It grew well, the soil before planting should be well prepared, free from weeds, especially perennials, rich in nutrients (chernozem or any healthy humic dark meadow / garden soil). It is recommended to improve the physical and chemical composition of the soil by plowing with green manure or adding compost. The pits should be approximately 60 cm in diameter and a depth of 30 cm, the size dictates the size of the seedling. We transfer the plant from the temporary container without destroying the earthen clod (if the plant has a bare root system, then we pour an earthen mound on the bottom of the hole and distribute the moistened roots down along it). We fall asleep with fertile soil and lightly trample it down. There is no need to buy special substrates.
The larger the fertile layer, the less min. fertilizers. We make a trunk circle with a roller for natural rainwater collection and pour it abundantly in several parishes. All varieties of apple trees in our online store are produced in Ukraine, are frost-resistant and do not require any shelter for the winter, except for the obligatory protection of the bark from hares to a height of 120 cm. Ukraine is traditionally the largest producer of fruit trees in Eastern Europe, so you can be 95% sure that a seedling bought in Ukraine is guaranteed to be frost-resistant.
Our garden center does not sell imported fruits. If you have purchased imported varieties of fruit trees imported from Europe (zone 6-9), then they must be protected before the onset of the first frost. A small tubercle of soil or mulch is poured around the root neck, which will need to be opened in the spring, but in winter it will protect the neck and the grafting site from freezing.
It is better to buy apple tree seedlings in a plastic container with fertilizers, so the plant is not dug up with inevitable damage to the root system and is guaranteed to take root after planting. Plants do well with Goalsm root (in early spring or late autumn without leaves).
Watering: it is necessary to regularly water the still infertile Granny Smith Apple Tree, preventing the land from drying out - about 5 times per season during dry periods, 3-5pcs (10l) buckets per tree. The lack of moisture will affect the growth of shoots, respectively, and the future harvest. Starting from the end of July, watering stops so that the apple tree prepares for winter. The norms for the number of buckets for fruit-bearing trees are the same, but watering should be done at the following stages: during flowering, before the formation of ovaries in June, 2 or 3 weeks before the full ripening of apples. With a close occurrence of groundwater, irrigation rates are adjusted.
Pruning: the next year after planting, before the start of the growing season, it is necessary to perform a formative pruning (too dense crown and branches frozen over the winter require regular and timely thinning), but when pruning, be careful not to remove branches with fruit formations. Otherwise, the volume of the future harvest will be significantly reduced. We cut trees without branches 20 cm above the planned branching. In branched trees, we shorten the conductor, and the branches located too low are removed entirely.
Diseases: resistance to powdery mildew and scab in the Granny Smith variety is below average. Apples during storage may be affected by browning of the pulp and skin.
Fertilizer / care: Planted trees should be immediately fed with mineral fertilizers. The first portion of nitrogen is introduced in the first year in mid-May. The second - in the middle of June. Due to this, powerful growths necessary for the formation of the crown are formed already before autumn. If the growth of seedlings in the first year is too intense, the next year we limit nitrogen fertilizer, leaving only the May application, but already at the beginning of the month. To provoke fruiting, in the third and fourth year, nitrogen fertilizer is minimized. The good development of trees and shrubs, especially on light soils, is facilitated by mulching with humus or compost.
Protection: without chemical protection, high-quality plant growth in the first years of life is almost impossible. In the phase of bud break (green cone "bear ears"), tank mixtures of Aktara + Horus preparations are used to protect against the apple blossom beetle, kidney weevils, the wintering stage of pathogens such as scab, powdery mildew and fruit rot. The next spraying is carried out with a mixture of Engio + Horus preparations in the budding phase - a rose bud. This treatment protects trees from apple beetles, leafworms, winter, aphids, suckers and against a complex of pathogens: scab, powdery mildew, alternariosis, fruit rot. In the Steppe zone in Ukraine, Thiovit Jet is added to tank mixtures to combat fruit mites.
In the phase of falling petals - after flowering, to simultaneously combat the apple sawfly, leaf moth (in particular, the codling moth), larvae-wanderers of the California scale insects, aphids, suckers, moths, with diseases (for example, scab, powdery mildew, alternariosis), tank mixtures of Aktara preparations are used or Engio® + Match® or Proklam® and add Speed®. During long rainy periods and with heavy dew, Horus is added. Approximate timing of the fight against the first generation of apple codling moth is the beginning of flowering of white acacia or after the end of flowering of late varieties of apple trees. Spraying against caterpillars of the next generations of codling moth falls on the 30-35th day after the previous one. Varieties that are sensitive to powdery mildew are sprayed with a mixture of Aktara® + Prokleim® and Topaz, and if there is a threat of scab development, add more Horus.
