesthetic appeal.
