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Winter chill – the clock is ticking

We are now approximately a third of the way through the period between late November and mid February during which a recognised accumulated tally of degree hours below 6 deg C is essential for programming the potential flower  buds of fruit trees into a viable setting capability. Again, like so many recent winters, this would appear to be an elusive achievment with temperatures this week hovering 8C – 10C.

On the plus side, rainfall has evened out somewhat during recent weeks and, unlike the quagmire of twelve months ago conditions underfoot are acceptable. Earthworm activity has been great with columns of casts reflecting both soil temperature and the quality of humus fed by fallen leaves and previously pulverised prunings over several years.

It is very noticeable that on this very free draining site that the older trees on the deeper rooting stocks have come through the fluctuations of the last 5 – 10 years more successfully than any of the weaker M9 or M26 planted during more recent years.

As for which apple varieties have consistently displayed the most resilience during the same period   – Worcester Pearmain and Red Ellison lead with no runners up.

A time to be planming a few changes in approach here.