trees

[wentwood]

I would like to buy a ballerina apple tree and would like to know when is the best time to buy/plant? I would also like to know whether raspberry canes will grow in damp/clay ground?

[Thunderbird+]

The ballerina is a compact tree with a colum-like habbit and is an ideal variety for growing in pots/tubs,the fruiting buds are spaced closely along the main stem and very little pruning is nessessary. container grown trees can be planted at any time of the year providing no frost is present, although i would say autumn is best.

Raspberries prefer slightly acid soils and dislike chalk. Moisture is the main requirement. A mulch of organic manure in spring should pay dividends. Good Luck.

[Lonnie]

Just to follow on from Thunderbird+, and she's absolutely correct, if your thinking of planting in the ground, border etc, these trees are grafts, so make sure you don't cover the Graftline, usually near the base of the trunk.

[Thunderbird+]

Lonnie, Thanks adding some planting advice after my answer but next time please spare me the sex change!!