There are many fruit and nut trees suitable for your available space, even balconies. Not only does these trees provide an edible yield but are attractive in their own right. In this session we cover selection, preparation, planting and aftercare.

Your Tutor is Peter Wilson 

Peter Wilson has been teaching at WEA since 2010. 

Peter has a Certificate in Education from Greenwich University, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, an Advanced Certificate in Urban Horticulture from TAFESA, and a Certificate in Horticulture from TAFESA.

Peter has been teaching horticulture for nearly 30 years both locally and overseas, working with students from 3 years old and up. He has taught accredited and general interest sessions on a broad range of topics in this field and won prizes at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows.

Course Description

Growing your own deciduous fruit and nut trees is a rewarding way to enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while enhancing the beauty and productivity of your garden. 

This informative short course is designed for beginner and intermediate gardeners who want to understand what it takes to successfully grow a variety of fruit and nut trees. 

From choosing the right trees to maintaining them through the seasons, you’ll be guided through the essential knowledge needed to support healthy, productive growth.

Through a clear, step-by-step presentation and hands-on examples, you'll learn how to plan and prepare your garden, select suitable trees, and manage important care aspects such as irrigation, soil health, pest control, and ongoing maintenance. 

The course does not cover pruning but focuses on building confidence in all other key areas of deciduous fruit and nut tree cultivation.

Course Structure

This session is delivered in a classroom format using a well-illustrated PowerPoint presentation, whiteboard diagrams, and real-life samples. 

The session will guide participants through the entire process of establishing a home orchard starting with site and soil preparation, labour and watering needs, and the selection of suitable tree varieties. 

From there, the course will explore planting techniques, care in the early establishment phase, and essential long-term maintenance practices, including pest and disease management. 

There will be opportunities throughout for questions and discussion.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify suitable sites and conditions for growing deciduous fruit and nut trees
• Plan and prepare soil to support healthy tree growth
• Select appropriate tree varieties for their garden and climate
• Understand the irrigation, support, and care needs of young trees
• Recognise common pests and diseases and know how to manage them
• Confidently begin or expand a home orchard with deciduous fruit and nut trees