Ground pests: Today in Ukraine there is no more dangerous soil pest than Khrushchev (Russian - Maybug). From mid-April, when we see the first flying beetle, we URGENTLY treat the crown with Aktara or any of the numerous preparations based on imidacloprid, for example, Prestige (Bayer), Antikhrushch, while part of the solution must fall on the trunk (10 cm above the ground) and the root neck and not spill to the side. Similar treatments are repeated every 40-50 days of the growing season. We spill it into the soil according to the instructions, Aktara is also effective (active ingredient - 240 g / l thiamethoxam; 250 g / kg thiamethoxam).
Processing along the crown and gravy along the root neck into the ground from the end of April to September 1 time in 40-60 days. It is better to carry out preventive treatments once a month than to treat when the pest multiplies and “eats up” the plant. An example is the war of Ukrainian gardeners with Colorado beetles, which, like their human “cotton” namesakes - “Colorados”, are very dangerous and gluttonous. Both the first and second should be promptly destroyed.
Weed protection: in the period before or after flowering, the herbicide Hurricane Forte, Roundup is used to destroy annual and perennial weeds. The drug is applied under the condition of protecting the culture. The best introduction period for broadleaf weeds is from the phase of 2 true leaves to the flowering phase, annual grasses - phase 2-3 leaves, perennial grasses - at a height of 10-12 cm.
All of these drugs are mixed without restrictions and without the risk of reducing efficiency. The consumption rate of the working solution: a young tree - 1 l, a middle-aged tree - 2 l, a tree with a large crown - more than 3 l. All materials used for the convenience of the user of one company - Syngenta
Granny Smith is one of the most popular apple varieties in the world. This variety was bred at the end of the 19th century in Australia. And since then, he has gained popularity among gardeners of the world. Often this variety is sold in stores.
Before buying an apple tree for planting, study its characteristics and description.
The history of the creation of the variety
The Granny Smith was first bred in 1868 by Australian breeders. The originator was Maria Anna Smith, who crossed a wild apple tree brought from France with one of the local varieties. The new variety was named after her.
Useful properties of fruits
Ripe apples are rich in trace elements and other nutrients.
Macronutrients
The macronutrients included in the composition include:
- molybdenum;
- phosphorus;
- potassium;
- calcium.
It also contains iron.
trace elements
vitamins
The fruits are rich in vitamins B, K and biotin.
Product calorie content
For 100 g of pulp with a peel, there are only 47 kcal. Due to the low calorie content, fruits are classified as dietary products.
Tasting and flavor
The pulp has a rich apple flavor. Apples are sweet and sour in taste. The longer the fruits are stored, the sweeter they become. The tasting score is 4.4 out of 5 points.
Contraindications for use
Contraindications include allergy to apples, a predisposition to bloating, ulcers, gastritis and other pathologies of the stomach.
Application in cooking
In cooking, the use of apples is wide. They are used for making preserves, baking, dried for tea and eaten fresh.
Specifications
When choosing a variety for planting, pay attention to the size of the tree, productivity, fruiting and winter hardiness.
Tree dimensions
Mature trees grow no more than 3.5 m in height. Granny Smith is a semi-dwarf variety. The apple tree is distinguished by a spreading wide crown, shaped like an oval.
disease resistance
Granny Smith is often affected by powdery mold, rust. Differs in average resistance to powdery mildew, scab and monilial burn.
winter hardiness
The variety is not winter hardy. Apple trees can only be planted in regions with moderate winters.
Agrotechnical measures
When growing the Granny Smith apple tree, special attention is paid to agrotechnical procedures.
Planting an apple tree
During the planting of the Granny Smith apple tree, special attention is paid to the preparation of seedlings and the choice of planting dates.
Timing
Apple trees are planted in spring and autumn. The advantage of spring planting is that the seedlings have time to get stronger by winter. Seedlings are planted in late April - early May.
Autumn planting allows seedlings to take root until spring. Autumn planting begins in the first half of October.
seedlings
Before planting, seedlings are dipped in a growth activator a few hours before planting. Immediately before planting, the roots of the seedlings are dipped into a liquid solution of clay.
