| Nothing may be more rewarding than growing | | | | an apple tree. Almost all apples trees cannot |
| apples - a fruit everybody in the family can enjoy. | | | | pollinate themselves or any flowers of the same |
| So what does it take to grow tasty apples in | | | | apple variety. You will need to plant at least two |
| your backyard? | | | | varieties of apple trees together in order to |
| To grow a healthy apple tree it requires a handful | | | | maximize fruit production. Choose varieties with |
| of things, which include: picking the right variety, | | | | overlapping bloom dates. Some varieties produce |
| location in your yard, planting it correctly, training | | | | sterile pollen and should never be used as |
| and pruning your tree, fertilization and pest control. | | | | pollinizers - these can include Winesap, Mutsu, |
| Picking out the right variety and a healthy | | | | Jonagold and Stayman. |
| rootstock is important in your apple tree planting | | | | Now for site selection. Test your soil before |
| beginnings. The rootstock can be a seedling, which | | | | planting your apple tree. Your local County |
| produces a full sized tree, or a rootstock, which | | | | Extension office can help you test your soil |
| can be size controlled and produces a smaller tree. | | | | sample and provide you with important |
| Both produce a quality fruit. If you are limited in | | | | information about how to care for your soil and |
| space, you may want to choose a rootstock. | | | | tree. You can make changes to the soil before |
| Rootstocks also reduce the time it takes for the | | | | planting your tree, which could require adjusting |
| tree to reach fruit-bearing age. For best results, | | | | the pH balance. Most soil amendments should be |
| purchase a healthy 1-year-old nursery tree, 4 to 6 | | | | worked into a depth of 12 to 18 inches of where |
| feet tall, with a good root system. A small tree | | | | the tree will root - not just the planting hole. |
| with a good root system will transplant better | | | | Some areas just aren't good for planting trees, |
| than a large tree. When you get the tree, protect | | | | such as heavy or poorly drained soils and low |
| it from injury, drying out, freezing, and | | | | spots. |
| overheating. If the roots have dried somewhat, | | | | You will also want to be aware of areas that |
| soak them in water for about 24 hours before | | | | have 'frost pockets' or where cold air settles in |
| planting. If you are unable to plant the tree | | | | low-lying areas. Frost pockets can kill blossoms. |
| immediately, there are two options: | | | | You want good air circulation during early spring. |
| • 1) Wrap the roots in plastic along with | | | | Picking a higher site with a slope is recommended. |
| moist sawdust or newspaper, and place the tree | | | | Apple trees also require full sun, therefore, be |
| in a refrigerator or cooler at 40 F. Never store | | | | aware of your planting area and that it isn't near |
| the tree with fruit or vegetables, as ethylene gas | | | | large trees or buildings. Animals can damage |
| from ripening foods can kill young trees. | | | | your apple tree as well so avoid planting near |
| • 2) "Heel-in" the tree. To heel-in a tree, | | | | wooded areas or streams. If you are planting |
| dig a trench and place the tree roots evenly in it, | | | | your apple tree in your lawn, be sure to remove |
| cover the roots with soil, sawdust or peat, and | | | | the grass in a 4-foot diameter circle around the |
| water the tree thoroughly. The tree can be kept | | | | planting area. Grass will compete with young trees |
| for several weeks using this method before | | | | for nutrients. |
| permanently planting. | | | | Once your tree is planted, there will be a host of |
| Next is choosing the right variety. Variety is based | | | | other considerations to keep it healthy such as |
| on fruit characteristics, bloom time and pollen | | | | pruning, watering, fertilization and pest control. But |
| compatibility. Ask your nursery about their | | | | for now, you have made your first step in |
| varieties. | | | | growing your own apples. |
| Pollination is also a consideration when purchasing | | | | |