Hi everyone, just want to say hello to all and begin my quest of raising apples. I just purchased 2 potted apple trees, one dwarf Fuji and one dwarf combination variety for 50% off as a late season close out. I live in Long Island New You, so my plan is to winter them in the garage and plant in the the spring. They are both about 5 feet and look fairly healthy. Any and all advice for wintering, pruning, spraying, and planting in the spring would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Greg in New York
New to Orange Pippin and apples
Moderator: appledude
Re: New to Orange Pippin and apples
Keep em below 40 degrees if you can and above ~15 degrees (roots can be damaged and I don't know that T specifically). Prune minimally. Less is better imo. Establish a training system you want to use and stick to it. The rootstock used and variety matter primarily, ultimately so does your soil and care (water, fert), and fruiting: these 5 play on each other as to the growth rate and eventual height. I like to see at least 12" of growth on a more mature tree and the younger ones (<7 or 8 yrs) more like 18". Use an underground wrap of hardware cloth if voles(mice) are around (they like tall grass, & share snake habitat-and they eat the babies) when you plant, watch for rabbits and deer- more protection above ground!Fence or reg. sprays of Putrefied egg solids, blood, Hydrolyzed Casien all help deter. Look for scab resistant varieties, use Surround (kaolin clay) or "footies" for AM/CM=Apple Maggot/Codling Moth. Don't runt out the tree by overbearing- it can stop growing!
I don't usually get this specific but it is the first time to register back in O.P. in a while. Enjoy the learning.
I don't usually get this specific but it is the first time to register back in O.P. in a while. Enjoy the learning.