It is vital that for at least 3 years after planting your tree or hedge has a circle or strip one metre wide completely free of grass. When trees are first establishing, the grass roots would be at the same level as the tree roots and are far more efficient at taking up water and thus choke the tree. One of the most common causes of lack of water is competition from grass. In hot dry spells give the equivalent of 2 bucketfuls every three days. It is essential throughout the spring and summer, to give a heavy enough watering to enable the water to penetrate right down to the deepest root level of the tree. The main reason that plants die within 12 months of having been planted is lack of water. Store in a cool dark place.įor the continued healthy growth of your trees, shrubs or hedging it is vital that you follow the advice below. Pour into warm, sterilised preserving jars and tightly seal while still slightly warm. When the jelly is set, it will solidify on the back of the spoon. To test, chill a dessertspoon in the fridge. Keep at a rolling boil for 35–40 minutes, skimming off the froth regularly. Add the lemon, then bring to the boil to dissolve the sugar. The next day, measure the juice, and combine with sugar at the ratio of 10 parts juice to 7 sugar. Don’t squeeze the bag, it will cloud the jelly. Pour the pulp into a jelly bag or several layers of muslin and let drip overnight into a pan beneath. Simmer for 25 minutes until the fruit is soft. Put in a saucepan, fill with water to cover the apples and bring to the boil. Wash the apples, remove the blossom heads and cut out any bruised bits. The fruit makes a very good crab apple jelly and is often grown for this purpose. If the ground is stony or nutrient poor, add some compost to the backfill when planting. They will not tolerate very wet or waterlogged soils. They will do best with a little protection from exposure and wind if they are to flower and fruit well, as they depend upon insect pollination. The flowers are white and star shaped though not large.Ī small tree with arching branches and dark green leaves, it typically grows to 6m (20ft) with a spread of 5m (16ft) Where to growĬrab Apples grow best in fertile, moist, deep, loamy soils. Probably the most popular of all the Crab Apple trees this tree is notable for its oval fruit which are glossy and display orange, yellow and scarlet patches. Malus John Downie- Crab Apple Characteristics
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