If you have a large garden and can plant some trees, one that could also provide you with natural fruit is the apple tree. But how do you grow a tasty apple tree in your orchard? If you don't want it to die on you right away, and you do want it to give you fruit so you can enjoy healthy apples, and above all, without any chemicals, take a look at this.
We have prepared a guide for you so that you know how to care for an apple tree so that it grows healthy and thrives, especially the fruit. Let's get to it!
Buying an apple tree, where to do it?
In order to grow an apple tree, the first thing you need to do is get one. You can actually buy them in many different places. For example, in supermarkets, such as Lidl or Aldi, They often sell fruit trees at very affordable prices. If you buy them as soon as they arrive, they have a better chance of surviving, because they don't suffer as much.
Another option you have is in the nurseries. A priori, these trees are much better cared for, although the prices are somewhat higher than in supermarkets. You also have the advantage that you can find various sizes, or trees of different ages.
How to grow a tasty apple tree
Once you have your apple tree, it is time to transplant it. But be careful:
- We recommend that, Once you buy it, leave it alone for a couple of weeks in the garden, with its pot and everything. Why? So that it can adapt to the new climate and environment. You see, when you buy it, the tree is stressed, and if you transplant it at that time, it can weaken and not thrive.
- Furthermore, It is advisable that you first check its roots and soil. that you have in case there is something that could negatively affect it. For example, a pest or disease that could affect your other plants or trees.
Once this time has passed, it will be time to plant it. The hole you will have to make will depend on the size of the tree and, above all, on the roots it has. We advise you to put a little soil with fertilizer in the hole before planting it to give it nutrients to strengthen it.
Do not compact the soil too much, It is preferable to leave it loose and oxygenated. This way, the roots will be able to move more easily and take hold in the soil.
Water it lightly and wait a week or two to let it adjust to its new home. It may well lose some or even all of its leaves during this time. So don't worry, this is natural due to the stress it is under. But after that, new ones should appear and start growing.
What care does an apple tree need?
Now that you have it planted in your garden, it is time to provide it with the care it needs to thrive. And these are the following:
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Although you already know that the apple tree will be in your garden, outside, it is best that you have placed it in a semi-shaded area, since he prefers a humid environment to a dry one. That is to say, full sun is not the most advisable for this tree. However, it all depends on the variety you have chosen, since some apple trees can tolerate the sun better than others.
Yes, It does not tolerate frost very well., and it can even die, especially if the temperature drops too much. In these cases, to avoid losing it, it is best to use a thermal mesh or similar to protect it in winter, or even place a greenhouse over it to cover it.
Wind is not the best for this tree either. It does not affect its health, but it will prevent its development from being adequate.
Irrigation
Watering is one of the most important care for an apple tree. You should know that Apple trees require a lot of water, especially during their flowering season, because that is also when they will grow the most.
If you don't water it enough, the flowers will usually fall off and the tree will not grow. If you notice this, you know you'll need to increase your watering.
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Another of the main care requirements for an apple tree is fertilization. In spring and summer it would be highly advisable to give it extra fertilizer. to provide it with the nutrients and energy necessary for it to bear fruit and grow.
If you don't, it may still keep going, but in the long run the tree will become tired and could stagnate or even become sick.
Pruning
Pruning an apple tree is always done in winter. There are two periods, either when the cold weather has not yet arrived, or when winter is already starting to end and the warm weather is coming.
Regarding what to cut, You have to prune the crown so that the branches grow separately. and the sun enters through the center of the tree, so that the light reaches all corners.
We also recommend that you cut branches that grow vertically towards the sun. These take a lot of energy away from the tree, as well as affecting its appearance.
Plagues and diseases
Apple trees are delicate trees, we're not going to say no to you. Fungus, scab or mottling These are some of the problems you will have to deal with so that it does not affect your health.
You can use fungicides or specific treatments to treat it. But everything will depend on what the problem is in order to apply the best treatment. Even so, in general, unless the disease or pest is very advanced, they tend to be resistant and with a little help they will get through.
When are apples harvested?
As we have told you before, there are different types of apple trees. In general, You can harvest the apples at the end of summer, but depending on where you put it, the variety, etc. it could be later or earlier.
Now you have the basics to care for a tasty apple tree in your garden. Do you fancy having one, either in your garden or in a pot outside, and having freshly picked fruit from your tree?