Get one in the ground now and look forward to fruitful days ahead!
It’s prime tree-planting season – the perfect time to put in an apple tree, and at this time of year you can plant them as bareroots or potted trees.
You’ll need a stake and tie and some compost to improve the soil. It’s also an advantage to add some RootGrow or other mycorrhizal fungus when you plant to help the tree establish well.
Apples grow best in full sun and it’s best to stay away from exposed sites or those that are especially frosty in spring to avoid damage to the early flowers.
Something else you need to consider is pollination of the flowers because most apples are not self-fertile. In urban areas this isn’t usually a problem because a tree in a neighbouring garden may fertilise your tree. Crab apples are also good pollinators for culinary apples. You could also choose a ‘family tree’ with three varieties grafted onto one. This solves the pollination problem and should provide a range of fruits.
Other things to consider are resistance to disease such as scab, which spoils the look of fruits, and when the fruit will ripen. Early apples such as ‘Discovery’ can be picked in August but don’t store well. Most apples are ready in September and can be enjoyed for a month or two. Late apples are usually not ready to eat until October but may store well right through to the New Year.
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Prepare the soil. Dig it deep and mix in organic matter. Mix organic matter into the subsoil too to increase the depth of fertile soil.
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Make sure tree roots are kept moist before planting. If potted, gently tease out roots if congested. Sprinkle the roots with RootGrow.
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Plant the tree at the same height it was in the pot or field (you should see a soil mark). Work the soil around the roots and gently firm.
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Water to ensure roots are in contact with the soil and stake the tree so it’s held steady as the roots grow and to withstand wind.