The lack of apples this year has made me do something a little rash...
I wanted a few more trees to fill the rest of the area I've set aside for the orchard, some damsons and a couple of other apples or pears. But it got me thinking as I went through the catalogues how much I love all the different sorts of apples you can grow (I eat at least two apple everyday of my life) and how it would be great to have a big selection of them without taking up too much space.
So I've decided I'm going to separate the veg garden from the field with cordon apple trees. Lots of different sorts of cordon apple trees, I've been sorting through some of my books and catalogues to decide what varieties to start with (and to make sure they're spur not tip bearing).
With a few ordered for my mother and one as a present I managed to get my order over the 25 trees needed for a large discount. From American Mother through to Winter Gem, this divide in the garden will have 22 types of apple in it, along with the 11 in the orchard already making for a nice selection of 33 apples varieties to pick and eat in years to come.
I've just got to get the ground ready along with the posts and wire before the trees come in the winter. (on top of this I've also ordered three damsons as well).
Whats everyones favourite sort of apple?
I'll order it next year if I haven't already got it!
Sounds like a good plan, plant all you can afford and you will reap the reward for years. Now you will need to have some bees to assure pollination!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get someone to have some bees here! I need to put an advert in the parish magazine to ask if anyone wants to keep them here - I haven't got the time and I dont like honey!
DeleteHuonville Crab, Cornish Aromatic, Newton Green Pippin, Geeveston Fanny,Gaol Farm 6, Burwood and Kidd's Orange Red are on our list. Some of those are quite Tasmanian and you may not be able to get them. I think the Geeveston Fanny is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteI've added Cornish aromatic to next years list along with the others but cant find Greeveston fanny in my list (fanny means something different here in the UK so unlikely they'd use that name!) Nor Gaol Farm six but I'll keep my eye out for them. In a few years time I hope to have over 50 types in!
DeleteCrikey Kev, you are going to be busy in the years to come. Fantastic project to do though. Grow some of the old varieties.
ReplyDeletePretty busy now! Hopefully they shouldn't be too much work (he says) just summer and winter pruning and mulch for weeds - and then picking and storing - that does sound a lot of work! Mind you I love apples though!
DeleteThat's exactly what we intend to do as soon as move to our 'forever home'. Have cordon apples instead of fences around the veggie patch.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be reaping the tasty rewards for years to come. And you can't beat Damson trees, I have loads of Damsons in the freezer from our last farm, it's a good job it was a bumper year I haven't found any Damson trees here yet.
Sue xx
It'll make a nice divide - also a bit of rabbit fencing as well (which is already in).
DeleteDamsons I love as well. At my mum and dads farm there is an old damson orchard (the teme vally was famous for damsons) and I love making jam from them. None this year though!
peasegood nonsuch (no idea how to spell that but they cook well) and granny smith for cookers. pacific rose or any of the delicious varieties for eating and crab apples for jelly :) Its amazing how fast 10 kg of apples evaporate round here - teenagers!
ReplyDeleteviv in nz
I've found Peasgood Nonsuch in my catalodge so I'll add it to the list. I'm afraid you've also hit on the one type of apple I hate! Granny Smith - nothing worse!
DeleteI know what you mean about apple evaporating but thats mainly from me!
Just found your blog and glda I did. Seems your'e trying to do much of what we are all the way over here in the US (Illinois) I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteHad a look at yours as well, look right up my street! I love seeing whats everyone else who likes this way of life gets up to around the world. Thanks for stopping by
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