2017

We begin the New Year with the sound of visiting Fieldfares, visiting from colder climes, and some frosty mornings, both have been noticeably absent during recent Januarys. Our land is relatively dry for mid winter so any wet spring months ahead should be accomodated well. Plenty of fallen apple leaves are still around – a sign that our earthworm population have taken shelter lower down during the chilly spell.

Pruning is our main task just now. Just enough to keep the root systems invigorated to form spurs and fruit bud for future seasons. Too heavy a hand can so easily tip the balance in the wrong direction which results in many vigourous maiden shoots dominating the tree by August not only shading the fruit but also disturbing the nutrient balance within the fruit as the leaves draw sustainance for bud formation. Such vigour often results in fewer, larger fruit which in time invariably disappoints as brown spots appear within the flesh – Bitterpit. So,. before you are savage with your favourite old  Bramley tree at home, take heed. Ideally no more than 25% -30% of the top of the tree should be removed!! Here many trees may only have 10% -15% removed in total.

There are still some  stocks of the later varieties available at the farm and to send further afield. Best to check directly with us the varieties remaing.

A chilly time until March , preferably without the inconvenience of snow, will make a great start toward the coming season.

A Happy New Year to you all!