apple pruning course (summer) – summer pruning for increased fruit yield – 1 day
See also apple pruning course – winter pruning
We have made some changes to our Course Program – please see our Course Update page for more information.
| date: | 1 Sept 2024 – FULL 7 Sept 2025 (Sunday) |
| overview: | Summer pruning encourages flowers to set and increases fruit yield. Instruction also applies to pear trees. The course will start at Bore Place, looking at the apple trees that were pruned during the January pruning course to see how well they have responded, as well as trees that remain overgrown. The course will then move to Mike’s garden where you will see well-established apple trees that have been maintained over a number of years, and learn how to summer-prune them to encourage flower set, fruiting yield, restrict growth and consolidate the establishment of form following winter pruning. There will be plenty of opportunity to gain hands-on experience. The course will be rounded off with a Kentish cream tea with homemade jams and scones (hopefully in the sunshine!). |
| start time: | 10.30am tea/introductions for 11am start |
| lunch : | approx 1pm – 2pm please bring a packed lunch. Hot drinks will be provided. |
| finish time: | approx 4pm |
| cost: | £100 per person |
| tutor: | Mike Whiddett |
| cancellations: | we will provide a full refund if you cancel your place more than 14 days in advance of the course start date. Please note that we will be unable to refund your course fee or transfer you to another course if you cancel your place less than 14 days before the start of the course. |
| what to wear: | wear sturdy shoes or boots at all times. Please also wear warm, comfortable clothes that are suitable for the current weather conditions. You will be outside for most of the course. |
| course size: | maximum of 8 participants |
| what to bring: | all tools and materials will be provided, but please feel free to bring along any interesting tools, or tools you would like to know how to sharpen! |
| how to book: | Booking Form |
| location: | The course will start at Bore Place (www.boreplace.org), and then will move to a garden in nearby Weald (see overview above). Bore Place is an environmental and educational charity on a 500 acre organic dairy farm, set in beautiful low weald countryside. Converted farm buildings and a Jacobean Manor House offer accommodation if required, with walks and local pubs to enjoy when you’re not wooding! Directions will be sent to you once you’ve booked on a course and can also be accessed from the Workshop Directions Page |
| accommodation: | Depending on availability, there are cottages to rent on site for £185 per night (minimum of 2 nights). It is essential that you contact Bore Place in advance to book accommodation. Please call 01732 463255 or email bookings@boreplace.org. There are also two beautiful yurts and two cosy shepherds huts on site - see Free Range Glamping for more information. |
Submit your review | |
Mike has a lovely, easy manner of sharing his extensive knowledge. This was a great day, with an equal amount of theoretical and practical aspects - lots of tips. Added bonus advice on pruning other types of fruit trees and a wonderful cream tea provided by Julia. Thank you Mike - I'm looking forward to further improving my knowledge and skills on the winter pruning course.
Thank you Mike and the team at Underwoodsman, the summer pruning day provided a great way to get hands on advice and experience on the core principles of what, when and how to prune!
Peter and I really enjoyed our summer pruning day. It was good to be able to complete the two-part course. We went straight back home and started pruning; our apple trees now look great! Thank you.
I attended the Summer Apple Pruning course and wanted to say a massive thank you to Mike for being such a fantastic instructor. He was very detailed in his explanations and demonstrations then allowed us plenty of time to practice what we were taught. As a first time growing fruit trees, I have come away from this course feeling more confident with the gained knowledge. I’m so pleased I booked for the Winter Apple Pruning course as well and looking forward to it. I would highly recommend this course to anyone. I just wish that there were more gardening courses offered through Underwoodsman.
Thank you Natasha and we look forward to seeing you again in January.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course. The day was well structured and balanced. A perfect blend of learning, hard work and relaxation suitable for all levels. Mike's knowledge and method of teaching was clearly the product of real experience and a passion for passing on what he has learned. Thank you.
I would like to thank Amanda, John & Mike for an excellent course what a delightful way to spend a sunny summer day! It was an added bonus to have the apple pressing & juice to drink at lunch time. The theory of pruning was explained & demonstrated clearly & I now feel confident to tackle both winter & summer pruning. I hope u will continue to run these courses & I will certainly recommend them.
I would like to pass on my thanks to all concerned for a great day with Mike yesterday. Very informative, relaxed and well put over course. A real pleasure.
I will almost certainly apply to attend the winter pruning course.