Departure actions
Tree planting steps:
- Dig a hole, fill the bottom with manure, compost, wood ash and nitrogen.
- Mix fertilizers with the topsoil and leave the hole for 2-3 weeks.
- Put a seedling at the bottom of the pit and gently straighten the roots.
- Fill the hole with earth and tamp the soil near the trunk.
- Pour warm water over and tie the stem to a stake that is driven into the soil before planting.
If the seedlings were planted in the spring, then they are watered several times a week. Watering is not needed in autumn.
cultivation
First of all, when growing the Granny Smith apple tree, attention is paid to attracting pollinators to the garden and crown formation.
Pollinators
Pollinating trees include the following varieties of apples:
- Elise;
- Ligol;
- Pink Lady.
In addition, to attract bees, the inflorescences are sprayed with a honey solution.
pruning
In the first few years, apple trees actively grow. To prevent thickening, the crown is regularly trimmed. Pruning starts from the 2nd year after planting. Skeletal branches are left at a distance of at least 50 cm from each other. Cut off those shoots that grow up. In autumn, dry and diseased branches are pruned.
Care
Apple tree care includes watering, fertilizing and disease prevention.
Watering and fertilizing
Water and fertilize apple trees 4 times per season. The first time during the growing season, the second time - with the onset of flowering. The third time with the onset of fruiting. And the last time - before the frost.
During the growing season, the apple tree needs nitrogen. Subsequent times, phosphorus and potassium are introduced into the soil.
Before the onset of cold weather, nitrogen-containing fertilizers should not be applied to the soil. Nitrogen stimulates the growth of shoots, and before the onset of cold weather, top dressing should be aimed at preparing the tree for cold weather. In autumn, the soil around the trunks is mulched with peat. The layer of mulch should be at least 15 cm.
Pest control
From pests every spring, apple trees are treated with Bordeaux liquid, Hom or Skor. From harmful insects, plants are treated with Karbofos or Aktara. The preparations help fight aphids, plum codling moth and other types of insects that are most often found on apple trees.
It is important to inspect trees regularly to prevent the spread of diseases and insects in time. From pests, spraying with a solution of laundry soap with the addition of mustard powder helps. Garlic or marigolds are also planted nearby. The smell of these plants repels insects.
Ripening and fruiting
Fruit ripening and fruiting are important characteristics that you need to pay attention to when buying a seedling.
Bloom
The apple tree blooms in mid-May. By the end of May, flowering ends. The flowering period coincides with the flowering of some late varieties of apples.
Maturation
Fruits reach full maturity by mid-September. In some regions, the fruits ripen by October.
Beginning of fruiting
Granny Smith begins to bear fruit in the 2-3rd year after planting the seedling in the ground. The plant begins to fully bear fruit in the 4th year.
Periodicity of fruiting
The plant bears fruit every year. By the end of the tree's life, fruiting decreases, but not significantly. The apple tree does not begin to bear fruit every year. Yields can be increased by fertilizing.
yield
The yield is high, up to 150 kg of fruits are harvested from one tree per season. The tree consistently bears fruit every year.
Storage and transportation
Fruits are distinguished by transportability and shelf life, so apples are often grown for sale in stores.
Storage Features
After harvesting, the fruits are stored until November. With proper storage, the period can be extended to winter. The harvested crop is kept in a dark, cool room at temperatures up to +15 degrees. The fruits are regularly inspected and the rotten ones are immediately thrown out so that the rot does not spread to other apples.
Transportation of apples
Due to the dense peel, apples endure long transportation, so Granny Smith is often found on shelves and store shelves.
Growing areas
Regions with long summers and short warm winters are suitable for growing the Granny Smith apple tree due to the predisposition to freezing during severe frosts. It is not recommended to plant seedlings in northern latitudes.
Apple trees in Russia are a very popular fruit crop for growing in household plots. The demand is explained by tasty fruits, long-term productivity and unpretentiousness to growing conditions. This article is about the Granny Smith apple variety, it will describe how to properly plant a fruit seedling and the requirements for growing an apple tree.
Description and characteristics
In 1868, the Englishwoman Maria Ann Smith ate the last apples she brought from Sydney (Australia), and threw the cores into the compost heap. After a while, she noticed a small apple sprout among the compost and started growing it.
