Imagine being able to pluck apples from your backyard for a nutritious breakfast every single day. Yes, it sounds pretty appealing!
I recently visited an orchard with my husband, and I met the plantation owner there. She had grown rows of apple trees, and lunch was set up right between the trees.
Needless to say, the gardener was both impressed and curious, so I could not stop myself from asking her about how to grow apple trees. She told me about the entire process and also provided important tips like how to choose saplings and not seeds.
While apples can be grown from seeds at home, it can make the overall process become more tedious. Plus, it increases the chances of the plant dying at an early stage, especially if you are not experienced in this regard.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I will share everything that I learned from her to help you grow your own apples too. I have divided the process into steps to make it easier to understand.
So, do not wait any longer and read on!
Apple trees grow in a specific kind of soil, so you should ideally identify the type beforehand with a soil test. The soil has to be loamy and drain well for your apple trees to blossom. Moreover, the pH level needs to be between 6.0 and 7.0.
If you aren’t experienced with soil testing, it’s best to ask a local gardener or a garden store to do the job for you.
Next, you will have to find out the right places to plant the saplings. Remember that if you have opted for the dwarf variety, then there should be a space of at least 10 to 15 feet between two saplings. Otherwise, you will need to keep them at least 15 to 30 feet apart. This is because apple trees can cover quite a large area with their branches, and the roots also need enough area to spread out. And try to find a spot where the trees will get complete sunlight.
Besides, they need to be protected in winter from cold winds, and hence, there should be a wall or any other shield-like structure on the sides.
Now that the area is marked out, you can buy the apple tree saplings of your choice. These can be bought from local stores, or you can order them online. The saplings would be around 3 feet high and they generally grow fast.
However, remember that apple trees cannot self-pollinate. Hence, it is best to purchase two cross-pollinating varieties and then proceed.
Once you have the saplings, it is time to clean the place. Use a weed whacker to clean the area, and then add some garden soil along with compost. I always prefer using organic compost, and I try to stay away from chemical fertilizers as much as possible.
Here, the plantation owner advised me against planting them in summer. Instead, she asked me to move ahead with this step when the frost was clearing up, as the summer heat can destroy the saplings and prevent it from developing.
When it’s time to plant the sapling, you will need to dig a hole that is around 12 inches bigger than the ball of roots and around 18-24 inches deep. After the hole is ready, pour water into it and let it drain.
Finally, it is time to plant the tree in the hole. Once you have placed the sapling, fill the surrounding area with adequate compost and garden soil. Then add some mulch on top and water the area again. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t prune the tree during the first year.
You cannot be standing beside the tree at all times, and hence, external protection needs to be added. I added some fences around the plant to prevent small animals like rabbits and squirrels, from eating up the saplings.
Besides, the fence should be placed in a way such that even larger animals like deer would not be able to jump in at any point. Place them close to the plant, but not too close as otherwise, the animals might start eating the protruding leaves from the outside.
Once the plant is in place, keep watering it every day for a year, and you should be able to observe significant growth. It would grow around an inch per week, and you will need to add more mulch before the winter sets in. This will help maintain a steady flow of nutrients to ensure constant growth.
The plantation owner told me that the tree needs to be covered up for the winter months using a burlap. The burlap has to be placed all over the tree and the branches, and that should protect them from the cold winds. You can also use another thick wrap to cover the bark so that animals don’t rub on it. And wait till spring to take off the covers.
I will recommend buying potting or garden soil, organic fertilizers and pesticides, mulch, grow lights, and a spray bottle beforehand. These items will keep the plant healthy, and you will be able to see apples sooner.
Also, keep a constant eye watch over the plants, especially during the initial days to see what kind of animals are being attracted to them. This will help you check if the fences are able to ward them off. If not, then spend some time to plan and execute tidal protective methods.
On that note, I will leave you to the job, and you can let me know about any doubts in the comment section below. I will be back soon with another such informative guide.
Bye!
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