Plants and Trees - Apple Tree
About Apple Trees
Introduction
There are many varieties of apple trees you can grow, but that’s an individual choice as each type of apple has different tastes as some are sour tasting and some are sweet tasting. The most popular apple trees that are easy to grow on your property are as follows:
- Granny smith apples which are green and have a sour taste
- Delicious apples which are red and are more sweet in taste
- Golden delicious apples which are yellow and have a sweet taste
- Jonathan Apples are sweet tasting but also have a twist of sour taste
Apples are a delicious and nourishing quick snack that can be eaten anytime of the day or night to satisfy your hunger or you can snack on an apple in between meals.
Factors for Site Pre Planting Preparation
If you want to grow an apple tree in your home garden, there are several factors that you need to consider before even planting. Some useful preparation suggestions are as follows:
- Suitable site
- Test your soil before planting
- Apple tree selection
Apple trees are available at your local Nursery Center. It’s advisable to purchase an apple tree that is 1 to 2 years old
You need to ensure the site you have chosen receives plenty of sun or at least 5 to 6 hours daily and also ensure there is plenty of open space for when apple trees grow in height and width
If you’re unsure to the soil quality of the chosen area, you can have your soil tested at your local County Extension Center. They will advise you if the soil is in good quality condition or not and how to rectify the problem.
Apple Tree Care and Maintenance
An apple tree requires regular maintenance and care for it to produce healthy apples. There are a few distractions for an apple tree not to produce eatable apples that might be caused from a number of facts. The following is a good guideline of how you can maintain and care for your apple tree:
- Fertilizers
- Weed control
- Insecticides and pesticides
- Pruning
It’s essential to fertilize your soil yearly as it provides the tree root nutrition and helps the tree to produce apples. There are many great fertilizing products on the market today, make sure the fertilizer you purchase is suitable for apple trees
Weed control is also an important factor, by controlling any weed or grass around the base of the apple tree you are minimizing the affects of weeds competing for the soil and nutrients.
Insecticides and pesticides should also be considered, as many diseases and insects can cause serious damages, again, consult with you Nursery Center for the best product suitable for apple trees.
Pruning your apple trees is also essential as apples are heavy crops and the limbs can’t withstand the weight which therefore will break the branch. Pruning an apple tree will also encourage blooming for the following year.
