The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Fruit => Topic started by: suziequeue on May 25, 2011, 04:46:15 pm

Title: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: suziequeue on May 25, 2011, 04:46:15 pm: We have been advised to mulch our apple trees.

OH has spent the afternoon creating little grass-free rounds around the trees (like wot you see in posh gardens) and now I need to put some mulch down.

What sort of mulch do people recommend?
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: goosepimple on May 25, 2011, 05:49:29 pm: Hi, we've used straw, hay and sometimes bark chippings (we have a shredder) but grass clippings works too. :farmer:
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: Floyd on May 25, 2011, 06:20:45 pm: I use seaweed pretty handy if you live on the coast
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: doganjo on May 25, 2011, 08:40:00 pm: Ok, here's the even siller question - why? I've never mulched any of mine - ever. Is that why I don't always get good crops?
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: suziequeue on May 26, 2011, 01:48:32 pm: Well - we hadn't mulched ours either doganjo..... and probably wouldn't have done but the apple tree guy that came round to help us with our orchard and said we should mulch them.

We are just going to mulch the young ones.

It cuts out competition for nutrients around the root and the mulch itself will leach nutrients into the soil

I think I will mulch ours with some grass clippping and wood chip mulch I made a few weeks ago.

Thanks
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: doganjo on May 26, 2011, 02:06:14 pm: Thanks, Suzie, I'll give it a go ;D
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: shearling on July 30, 2011, 10:06:19 pm: I know I am very south but my trees are so laden that they are going south too - like the rest of me ;D ;D We do not mulch and have the sheep and bunnies to keep out round the bases with wire and wood stays. not sure how we are going to cope with the glut - ditto plums
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: plumseverywhere on July 31, 2011, 09:03:17 am: Quote from: shearling on July 30, 2011, 10:06:19 pm
I know I am very south but my trees are so laden that they are going south too - like the rest of me ;D ;D We do not mulch and have the sheep and bunnies to keep out round the bases with wire and wood stays. not sure how we are going to cope with the glut - ditto plums
make plum wine shearling! we made 400litres last year and plan to double it this. we have a vintner looking to buy into it as country fruit wines very popular at the moment apparantly.
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: shearling on July 31, 2011, 03:55:32 pm: Quote from: plumseverywhere on July 31, 2011, 09:03:17 am
Quote from: shearling on July 30, 2011, 10:06:19 pm
I know I am very south but my trees are so laden that they are going south too - like the rest of me ;D ;D We do not mulch and have the sheep and bunnies to keep out round the bases with wire and wood stays. not sure how we are going to cope with the glut - ditto plums
make plum wine shearling! we made 400litres last year and plan to double it this. we have a vintner looking to buy into it as country fruit wines very popular at the moment apparantly.

Got a good recipe to share? we just use 4lb plums to about the same sugar, gallon of water and yeast unless spiced with added ginger root, an orange, 6 cloves and a a lemon.
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: goosepimple on July 31, 2011, 08:05:40 pm: We've just been planting an orchard this year including Victoria Plums - which ones do you have for your wine - have you tried different types or mixed? My OH is very into his wine making - best results have been gooseberry champagne and bramble wine.
Title: Re: Even sillier apple tree question (not that the previous question was silly!)
Post by: arborexplora on July 31, 2011, 08:38:30 pm: Hi Suzie, if you already have grass sward up to the trees I would advise you leave it and just ensure it is kept short. Mulching serves two main purposes, the first is to add nutrients and organic material to the soil and the second is to retain moisture within the soil. Unless the trees are showing signs of decline there should be no need to alter the existing soil and grass works reasonably well at retaining moisture (bare soil should be avoided). If you do decide to add mulch wood chip is good but make sure it is well composted also check the source, you don't won't to import pathogens such as Armillaria or Silver leaf.