I'm finally taking the plunge and plan to start some (cordon) apples. Going up to Audley End to get some advice as I think they have some old and interesting varieties up there (has anyone been?).
Anyway, I intend to put them where I've been growing this year's courgettes and just wondered if there was any reason why that might be a bad move.
Also, (very basic question # 421), can I dig-in all the courgette stem and foliage and use it as slow-rotting compost...or should it really come out.
many thanks for all the comments
Yes you can chop the courgette and dig it in..and yes..apple can follow the courgette..BUT..it would be good idea to apply bit of home made compost and some bonemeal too. Courgette would have taken lot of goodness out of soil for its lush growth.
Audley End is a brilliant place to visit, especially the kitchen garden. I've really enjoyed it each time I've visited.
There are loads of espalier trained apples, there are fan trained peaches and cherries on the garden walls, there are grapes growing under glass - and lots more to see. It's a really interesting place if you like growing fruit. And about now is a good time to go.
Great to hear from someone planting apple trees. Don't worry about making mistakes, the biggest mistake anyone can make about planting an apple tree is not to plant one.
I planted some apple cordons two years ago. Owing to difficulties over site preparation I was late ordering, so most of the varieties I wanted had sold out. However the nursery still had stock as maidens so I bought some. Two years on, the maidens transplanted so much better than the two year olds you can hardly tell the difference. Since maidens are half the price I would recommend them.
To my surprise and pleasure, three of my four maidens actually have a couple of fruit on now. OK it is not really a crop but I can at least check that the variety I bought and paid for is what it says on the label.
Extra comment - make sure your inter-tree spacings are generous, they grow much better with plenty of room.
I envy you being close enough to visit Audley End.
I planted some when I got the plot; they didn't all flourish, but they're all getting their steadily, and I've got bags of Bramleys, Egremont Russet and Cambridge Gage this year.
These are really great replies...thanks very much to all
I`ll be planting 3 very old type apples, this november. Pig skin, pigs snout and bardsey :) , they were all discovered growing in the most extreme conditions and have been propogated by one of the UK`s master grafters. I haven`t room for big trees so am getting them on m26 rootstocks, I am very excited tbh and have marking sticks in the ground on my small allotment. The reason for me writing is that I read `compost`, I got the impression that it is best to not add nutrition but just crumbly soil as then the roots will grow by seeking food
I will be moving a rose and maybe some young gooseberries to ensure that the trees get the best start. I don`t think that planting after courgette will be in any way harmful as the roots will travel further, provided that the soil around is loosened. Root growth in the first couple of years will be far more important than top growth
The reason for me writing is that I read `compost`, I got the impression that it is best to not add nutrition but just crumbly soil as then the roots will grow by seeking food
Well..home made compost will work as 'general' soil conditioner and help the soil 'crumbliness' and sametime providing some nutrients for young growth.. ;)..it will also help the soil hold to moisture that is so important for the first few years when the tree is trying to grow its roots. I would not plant 'into' compost itself...but it needs to be well forked into the soil..all the small particles in the compost will attract the fine roots of the tree and it will cling on to those at first before making bigger stronger roots that will 'travel' for search of food and water...;)
Bone meal that I recommended does provide slow releasing nutrients that encourage root growth.
Where as high doses of fertilizer is not necessary when planting..providing correct nutrients is essential or the establishment of the trees and coming to cropping age will be slow and growth poor.. ;)
I've got over 30 various fruit trees planted on my lottie and odd few didn't get the appropriate 'attention' at the planting time..and even years afterwards..I can tell which ones those few were..it is difficult to correct the mistakes afterwards..even with best of the aftercare... :-[
So now that I've seen effects of not so 'correct' preparation with my own eyes..I won't do the same mistakes anymore. ::)
Good points. I have bonemeal in so will mix that and some compost with surrounding soil.