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  • Amateur Gardening

    Focus on… Dessert apples

    Aug 30, 2022 5 minutes

    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 is reality?

    Choosing shape, size and site

    With so many enticing varieties maturing now, you might be tempted to plant some this winter, so, let me help you. Aside from following my essentials checklist on page 20, what else is there to know?

    While very dwarfing rootstocks (like M27) sound tempting on smaller plots, I’ve found M26 easier to manage as the slightly greater vigour gives 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).

    “If space is an issue, consider a family tree”

    Understanding the difference between tip and spur bearers helps guide you

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