GROWING APPLES

Planting

Apples are planted in holes that are 60cm wide and 60 cm deep spaced at 3m by 3m for better growth. In each hole, 30kg of fully decomposed manure is mixed with the top soil.

Top-dressing is done six months after planting with 150g of organic fertilizer to boost growth. It is necessary to avoid shedding of the young tree, however low growing crops like legumes can be planted in between apple plants.

 

PRUNING

Formative pruning should be done in the first two to three years to establish the tree structure. The young nursery seedling is nipped to about 1m from the ground to stimulate side branching below the head. From the emerging branches, farmer should select three to four strong branches distributed evenly along and around the central leader and at least 15 cm apart along the trunk. The selected branches are tipped off towards the end of the growing season or during the dormant period to stimulate secondary branching.

 

PEST AND DISEASES

The major pests and disease include aphid, thrips, spider mites, fruits flies, apple scalp, powdery mildew and armiralia root rot. Preventative control of pests and diseases is desired, use disease free seedling. We do provide extension services from planting to marketing. The varieties in stock include, braeburn, Fiji, Gala, Red delicious, Golden varieties contact us for more information