Focus on… Dessert apples
GROWING plump, crunchy apples to pick and eat straight off the tree is the epitome of living your best life in the garden, so how do we ensure this dream becomes a reality? With many enticing eating apple varieties maturing now, you might be tempted to plant some this winter, so let me help you. Aside from following my checklist on the following page, what else is there to know?
The right space, the right shape While very dwarfing rootstocks (such as M27) will sound tempting on smaller plots, I have found M26 easier to manage as the slightly greater vigour gives the trees more ‘pep’, and they can still be pruned to keep them compact. With flowers opening in May and bees essential for pollination, shelter is key; blooms can be damaged at temperatures of 2°C/36°F.
“All set best with cross pollination”
Understanding the difference between tip- and spur-bearers helps to guide you on
