Malus domestica 'Starline Greenfinch®'

Autumn - late · Outdoors

Apply mulch

Spread organic material around the plant being careful not to bury its crown, or to put the mulch above the point at which the plant has been grafted in the case of trees.

A mulch is a covering that can: protect the soil surface from rain, heat and cold; deter weeds; provide nutrients. Organic indicates that material has vegetative origin e.g. manure, compost. Synthetics i.e. plastics, or stones are often called mulches.

Autumn · Planting

Reduce fruit to prevent branches breaking

Inspect the tree as fruit grows - reduce the numbers of fruit at the ends of branches to prevent branches breaking under their weight. This will also increase the size of remaining fruit. This is especially needed for young trees.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Summer - early · Outdoors

Feed a general fertiliser

Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.

Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.

Summer · Planting

Thin fruit to maximise good fruit

To ensure good fruit thin them from midsummer, dependant on harvesting time of the individual tree. Take out the main or 'king' fruit at the centre of a cluster and any misshapen ones. Cooking apples need 1 fruit per 20cm, eating 1 per 10-15cm.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Planting

Protect & support young trees

Attach a newly planted tree or tall shrub over 1m to a tree stake to give support and prevent windrock. Use a tree guard to stop tree bark being eaten by animals, especially in areas with deer - removing bark injures a tree and in worst case can kill it.