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| Apple trees aren't just for the apples. Spring brings blooms galore – an asset to any garden or home landscape. |
I subscribe to the general consensus that gardening is a work in progress. Thanks to years of trial and error, I’ve learned that some gardening ventures are successful, and others…not so much. But I’ve never shied away from a challenge, and there’s no greater satisfaction than taking a new plant or tackling a new technique and seeing it through to a triumphant end. That said, this year I’ve spent some time researching how to grow fruit trees – because I’m now determined to start a mini-orchard in my back yard.
Why apples? A home orchard is a great way to have delicious, nutritious fresh fruit whenever you’d like, and apples can be used in so many ways. Other advantages include knowing where your fruit’s coming from and being able to grow some types of apples that may not be available at the grocery store or local orchard. Aside from being productive, apple trees can also enhance the appearance of the home landscape as a feature or border plant. They can even be espaliered or trellised, if you’re so inclined. Of course, there are a few things you need to know before you harvest that first apple crop. Growing high-quality apples requires learning how to select the right variety for you and your region; how to choose a planting site with appropriate soil, light, etc.; proper planting and pruning techniques; how and when to fertilize; and pest-management options. Here are some of the basics you need to understand before you dig that first hole: The majority of homeowners should grow either dwarf or semidwarf trees instead of standard or full-size ones. Dwarf and semidwarf trees are easier to manage, fit into residential landscapes better and produce fruit earlier than your standard-size trees. Dwarf apple trees grow about 10 feet tall, semidwarf apple trees will reach about 15 feet, and standard-size trees will be 20 feet tall or more.
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