If you love organic apples, and if you live on the East Coast (especially near humidity levels) then it’s no surprise that most of these delicious fruits come from faraway Washington state or some other country.
Higher rates of insects in this part make sure there are less diseases when growing them organically!
In a recent interview with Jim Travis PhD., professor of plant pathology at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), he says that this part-of country may one day be best place for growing apples.
One of Travis’s students is currently working on a project that will create beneficial bacteria and fungi for apple trees.
However even with these advancements there are still steps you could take at home to grow organic apples while avoiding spraying them frequently with pesticides or herbicides. Read on to find out how.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREE
For those who are looking to plant a single tree or start an orchard in their backyard, make sure it is on the right type of stock. For trees that will grow 6-7 feet tall and less than 12′, look for B-9; M-26 indicates growth up to 12′, while M-7 might reach 15’.
Planting trees that naturally resist disease is a great way to ensure your apples are free from harmful pests and diseases. Crimson crisp, gold rush or even enterprise will help you get the best tasting fruit no matter what kind of apple tree it is!
Plant Soon – Or Wait Until Spring
You should plant your tree in October or April, but make sure you avoid chemical fertilizers. In the spring spread about an inch of compost around and just outside a 3-4 foot radius from where it is planted.
If planting this fall, put metal cages around trees to keep rabbits away!
Prune Precisely
“To keep your orchard dry, prune the trees as soon as they’ve been in water. If you let them sit for a few days before removing their leaves it’ll start to rot and fungus will grow on that area,” says Don Jantzi from Rodale Institute’s Organic Orchards Department.”
Air circulation around these branches helps with air drainage which prevents diseases like apple scab!”
Apple trees are great for pruning in the winter because they need it. Actually, January and February are the best months for pruning.
If you don’t remove dead branches or those that have been broken off, then your tree will struggle to grow healthy and strong again next year when summer comes around!
Be Patient
Apples are a wonderful fruit, but they take about 3 years to produce their first crop.
If you want the most out of your tree in terms of apples and other crops like flowers or worms, then it’s important that all potential yield be harvested early with 2-year intervals throughout summer until full production is reached (usually by late June).
Removing blemished looking pieces can help reduce diseases from taking over since there will be less available food for these pests.
Meet For Fruit Talk
“There are new varieties coming out all the time, making it fun,” says Jantzi. “Small groups meet and share experiences with other like-minded fruit growers in your area to help everyone take their gardens from a story into reality.”
Don’t Look For False Perfection
“An apple with a few scars on the outside still makes for a delicious apple pie and sauce.
A perfect fruit might be too much of an obsession to worry about blemishes,” says Travis.