Pears in Barnston
Pyrus communis
A hardy fruit tree for UK gardens, usually planted bare-root while dormant. It does best in full sun, in fertile, well-drained soil, with steady watering while it establishes and winter pruning to keep the crown open.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Pear
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
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Plant bare-root pears while they are dormant in a sheltered, sunny spot. This guide covers planting and the first stage of establishment for a new tree in the ground.
Plant the Tree
11 Nov – 19 FebPlant the bare-root tree during 11th November - 19th February. Set the graft union just above soil level, firm the soil well, stake the tree securely, and keep a wide weed-free circle around the base. Water in thoroughly straight after planting.
Water to Establish
16 Apr – 22 Octevery 2 weeksFrom 16th April through 22nd October, water deeply every 14 days in dry spells for the first two summers. Do not expect meaningful fruit in the first one to two years, the tree needs time to settle and build root growth.
Thin Fruitlets
31 May – 15 JunAfter the natural drop has finished, thin congested fruitlets around 31st May - 15th June. Leave one fruit per cluster, spaced well apart, so the remaining pears grow larger and the branches are less likely to strain.
Harvest Pears
7 Sept – 22 OctPick from 7th September to 22nd October when the fruit lifts away with a gentle twist. Harvest a few at a time, as pears often ripen unevenly on the tree.
Winter Prune
16 Jan – 2 MarPrune in dormant weather around 16th January - 2nd March. Open out the centre, remove crossing shoots and any dead wood, and keep cuts clean so the tree stays productive and easy to pick from.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Pear.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Pear to consider
Conference
The standard UK pear for reliable cropping and good flavour. It stores well and suits most gardens.
Williams' Bon Chrétien
A well-known early pear with a juicy, aromatic flavour. Best eaten soon after picking.
Doyenné du Comice
A rich dessert pear with excellent flavour. It prefers a warm, sheltered site and can be a bit fussier than Conference.
Concorde
A compact, modern dessert pear with a good flavour and reliable cropping. Often a sensible choice for smaller gardens.
Related Plants
Explore similar plants you might like
Basil
Basil is a fragrant, tender herb whose leaves are a staple of summer cooking. Native to tropical regions, basil is treated as an annual in temperate climates like the UK because it cannot tolerate frost. It thrives in warm, sunny conditions and can be grown in garden beds or pots for a steady supply of fresh, flavourful leaves throughout the summer.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a hardy winter brassica (cabbage family) that form sturdy, leafy stems often around 60–90cm tall. They produce edible mini-cabbage buds along the stem from autumn through winter. Thanks to their cold tolerance, sprouts remain productive into late winter, and frost actually improves their sweetness.
Calabrese
Calabrese (broccoli) produces a large central head of tightly-packed green buds, followed by smaller side-shoots after the main head is cut. It’s a cool-season brassica crop. Grow it in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil and keep plants watered during dry spells. Harvest the heads while firm, then leave the stem in the ground to allow side-shoots to develop.
Also in nearby towns
See how Pear timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.