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Post by netherfield on Sept 3, 2006 10:31:32 GMT
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Apple
Grow espalier apple trees
The espalier apple tree is a real space saver as tiers or arms of branches can be trained horizontally on either side of the stem, creating a productive and attractive feature.
In this article
Step by step
Growing tips
Small, single stemmed trees are cheap and can be trained from scratch. Specialist growers sell partly trained trees, these ready-made espaliers should flower and fruit in the first or second year. Purchase espaliers from garden centres or mail-order from specialist nurseries, which sell them bare-rooted for winter planting. Buy two trees as most apples need to grow near another apple tree that flowers at the same time for cross-pollination.
Step by step
1. Dig a wide, deep planting holePick a sunny, open site near a south or west-facing fence. Dig a wide, deep planting hole in front of a post, so the branches of the tree can be trained to cover the fence panels on either side. Make the hole near the fence so the tree can be positioned very close to it.
2. Prepare the planting hole wellPrepare the planting hole well, because an apple tree will fruit for years if given a good start. Fork over the base of the hole, breaking up the subsoil to improve drainage, and mix in well-rotted compost. Sprinkle in a generous handful of fertiliser and dig it in.
3. Soak the roots of bare-rooted apple trees in water for a few hours before planting. The hole needs to be large enough for the roots to be spread out, so dig it out a little more if it looks cramped. This tree has two tiers of branches ready to be trained on support wires.
4. Fill in around the rootsFill in around the roots, using soil improved with added compost and fertiliser. Tease it in among the roots, firming gently to remove any air pockets. Ensure the bulbous graft union at the base of the stem sits above soil level. This should never be buried.
5. water inThoroughly water in, with at least a nine litre (two gallon) can of water. Soak the soil around your tree to settle it down among the roots. Top up with more soil to fill in any holes. Give it a can of water once a fortnight to keep surrounding soil moist so new roots can grow into it.
6. Tie side branches to support wiresTie side branches to support wires running along the fence from post to post. Fix each arm in several places with string or wire ties. Check these regularly as the branches quickly grow and swell, making the ties too tight, cutting into the bark and restricting growth.
7. Cut the main shoot tip to develop more lateral branchesMore arms can be formed in winter by cutting out the main shoot tip about 45cm (18in) above the last tier. Shoots develop from this. Leave one to grow up and gently tie those on either side to horizontal training wires at the end of the year to form the next tier
8. Regularly tie down new growth at the ends of each branch to stop it growing upwardsRegularly tie down new growth at the ends of each branch to stop it growing upwards. Tie down branches at the end of each season to form new tiers. This process can be continued for many years, forming more and more arms to cover a wall or fence.
Growing tips
* Water trees regularly until they are established.
* Tie down any extension growth from each tier to the training wires.
* Prune from late July to mid-August, shortening any sideshoots that are growing directly from each arm back to three leaves from their base.
* Cut any smaller shoots growing from these back to just one leaf and prune away any extra shoots that are growing out of the main stem of the tree.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2006 12:54:08 GMT
but how do you keep the apples free from worms/wasps ?   |
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