June already! What weather we are having, such that I realised I was in fact meant to water my mature fruit trees as well as my new ones, and not simply rely on the rain. Oops!
Our old apple tree fruits very early, at the end of July through the first week or two of August. As is typical with early fruiting varieties, it doesn’t store well, and is best eaten straight off the tree, or within a day or two, even if the fruit are pristine.
Last year I judiciously removed the fruitlets when they appeared in early May, but this year I’ve decided to see what occurs during the ‘June drop’ (when fruit trees drop excess fruit) and then remove any more than look small or deformed.
The two young apple trees, both just two years old, are doing okay, but not thriving. They are both growing in the wildflower area, and although we allow the meadow to grow around them, we keep a circle of soil at their base free from grass and weeds. I suspect a combination of last summer’s drought, the cold winter, and an ant and aphid attack they suffered from in early-mid spring has held them back somewhat. Neither flowered, but having pruned off the severely damaged parts where the leaves were turning brown, they are both looking much happier, if sparser! I’m keeping them well watered and fed, and hoping they go from strength to strength.
Here’s to growing, watching and cherishing trees. Until next time!
They look mostly okay. Keeping them well watered and fed should help considerably.
I hope that you get plenty of good fruit later on. xx
They are looking so much happier than they were a few weeks ago. The rampaging lady birds are working their magic across the garden now!
I like the little apple with a bit of the flower still attached 🙂
Every year I’m always fascinated watching everything grow, there’s always something new to see. Thanks for stopping by.
Interesting! I hadn’t heard of the June drop before.
I look forward to seeing your apples develop as the year goes on.
Thanks for joining in!
Mine hasn’t done much dropping so I’m helping it along, which is a bit time consuming on a mature tree but definitely helps weed out the undersized or deformed fruits.