Granny Smith grows well in many regions of Russia
When the young tree eventually bore fruit, the taste, despite the thick, waxy, bright green skin, was sour-sweet and juicy. The harmony of taste amazed everyone who tried these apples - this is how the world-famous variety of Granny Smith apples appeared. Apples of this variety are grown commercially in Poland and Turkey, from where they are brought to Russia for sale.
Did you know? In the middle of the 20th century in the Soviet Union, a ditty about Michurin, who grows pears on a willow, was popular among the people. This was not an absolute invention, since a well-known breeder successfully planted and grew pears and plums on an apple tree.
Tree Description
The tree at the Granny Smith apple tree reaches a height of 2.5 to 3.5 m, the crown is spreading, spherical, prone to overgrowing with annual shoots. The tree has a high growth vigor, especially in the first five years of vegetation.. The variety needs regular annual formative pruning. Most often, cuttings of this variety are grafted to semi-dwarf rootstocks.
The bark of the tree is smooth and olive in color. The flowering of the variety occurs in late April or early May, depending on the region of cultivation. Petals of apple blossom are painted in pink-white color, the diameter of the flower reaches 5 cm. The apple leaf has a rounded shape with an elongated tip, top part the leaf is painted in a soft green color, the lower part is gray-green. The leaf is smooth but not glossy.
Description of fruits
The Granny Smith apple tree has tasty, firm fruits with a bright green dense skin, white or brown subcutaneous tiny spots, and crispy juicy, rather sour, pulp. The apple has a round shape, the size of the fruit is medium and large, the weight of apples is 180–200 g. The taste is sweet-sour, harmonious. The apple pulp remains firm when cooked, making this variety very popular in cooking. Granny Smith apples are used to make apple pies and are eaten fresh in the winter.
These apples can be classified as dietary products, since each 100 g of fruit pulp contains only 47 kcal, which is explained by a small amount of natural sugars.
Consumers often wonder why the flesh of a bitten green apple darkens quickly when exposed to air. This is due to their high iron content. There are many useful minerals in the fruits of the apple tree, their regular use brings only benefits to the body. Possible harm from the consumption of apples - diarrhea, and then only if the fetus is immature.
Removable fruit ripeness occurs at the end of September
Disease and pest resistance
Granny Smith is not too susceptible to scab, and is very resistant to fire blight and powdery mildew.. Therefore, the gardener needs to carry out preventive treatments of the aerial parts of the plant several times during the spring-summer season.
Important! When working with chemicals, the gardener must comply with the protection of the skin and lungs. To do this, wear protective clothing with long sleeves and a hood, rubber boots, goggles and a gauze bandage for the mouth.
Bordeaux mixture is used for preventive treatments, and they also pay special attention to garden hygiene, carry out: cleaning leaves, digging the soil, weed and pest control. Fungicides are used as chemical treatments. Medicinal prophylactic preparations are sprayed over the crown of a tree using a pump-action sprayer with a long tube ending in a fine spray.
Drought and winter hardiness
Apple trees of this variety have good resistance to sub-zero temperatures. They can tolerate frosts down to -25°C without harm to the wood or root system. As for drought resistance, it is considered average.
Pollination
The Granny Smith apple tree is partially barren, therefore, needs pollinating trees growing in the neighborhood. It can be apple varieties: Pink Lady, Eliza. Simultaneously, Granny Smith is a good pollinator for late apple trees..
Flowering and ripening dates
Apple blossoms in late April or early May. Flowering dates may vary depending on how warm the spring is. During flowering, apple flowers emit a strong honey aroma, which attracts bees and other pollinating insects.
This is a late apple variety, so fruit ripening occurs at the end of September or the first decade of October. Apples are intended for long-term storage, moreover, their difference from other varieties is that the fruits acquire their high taste qualities just a few months after harvest.
Did you know? A bitten apple has become a symbol of the famous Apple company. The unusual logo was proposed by Steve Jobs, who, when choosing a name for the company, ate a juicy green apple.
yield
The young apple tree will be able to form the first few fruits already in the fourth year of vegetation. The apple tree will give full yields after the age of five. In one season, from an adult apple tree, you can collect from 15 to 20 kg of apples. This yield will remain in the plant for the next 15 years. After the tree reaches 20 years of age, the yield will begin to decline every year.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
The most important advantage of this variety is its excellent taste, good yield and the possibility of long-term storage of fruits. Also important is the partial resistance of the apple tree to such a dangerous disease of fruit crops as scab, and the excellent resistance of the plant to frost. The disadvantages include poor resistance to powdery mildew and bacterial burn.
