Growing Your First Apple Tree

Monday, March 1, 2010

Growing Your First Apple Tree (NAPSA)—According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each American eats about 120 apples a year. “Apples are fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-free and a great source of fiber,” says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, who has written or contributed to more than 30 gardening books. But apples can be expensive. One way to save moneyis to grow your own. The Garden Writers Association reports that more than 16 million households grow fruits, including apples. While it can take a few yearsfor a single apple tree to produceits first fruit, once it gets going it can provide enough apples for your family and your neighbors. In fact, the University of Illinois Extension Service says an average tree can produce 840 poundsofapples. Here are sometips to help you grow yourfirst apple tree: Start small: Don’t plant an orchard your first time out. However, many apple trees need to cross-pollinate with another variety in order to produce fruit. Consult with your garden center or county extension service for best practices and to determine the best varieties for your area. Sunny side gets the thumbs up: Apple trees require full sun and well-drained soil. * Dig the right size hole: Dig a hole at least twice the diameter of the rootball and just deep enough so the top of the rootball One way to save money on apples is to grow your own. sits about an inch above the surroundingsoillevel. Mulch around the tree root. About an inch or two of mulch helps keep the weeds out and the moisturein. Protect against insects: Aphids and leafhoppers can damage apple trees. Since apple trees can grow tall and wide, using sprays while on a ladder can be difficult. One option: the new Bayer Advanced Fruit, Citrus & Vegetable Insect Control. It kills destructive insects and prevents new infestations for a season. Just mix in a watering can and pourit around the base of the tree. It’s formulated for use on more than 100 fruit, vegetable and citrus plants. Be sure to read andfollow the instructions on the label. Visit BayerAdvanced.com for more gardening information and how-to videos or call (877) BAYERAG.

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