Apple trees going out to schools

The first delivery of apple trees left the garden centre this week for a wonderful initiative by the Teachers Credit Union of Ireland. They are gifting schools across the country mini orchards of three trees. The first phase of 50 schools will receive theirs this month.

September is a great month to get planting, and successful fruit starts with tree choice. Always choose 2-3-year-old properly trained trees on your chosen rootstock (growing size e.g. M26 = semi-dwarf). No branches for 30” on the bottom of the stem and well-furnished tops.

Pollination is most important. If fruit trees don’t pollinate correctly, you get no fruit. Most apple trees will not pollinate themselves so you will need at least two varieties to give you cross pollination. Some apple trees, like the cooker ‘Brambley’s Seedlings’, need two pollinators.

Fruit trees are divided into five flowering periods. That covers approximately a month from the beginning of period one to the end of period five.

Each period overlaps with the one before and the one after. For example, a variety in group three will cross pollinate with varieties in group two, three and four and a variety in group two with those in one, two and three.

To grow most fruit trees successfully, select a planting site with full sun, well-drained soil and shelter from late frosts to protect blossoms from damage.

In wet areas, plant the tree on a raised mound to ensure good drainage.

Planting can be carried out all year round when trees are grown in pots, but avoid periods of hot, dry weather.

Prepare your tree for planting by giving it a good watering. Dig a whole twice the width of the pot, mix in some good quality compost and a small amount of a balanced granular fertiliser (Grow more granules). Plant to the level of the nursery pot.

Newly planted trees and those growing in large pots need some regular attention to ensure they establish well. Try to water in the morning or late in the evening to minimise loss from the soil.

Top dress feed in spring with a balanced tree fertiliser and further feed in August with three or four ounces of Sulphate of Potash. That will encourage more flowers and fruit.

Keep the area at the base of the tree weed- and grass-free, at least three feet out from the stem.

Pruning is carried out between November and March to achieve the following: (a) to reduce size (b) keep the centre clear to improve air flow (c) remove crossing or inwardly growing branches (d) remove dead or diseased branches.

Winter wash is advisable if, during the season, your tree has been affected by disease or aphid attack.

Use between December and early February. It will eliminate over wintering eggs/spores, thus, reducing the need to spray later.