Winter has not left us yet, but there are several garden chores that need to be done before spring pounces on us. Yesterday, I pruned our apple trees. The back gardens from the 1870's had apple trees surrounding the boxwood hedges. Fruit trees are not long lived trees, so they get replaced every 20 or so years. I have 20 trees that include 12 different varieties. The purpose in this is to spread the fruiting of the apples from June until November.I will begin my spray program this weekend. It is great to get a few good dry days in a row. I spray the trees dormant with dormant oil. Next, pre-bloom, bloom, and every 2 weeks until apples form with Fruit Tree Spray. The books tell me to keep spraying until 2 weeks from picking, but I want to feel comfortable picking apples straight off the tree w/o having to wash them. I might have a few spots on the apples, but they taste great!