Optimal growing conditions
Creating a garden begins with site selection and soil preparation. Soil preparation includes fertilization and loosening to a depth of 60 cm, and is carried out at least three months before planting. This time interval is necessary for the decomposition of organic matter, the accumulation of water and the creation of a fertile soil structure. When loosening the soil and digging a planting hole, all roots, stones or other debris are selected and removed from the garden.
Important!The apple tree grows well on all types of soil, but does not tolerate stagnant water near the root system. The distance between groundwater and the roots of the apple tree should be at least three meters deep.
The apple tree has moderate requirements for light, and with the right choice of the location of the tree, good crown illumination can be achieved. Granny Smith apple tree grows well in areas with average annual temperatures from +8...+11°C. Buds begin to bloom as soon as the air temperature exceeds +8°C, apple flowers bloom at temperatures above +11°C. For pollination of flowers, the most suitable temperature is from +21 ... +27°C. This variety brings good harvests of apples in areas where 600–700 mm of precipitation falls per year.
Landing Rules
A fruit seedling of this variety should only be purchased from licensed fruit tree nurseries.. In such companies, the health of seedlings is closely monitored. If an apple tree is purchased on the market, there is always the possibility of buying the wrong variety or a diseased tree infected with fungal or bacterial diseases.
Planting a seedling can be done in early spring and autumn (October-November), the main thing is that the soil is not frozen. Experienced gardeners recommend autumn planting of fruit trees, as this period is rich in moisture. After the autumn planting, the trees have time to adapt during the winter, and the root system grows new roots. Frequent rains provide the necessary moisture and good contact of the roots with the soil. Apple trees planted in autumn quickly enter the growth stage in spring. Such seedlings are easily tolerated low temperatures next winter.
Video: Instructions for planting an apple tree
Root formation. Before planting a seedling, it is necessary to shorten the root system. The operation is carried out in order to remove damaged parts and split roots, as well as revitalize the weathered tips of the roots. Dead roots are completely removed, and living ones are shortened by 7-8 cm. The operation is aimed at maintaining the health of the root system and is performed only if the seedling has been recently dug out of the soil.
Winter varieties of apples also include:
After pruning, the roots are lowered into a mash of clay, fresh horse manure and water. Clay talker is designed to provide more moisture to the rhizomes. The chatterbox should have the density of homemade sour cream.
Correct fit:
- For Granny Smith apple trees, the following planting pattern is recommended: the distance between rows is 4 meters, and between plants is 4 meters.
- If the earth was dug up during preliminary preparation of the soil to a depth of 60 cm, then the planting hole should have dimensions of 50 × 50 cm (width and depth). If the ground has not been previously well-cultivated, the planting hole should be dug 2-3 months before planting the seedling and have dimensions of 100 × 80 cm (width and depth).
- A layer of fertile soil removed from the soil surface (1–2 shovels) is laid at the bottom of the recess, well-rotted organic (7–8 kg) and mineral fertilizers(100 g of superphosphate and 100 g of potassium). Everything is mixed well and a small hill is formed at the bottom of the pit, up to 20 cm high.
- The seedling is set in a hole so that the grafting point is 3 cm above the ground and is oriented to the north. After the roots are covered with a 10 cm layer of soil, the seedling is slightly shaken, and the roots are again covered with soil. When planting, it is necessary to achieve close contact of the roots with the soil.
- After planting, the soil around the planted tree is formed in the form of a small depression, and the tree is watered abundantly. In the first month after planting, watering the seedling is carried out weekly, starting from the second month, the frequency of watering a young tree is reduced to once every 2 weeks. When watering a seedling, use at least 10 liters of water at a time.
- After planting, I shorten the apple tree seedling with a pruner to a height of 80 cm.
- A wooden high peg is installed next to the tree for additional support. The peg and the planted tree are connected to each other with a soft natural material (cloth, rope or leather).
- After the autumn planting, before the onset of frost, the soil under the seedlings is insulated. To do this, straw or spruce branches are laid around the trunk, 30–40 cm in diameter, which will protect the roots from frost in winter. Stamps can be wrapped with rodent protection, such as fine-mesh metal mesh, plastic or thick rubber. The crowns of a young apple tree are insulated with non-woven materials (spunbond, agrofiber). Also, to insulate the branches, you can put a woven plastic sugar bag on the crown of the seedling, which is fixed on the trunk with a wire or cord.
