Apricots (Prunus armeniaca) are among the first fruit trees to flower, often in late March, so a single night of frost can wipe out the crop. Give the tree the warmest spot you have – ideally against a south-facing wall, sheltered from wind – in free-draining, preferably limy soil (pH 6.5–7.5); waterlogged roots lead to gummosis and sudden dieback. Plant in autumn or early spring. On frosty nights during flowering, draping fleece over a small tree can save the blossom. Prune only in dry weather, best in late summer after harvest, because wounds made in wet weather invite infection. Brown rot (Monilinia) attacks flowers and shoots in damp springs; cut out wilted twigs well into healthy wood. Fruits ripen in July and August and are best picked when fully coloured and slightly soft. They keep only a few days, so dry, freeze or make jam from any surplus.