What depth of soil for a quince tree?

Leif

I have a disused septic tank at the bottom of the garden in a location where I'd like to place a quince. The tank is partially filled with rubble and flints dug out from beds. It is concrete, roughly 6 foot by 6 foot, with 6" walls and about 18" beneath the surface of the soil. Could I plant on top of it with the tree spreading out and then down at the edges? Or would it need some depth? I might be able to break up the roof with a sledge hammer and get at least 2 foot of soil depth. I know I could plant to one side, but I'd like to use this corner, so I can use other space for a greenhouse and veg beds.

lostinrates

Leif wrote: »

I have a disused septic tank at the bottom of the garden in a location where I'd like to place a quince. The tank is partially filled with rubble and flints dug out from beds. It is concrete, roughly 6 foot by 6 foot, with 6" walls and about 18" beneath the surface of the soil. Could I plant on top of it with the tree spreading out and then down at the edges? Or would it need some depth? I might be able to break up the roof with a sledge hammer and get at least 2 foot of soil depth. I know I could plant to one side, but I'd like to use this corner, so I can use other space for a greenhouse and veg beds.

as a fig lover i cannot help thinking...predesigned root guard for figs, if its fruit rather than a quince specifically.


No idea amountvthe quince, but i have planted my fruit trees deeper than that.

Leif

lostinrates wrote: »

as a fig lover i cannot help thinking...predesigned root guard for figs, if its fruit rather than a quince specifically.


No idea amountvthe quince, but i have planted my fruit trees deeper than that.

A fig did occur to me. But then I thought the 18" of soil above might mean the fig can go wild. I suppose a brick wall would cure that. I must admit for some reason I am fixated on a quince (fruit not flowering).

lostinrates

http://www.cabdirect.org/abstracts/19720300615.html;jsessionid=FAA92D8B4F9228914A6AE181DE93FEF3

This might be interesting for you.

If you went for a smallish rootstock in particular...

What variety of quince are you foing for? I am tryiNg to decide whether to risk the portuguese ones or go for spomething like meech's prolific, i have had a hole dug since autumn, but no quince in it yet!

Davesnave

Make sure there are healthy quinces in your area.

Those where I am have developed quince leaf spot in the last two years, and there's no cure....or quinces!

Leif

lostinrates wrote: »

as a fig lover i cannot help thinking...predesigned root guard for figs, if its fruit rather than a quince specifically.


No idea amountvthe quince, but i have planted my fruit trees deeper than that.

I found this which might interest you:

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/planting/how-to-plant-a-fig-tree/112.html

I was not going to plant a fig as the container costs a lot, but a few paving slabs do not cost much.

Leif

Davesnave wrote: »

Make sure there are healthy quinces in your area.

Those where I am have developed quince leaf spot in the last two years, and there's no cure....or quinces!

My late mother had one which did okay. I haven't seen any locally. My problem is wind, errr, weatherwise that is.

Leif

lostinrates wrote: »

What variety of quince are you foing for?

No idea. My mother's produced huge rock hard pear shaped fruit with an incredible scent.

I'll also get a second ornamental flowering quince, as I have one planted by the previous owner, and although I hacked it back last year, it has come up a treat.

lostinrates

Leif wrote: »

I found this which might interest you:

http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/planting/how-to-plant-a-fig-tree/112.html

I was not going to plant a fig as the container costs a lot, but a few paving slabs do not cost much.

Figs are brilliant, i have a few now. My favorite fig in the uk is called violetta. Really much nicer fruit than brown turkey. I have a few others too, but for fruit violetta wins. For beauty then ice crystal does best.

Leif

lostinrates wrote: »

Figs are brilliant, i have a few now. My favorite fig in the uk is called violetta. Really much nicer fruit than brown turkey. I have a few others too, but for fruit violetta wins. For beauty then ice crystal does best.

Good to know, thanks. Having discovered that it is easy to contain one, I'm tempted to plant a couple.

lostinrates

Leif wrote: »

No idea. My mother's produced huge rock hard pear shaped fruit with an incredible scent.

I'll also get a second ornamental flowering quince, as I have one planted by the previous owner, and although I hacked it back last year, it has come up a treat.

Iam not surei have ever seen an ornamental quince. I am intrigued now though.....

I love quince!