Care rules
An apple tree requires regular care from the gardener, which consists in watering, pruning, processing the crown from pests and diseases.
Watering
It should be borne in mind that during the physiological drought in the spring, apple trees are sensitive to water deficiency. To prevent damage to the root system, the garden will need to be irrigated. Under each adult apple tree, at least 20 liters of water are used when irrigating.. V middle lane In Russia, irrigation of apple trees at the root is limited to abundant spring and autumn water-recharging irrigation, during which at least 100 liters of water are poured under each tree. The rest of the time, the trees receive moisture through precipitation and dew.
In the southern, hot regions, with a small amount of summer rainfall, it is necessary to water the apple trees monthly, spending about two buckets of water for each adult tree. Measures must also be taken to conserve water in the soil. As an obstacle to moisture evaporation, a thick layer of mulch around trees (sawdust, mowed grass, straw) works best. Mulching keeps the garden hygienic by preventing weed growth and reducing plant maintenance.
Do not water during fruit ripening. This can lead to cracking of the skin.
top dressing
To fully increase the wood mass and fruit yield, apple trees need regular feeding. The most successful solution is top dressing with organic matter. As organic matter, you can use cattle manure, humus, peat crumbs from the upper layers of the soil, compost. Usually fertilizer organic matter combined with autumn digging of the soil, after laying out dry fertilizers around the apple tree.
Approximately two buckets of organic matter are used for each adult apple tree.. It is advisable to stick to this dose, and not exceed it, since an excess amount of nitrogen in the soil will cause rapid growth of branches and trunk, to the detriment of fruits. For top dressing you can use the mineral fertilizer complex for fruit trees, which is purchased at gardening stores.
soil care
Throughout the warm season, the gardener takes care of the soil under the apple trees, weeding, digging up the soil in the trunk circle, mulching the soil, raking and removing fallen leaves from the garden. To facilitate the work of caring for the soil in the garden, it is recommended to sow the earth with grass, such as timothy.
Did you know? According to legend, the law gravity was formulated by the English physicist Newton, as a result of an apple falling from a tree on the head of a scientist.
pruning
To form and maintain the state of the crown, the apple tree must be pruned twice a year - in spring and autumn.
Spring pruning should provide:
- thinning the crown, allowing free access of light, air and protective preparations to the branches;
- removal of old branches;
- stimulation of the growth of side shoots of the crown;
- removal of broken branches affected after winter;
- preventing interlacing with neighboring trees;
- load regulation during fruit ripening.
Video: Spring pruning of an apple tree in detail
The formation of a young apple tree is carried out during the first 4 years of life:
- In the year of planting- in spring, the central stem of the seedling, going up from the trunk, will be shortened to a height of 60 cm. In the upper part of the tree, three lateral branches are left, evenly spaced, having a length of 60–80 cm. These will be first-order branches or main branches.
- Second year after planting- in spring, young lateral shoots (second order branches) grown on three first order branches should be cut to 30–40 cm. The central stem will be shortened by 20–30 cm, it should be longer than the main branches.
- The third year of the plant's life- in spring, the length of 3 lateral branches of the second order is shortened to 70 cm. The central stem is shortened so that it is 25 cm higher from the lateral branches of the first order. Lateral shoots that have grown on the central stem and on branches of the second order are cut to 15-20 cm (for 4-5 buds). In the upper part of each branch, 4-5 strong branches are formed, of which only two shoots are left. They should be directed outward and not intersect with other branches. All growth of this year's branches is cut out. On the central stem, 3-4 shoots will be selected, which later form the second floor of the crown. They should be 70 cm higher from the branches of the first floor.
- Fourth year- all branches of the first tier are shortened by 50–60 cm. The length of the branches selected to form the second floor is shortened to 60–70 cm. The central stem is cut 25 cm above the second layer of the crown. All branches that intersect, shade each other, or grow inside the crown are removed. The crown should be as close to the trunk as possible and have a triangular shape.
- This completes the formation, all subsequent spring pruning will be directed to maintaining the shape of the crown.
Rejuvenating pruning improves fruiting and prolongs the life of the apple tree
Autumn pruning of the apple tree is carried out in October, after the harvest of apples, and is sanitary.. During this pruning, the apple tree is cleared of diseased and damaged branches, dried or diseased fruits remaining on the tree.
