It's National Apple Month
Posted on October 02 2018
October is declared to be National Apple Month by the U.S. Apple Association to promote apple eating and apple growing. There are many benefits for eating apples. For one, it's true what they say "eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away." Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Growing apples in a backyard orchard is a relatively quick and easy process that will yield apples in just 100-200 days! Apple trees do require direct sunlight and space, as each tree can grow 10-30 feet tall and [sometimes] just as wide.
Tips For Growing Apples (courtesy of Deerbusters.com)
Considering starting a backyard orchard for apple growing? It's easy! Here's what to do to plant and grow apples:
- After purchasing apple trees, check the roots and soak them for 24 hours if they appear dried out.
- Dig a hole approximately 2 feet deep for the roots to mature.
- DO NOT ADD FERTILIZER DURING PLANTING TIME AS THE ROOTS CAN BE 'BURNED.'
- Water apple trees regularly.
- Remove all dead leaves from the trees to avoid spreading plant diseases, as well. (Keep in mind that pruning too much during the early stages can slow down the growth of apple trees.) During mature stages, pruning trees will become an annual routine.
- Apples can grow from 10 to 30 feet tall and nearly as wide.
- Apples are moderately fast growing, but growth slows with age. It will take between 100-200 days to see apples.
Orchard Management: Prevent Deer Damage
To protect young apple trees from deer damage, it's best to wrap the trunks of trees with tree guards to prevent deer from rubbing their antlers against the bark. Tree wraps also discourage deer from reaching the fruit from trees. For orchard growers with mature apple trees, it's best to fence out deer with 7.5-8' feet high deer fencing.
We're sure glad it's October; so, we can visit our local orchard to get fresh apples for #NationalAppleMonth!
