I’ve been shunning the standard advice and only winter pruning trained apple trees for three years now. Here’s how it’s going.
Category: Feature Articles
Climate Change in the Orchard: Later Frosts, Earlier Harvests?
A recently published research paper has outlined some of the possible implications of climate change for orchard growers.
Seedling Apple Trees – Let’s Give ’em a Go
In the face of all the best advice to the contrary, I’ve decided to try growing a new apple variety or two from seed.
How To: Top-Graft a ‘Family’ Apple Tree
Here’s how I went about creating a ‘family’ apple tree of six varieties, using the rind grafting technique.
A Tale of Two Crab Apple Trees
I’ve pruned two very different crab apples this year – here’s how I approached each one, and the results of the work.
A Frost-Pruned Fig Tree, and What Happened Next
Last year our fig tree was hit by a late frost. Every apical bud and fruitlet was killed. But that was far from the end of the story…
How NOT to Graft a ‘Family’ Apple Tree (#EpicFail)
The best laid plans of orchardists also gang aft a-gley, especially if you don’t think your clever ideas through properly…
Book Notes: The Orchard Book, by Wade Muggleton
This new book on orchard planning, establishment and management covers all the essential bases.
Orchard Visit: Two at Phillips Park, Prestwich
A winter walk leads to the discovery of not one but two new orchards, one on the site of a former kitchen garden.
How To: Make Medlar Cheese and Medlar Jelly
Making medlar cheese and medlar jelly are great ways to get the best out of this unusual and tasty Autumn fruit. Here’s how.