Important!At the end of sanitary pruning, all diseased and shrunken branches, mummified fruits and leaves collected around the apple tree must be taken out of the garden and burned on an open fire. It is unacceptable to use these plant residues to obtain compost in order to prevent the spread of diseases and pests in the garden.
The soil in the garden between the rows of trees must be kept clean. Weeds compete with trees for water and nutrients in the soil, so they must be eliminated. In small household plots, weeds are pulled out; in large gardens, herbicides are used.. You can use a wide range of herbicides: Centurion, Agil, Fuzilad Forte, Panther, Leopard. When treating the soil with herbicides, the gardener must carry out the procedure so that the vapors of the preparations do not touch the trunks and branches of trees. In the first three years of a seedling's life, it is undesirable to use herbicides.
Video: Autumn pruning of an apple tree
Fight against major diseases
Every gardener who grows apple trees sooner or later encounters diseases of this crop and insect pests.
The main diseases of the apple tree:
- . The first symptom of the disease is the appearance of yellow spots on the leaves, the disease develops rapidly at a temperature of +18...+20°C, after which the spots turn brown. Infected leaf blades fall from the branches. The disease reduces yield and weakens apple trees. The virus is transmitted by grafting, pollen, infected seeds and in the nursery through contact with roots. Prevention and control measures: using healthy cuttings for grafting, removing viruses from the garden, planting resistant varieties.
- Bacterial burn. This is a very dangerous disease that can lead to the death of all fruit trees in the garden. This disease is favored by high air humidity, wind, precipitation and air temperature from +10...+30°C. Fire scorched tree branches look like they've been burned. The leaves on them are brown and folded, the fruits are dry, black, and the branches are dried. In wet weather, bacterial exudate (liquid discharge) appears on the affected branches. Prevention and control measures: cut and burn diseased branches, apply fungicides on healthy parts of the tree. Repeat chemical treatment after each rain.
- black cancer. The spores of the fungus enter the tree through wounds resulting from cuts or mechanical damage. The bark in the affected area moves away from the trunk and the tissue of the wood rots. The fungus infects all above-ground parts of the apple tree, including fruits. On fruits, the disease causes rotting and premature abscission. If foci of the disease are present on the trunk, the tree will die. Prevention and control measures: use of healthy seedlings, sterilization of garden tools with alcohol or chlorine, balanced irrigation and fertilization, treatment of bark wounds with garden pitch, application of fungicides.
- powdery mildew. The disease appears on the leaves in the form of white spots, which after a while spread and cover the entire leaf plate. The disease progresses rapidly, and the mycelium becomes gray and dusty. Diseased leaves dry up. Apples are also attacked, as a result of the disease they are covered with a white coating of mycelium, crack and rot. Prevention and control measures: balanced fertilization, cultivation of resistant varieties, chemical treatment of the ground part of the tree with fungicides.
- Moniliosis. One of the most harmful diseases of fruit trees. The outbreak occurs during cold, rainy weather. On a diseased tree, the leaves dry out without crumbling, the fruits rot or mummify. Prevention and control measures: collect and destroy diseased fruits, cut off affected branches until healthy wood appears, apply preventive treatments with Bordeaux mixture, close wounds on the bark with garden mastic, apply fungicides.
Also, apple trees are systematically attacked by pests, such as:
Insect pests must be fought by treating the crown of the tree with biological and chemical protection preparations. Sticky traps, fruit compotes with the addition of insecticides, and the treatment of a tree trunk with adhesives also showed themselves well.
Preparing for winter
Adult apple trees do not need to shelter the crown from frost, warming the soil in a circle next to the tree trunk is carried out only in regions with very cold winters. This will help save the root system from freezing. As insulation, an additional layer of soil (20–30 cm high) or organic mulch (spruce branches, straw) is used.
Important!As soon as the snow melts in the garden and the air becomes warm, all insulating covers from the crown and roots of the apple tree must be removed immediately. If this is not done, the roots may begin to rot, and the branches may become covered with moss or mold.
If the orchard is in close proximity to a forest or the edge of a field, the trunks of young trees must be protected from mice and hares. To do this, a protection is created around the trunk that covers the trunk of the tree (from the junction with the ground to a trunk height of one meter). As a protective layer, you can use a metal mesh or shields cut from automotive rubber.
