Nuts are attractive trees, and produce tasty autumn treats that are expensive to buy in the stores. They grow well in cool climates, and require just a little attention once planted. Almonds and hazels are the smallest of the nut trees, and both are very easy to grow in the garden.

When to plant: Late autumn.

At their best: Spring and late summer.

Time to complete: 3 hours.

You will need: Almond tree, spade, stake, tree tie, clippers, pruning saw.

Site and planting

Choose an open, sunny spot with deep, fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid frost pockets because almonds flower in spring and their blooms are easily damaged. Plant and stake the tree. If your tree is not self-pollinating, you will need to plant two.

Prune and harvest

Prune your almond trees to keep a good, open shape, but only in summer, because they are susceptible to silver leaf disease. Once the hulls have cracked open, harvest the nuts by knocking them from the tree. Slit the hulls, remove the nuts, and dry them.