Apple

Growing

When planting an apple tree, the choice of rootstock is the most important decision for long-term orchard management. Trees grown from seed are not true to the parent plant. Use grafted nursery stock for predictable fruit quality. A dwarf rootstock controls the tree's ultimate size, makes the fruit easier to reach during harvest, and lets the tree begin bearing earlier than a full-sized tree.

Watch the orchard during warm spring weather, when fungal diseases like apple scab take hold. Olive-brown, velvety spots appear on leaves, eventually turn cork-like, and can spread to the fruit. To manage this, clear old, fallen leaves from the ground each autumn to prevent the fungus from overwintering. Protect young trees from mammals like deer or mice, which may eat the soft bark during the winter.

Harvest fruit when it is fully ripe, as apples do not ripen once off the tree. Keep them unwashed after picking to prevent decay. For short-term use, store the harvest in a cool, dark cellar or the refrigerator. For longer preservation, can or dry the fruit.