Grow a tree from seed
Aside from planting a conker or an acorn in childhood, it’s surprising how few of us attempt to grow trees from seed and yet it is not only a satisfying exercise but the savings make it worthwhile, too. But remember that only true species – not seedlings of hybrid plants – will be the same as their parents. Fruits and seeds are maturing now, so there are rich pickings to be had. Since many of them need repeated freezing and thawing to trigger germination, sowing in autumn and leaving the seeds outdoors at the mercy of winter weather is a good way to germinate. The biggest problems during germination are mice, voles and squirrels, so cover pots with close-weave wire netting. Once the seedlings have emerged they can be separated from each other and grown on in pots or the ground until planted in their final spots.