Introducing an apple tree into your home garden is quite simple. However, there are a few important points to keep in mind.
Apples are among the most popular types of fruit in Germany. With over 30 vitamins, the small pome fruit turns out to be a real vitamin bomb with few calories.
In the supermarket you have a large selection of different types. Probably more than you will ever have at home. Nevertheless, the apple from your own garden tastes much better and it is also cheaper.
The trade offers a wide range of varieties, which mainly differ in taste and growth habit. Planting a fruit tree isn't a science, but there are some basics you should know. And that's exactly what I'm going to tell you now.
The most important basic requirements
The right location
It is not only the location that is decisive for large and juicy apples, but also the condition of the soil. Apple trees need a light, sunny to semi-shady place to thrive.
There are large and sprawling trees where the crown can reach up to 10 meters. Here you should therefore keep a generous minimum distance to the house wall. For small gardens, however, there are also varieties that are short in stature and have shallow roots.
The optimal floor
Apple trees thrive best in heavy, deep humus-clay soil. This stores the water over a longer period of time and thus constantly supplies the tree with the nutrients it needs.
The best time
The best time to plant apple trees is autumn. In contrast to spring, the trees can grow better over the winter and put down enough roots. If you plant your apple tree in autumn, it will also sprout faster.
Planting an apple tree - explained step by step
❀ Step 1: Dig the ground
Before you can plant the apple tree, you need to dig a hole with the spade. This should be at least as wide and deep as the root ball of the tree. You should also loosen the sole a little with a digging fork.
Testthen whether the depth is sufficient. The tree must not be planted deeper than in the nursery. This is easily recognized by the lighter bark on the trunk. Basically, it is better to plant shallow than too deep.
❀ Step 2: Insert apple tree
Now you can insert and adjust your apple tree in the hole. Make sure the grafting site is at least ten centimeters above the ground.
Remove any damaged root parts first.
❀ Step 3: Place stake
To prevent the freshly planted apple tree from tipping over due to strong gusts of wind, it is safer to use a stake to support it. Drive the stake into the ground four to six inches apart to prevent the bark from chafing against the stake.
❀ Step 4: Fill the planting hole with soil
After the apple tree is in place and the necessary support has been provided, you can fill the planting hole with soil again. You can also add a little compost or a bag of potting soil. I always add a handful of horn shavings. Then tread firmly on the earth so that the cavities close.
❀ Step 5: Tie down the tree
When the tree has a firm footing, the apple tree is tied to the post with a coconut rope. Coir knit is best since coir is stretchy and won't cut into the bark. The rope is tied around the tree and pole in a figure of eight, then the gaps are wrapped around and finally the two ends are firmly knotted.
❀ Step 6: Water the apple tree well
In order for the roots to grow, the apple tree must now be watered well. Two full cans of water are ideal here. So that the water doesn't run off to the side, you can dig a ditch with a spade in advance.
Here is a video that shows all the individual steps again:
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In the beginning, the apple tree needs all its strength for the formation of new shoots and for acclimatization. So remove excess shoots. It is sufficient if three to four side shoots and a slightly longer middle branch remain at the beginning. You can already influence the later growth form with the first pruning.