Everything in moderation?

Since my last post, very little rainfall has been recorded here. As with most of you south of The Border, sunshine has been plentiful and the associated temperature just a little above my own comfort zone, much of ther time. The middle of July is often associated with sun fierce enough to scorch and scald apples here – regardless of their maturity, This is worst on exposed branches displaying a heavy crop. Apples are a sitting target in traditional orchards. Modern plantations are invariably protected from hail, in particular, with netting. Dependng on the gauge of mesh both insects and birds are deterred with some shading offered in addition.

It so happens that much of the crop here, on more traditional trees, has set within the tree canopy, with little vulnerable to the UV beating down as I type. Hopefully these particularly hot days are too early to affect the flavour of the earliest apples. The trees still have access to some soil moisture though a top up from above cannot arrive too soon, perhaps taming these temperatures a little – when it does..

Usefully, many of the apples here have set as singles. This is just as well during periods of stress – for the tree. Also, there is less oppurtunity for fruitlet mining tortrix larvae, often about 30, to congregate within the protection of groups of closely growing apples during late May – feasting around the stalks of each one!

To my knowledge, all those on our mailing list will now have information detailing what is expected to be available later in the year. If we have inadvertently missed you, or you are a newcomer , please make contact and we will respond.

Just a case now of holding one’s nerve whilst being prepared for any further weather related complications!