Every fall a “must do” that’s on the top of my bucket list is a visit to an orchard for apple picking! There isn’t much that says it’s fall more than picking my own apples and coming home and baking pies. But, you could have this right outside your door if you grow your own! Some people think they need to have a lot of space to have apple trees, with acres to devote to an orchard. Not true! There’s a couple of tricks you need to know, but growing your own apples is pretty simple, and you don’t need a lot of space.

Tip#1

Consider Dwarf Trees. Dwarf and semi dwarf trees are vital to saving space, and allows homeowners with smaller properties to have a variety of fruit (and flowers!). There are so many cultivars that don’t get taller than 15 feet at mature height…which can provide more than enough apples for cobblers, pies, cider, applesauce or straight up eating! A couple of my favorite dwarf trees are: Malus “McIntosh & Malus “Ginger Gold.

Tip#2

Plant your apple trees in full sun, which means a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight. Putting these trees in the right spot can eliminate a lot of disease (and frustration)..and helps to ensure that they will successfully bear fruit.

Tip #3)

You need a pollinator. This “Transfer of Pollen” is essential for your tree to bear fruit. Otherwise you will see lots of flowers..but no fruit. Honeybees are our main pollinators, and they need the tree to be no more than 50 feet apart to pollinate the flowers. This involves the transfer of pollen from the stamen (male flower part) to the stigma (Female flower part) Wind will also help, but you need to keep them in close proximity to make the pollinators job easier.
*There are “self pollinating” varieties; however, they will be more “fruitful” if they have a pollinator.

Tip #4)

There are some requirements to offering a pollinator, and this is where it gets a little “sticky”. This is a two part instructional…the what and where.

What to plant:

Another Apple Tree variety that fruits and flowers at the same time. A minimum of two trees is required so they can cross pollinate, but different cultivars. Different varieties mean all the better to have a little variety for baking!

Where:

Spacing of your two apple tree varieties is another important factor, as you want the trees close enough to pollinate each other. Within 50 feet is the key to be on the safe side. With that said, this means that if you have a neighbor close by, and they have an apple tree… you are in luck!

Fall is a great time to plant your home orchard and you don’t need a lot of space. Your home orchard can consist of two dwarf apple trees to bear ample fruit for you and your family to enjoy a bounty of apple desserts!

Something to help protect your trees!

Voglund Nursery Mesh Tree Bark Protector 36 Inches Tall (5 Pack) Standard Weight with Zip Ties

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