Pear should be ready to harvest this month. Check for size and colour.
Growing Calendar
This month: Sep
Log to journalReady to harvest now
- •Check size and ripeness
- •Harvest regularly
- •Store or use fresh
Watch Out For
Pear rust shows as bright orange spots on leaves in summer. It needs a juniper host nearby to complete its lifecycle, remove badly affected leaves
Pear midge causes fruitlets to swell then drop in early summer, already maggot-damaged inside. Collect and bin fallen fruitlets rather than composting
Fireblight blackens blossom and young shoots as if scorched. Cut affected wood well back into healthy tissue and disinfect tools between cuts
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems: no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Pear in the UK
Why hasn't my pear tree fruited yet?
Pears typically take longer than apples to start cropping, often 4–6 years. Check it isn't a pollination issue too: most pears need a compatible variety flowering nearby at the same time.
Should I pick pears when they're ripe on the tree?
No, this is the one real exception to picking fruit ripe. Pick dessert pears when they're still firm but come away easily with a slight twist, then ripen them indoors for the best texture.
What's the orange spotting on my pear leaves?
Almost certainly pear rust, which needs a nearby juniper to complete its lifecycle. It's mostly cosmetic on an otherwise healthy tree; remove badly affected leaves and improve air flow around the tree.
Can I grow a pear tree in a small garden?
Yes, on Quince C rootstock, or trained as a cordon or espalier against a wall or fence, which keeps it flat and compact while still fruiting well.
Written from real growing experience, not just research. Read the story behind Pelham Gardens.
Member guides
There's more to growing Pear than this guide covers.
A Garden Journal to log what worked, a personalised sowing planner in My Garden, and monthly reminders timed to the calendar.