In anticipation of winter, it is advisable to whitewash tree trunks. As a whitewash, a mixture of water, lime, copper sulfate and horse manure is used. With such a solution, with the help of a paint brush, the tree trunk is covered to a height up to the fork of skeletal branches, and skeletal branches are also whitened to a length of 40–50 cm. Whitewashing before winter prevents the bark of trees from getting a sunburn in conditions of winter physiological drought. It is recommended to repeat the whitewashing procedure in the spring, after the soil in the garden has dried out.
A gardener should plant at least one Granny Smith tree to provide his family with tasty and healthy apples for many years to come.
Granny Smith - apples that have gained great popularity since the appearance of this variety. All over the world, it is considered one of the most beneficial for health due to the high content of various vitamins and microelements in the pulp.
Variety Description
This autumn-winter variety was bred in 1868 in Australia by crossing a domestic apple tree with a wild one imported from France. A few decades later, many gardeners also learned about it. European countries. Until now, in the homeland of the variety in Australia, the Granny Smith festival is held every year.
The apples are large, round in shape, have a very beautiful light green color and weigh about 300 g. The dense pulp is very juicy and sour in taste, because it contains very little sugar.
The side of the apple that is on the sunny side may have a yellow or even reddish color. The fruits ripen in mid-September, but it is better to consume them a month later after harvest. They keep well until spring.
Granny Smith is widely used during fasting days. They cleanse the body well and prevent the deposition of fat cells. Regular consumption of apples of this variety will help cleanse the blood, lower cholesterol levels, and have a beneficial effect on nervous system. The benefits of these apples are especially great for children, the elderly and debilitated people; patients suffering from diseases of blood vessels, skin. People engaged in mental activity are advised to eat at least 3 apples a day.
granny smith in cooking
This variety of apples is the most popular in cooking compared to all others. The neutral taste of these fruits and the lack of aroma allows you to add them to any dishes - sweet, salty, salads and side dishes. Culinary experts are attracted not only by the taste of these apples, but also by their ability not to darken after slicing.
Appearing in America, these apples immediately found their application as a filling for a pie. Of course, this dish has been known for a very long time. But it was after the appearance of this variety that apple pie began to be considered the national pride of America.
Granny Smith - apples that are widely used for desserts - jam, preserves, compote, etc. And the fermented juice is used to make alcoholic beverages.
Granny Smith apples are sour, green, high in vitamins and minerals. Bred in the 70s of the XIX century in Australia as a result of crossing wild and cultivated varieties. Known as the lowest calorie among fruits.
Description of the fruit, energy value
Granny Smiths have firm white flesh with a sweet and sour taste. Outwardly, the fruit is pale green, rounded, with a strong skin. The part of the apple that is turned towards the sun has a pinkish tinge. The average fruit weight is 300 g.
Source: Depositphotos
Granny Smith apples - the most low-calorie and hypoallergenic
Juicy apple. From 1-2 pieces get 1 glass of juice. This is an autumn-winter variety that ripens by the end of September. Stored in a cool place until spring. The fruit has the best taste qualities a month after harvest.
Botanical description:
- medium-sized tree;
- conical crown;
- flowers are white;
- bears fruit annually for 10 years.
In Europe, the variety is grown in regions with mild winters and warm summers. The tree does not like coolness and abundance of precipitation. From this, the apples are drawn out, becoming pale yellow, sour. Fruits are especially valued in dietetics. Calorie content of 100 g of the product - 47 kcal. Often used to cleanse the digestive tract, fasting days.
Benefit and harm
Granny Smith are used in dietary and health nutrition. They raise vitality, improve the functioning of the digestive system, compensate for the deficiency of vitamins and microelements.
The composition of the fruit contains:
- vitamins PP, K, C, B6, A and E;
- minerals (zinc, iron, iodine, selenium);
- pectins;
- cellulose;
- organic acids.
The benefits and harms of the fetus are due to the composition, easy digestibility. Apples are used to purify the blood, as they contribute to the breakdown of cholesterol, the removal of toxins. Improve bowel function, cleanse the mucosa. Fruits are useful for strengthening gums and teeth, with gout, anemia.
You can not eat fruit with gastritis, ulcers, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome. It is not recommended to eat apples in large quantities. This provokes thinning of tooth enamel, the development of digestive problems due to the intake of large amounts of fiber.
In cooking, Granny Smith is used to make salads, desserts, juices, compotes. The pulp of the fruit does not change color after cutting, therefore it is used as a filling for open or closed pies. One apple a day provides 20% of your daily fiber requirement. The fruit is hypoallergenic, it is given to young children, nursing mothers, the elderly to recuperate.
