For those of us in the northern hemisphere, it is spring! That means it’s time to head to the orchard and plant some of my grafted trees. While I don’t … Continue reading A Day at the Orchard: Spring Planting
A Day at the Orchard: Spring Planting
Category: Orchard
Growing Apples from Seed
Have you ever considered growing an apple tree from seed? The first thing to remember is that most apple trees do not reproduce true to type. In other words, if … Continue reading Growing Apples from Seed
Bud Grafting Apple Trees
When apple season is winding down and the leaves are starting to change, it becomes time to think about next year. Specifically, it’s time to start thinking about apple tree … Continue reading Bud Grafting Apple Trees
June Gloom: A Cider-Maker’s Struggle
If you live in Southern California, June Gloom means the time of year when clouds roll in and it gets overcast, cool, and gloomy. It’s most common in June but … Continue reading June Gloom: A Cider-Maker’s Struggle
Grafting: Bud Versus Scion
This is my second year learning to graft apple trees. Last year I learned the important lessons of making sure your rootstock is growing before you graft scion wood. I … Continue reading Grafting: Bud Versus Scion
Apple Tree Chill Hours
Apple Trees: Chill Hours Chill hours are defined as the number of hours below 45F (7C) but above 32F (0C) that your tree will experience in a given calendar year. … Continue reading Apple Tree Chill Hours
Natural Preservatives: Killer Factors
Killer toxins to prevent Brettanomyces spoilage In my research on preservatives like Campden (potassium metabisulfite) and potassium sorbate that are commonly used in wine and cider to preserve the cider … Continue reading Natural Preservatives: Killer Factors
Apple Tree Propagation: Scion and Bud Grafting
Apple Tree Propagation: Scion and Bud Grafting Apple trees do not grow true from seeds. Just like people, they take genes from both parents and create a new apple. It … Continue reading Apple Tree Propagation: Scion and Bud Grafting
Apple Tree: The Pollination Impact of Ploidy
The impact of ploidy on apple tree pollination. Apple trees are generally not self fertile and even those advertised as such will often be more productive if there is a … Continue reading Apple Tree: The Pollination Impact of Ploidy
Crabapples: The Native Apple
Crabapples: The only types of apple native to North America and Europe. The only apples native to North America and Europe are crabapples. Modern apples, Malus domestica, are genetically linked … Continue reading Crabapples: The Native Apple
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