APPLE TROUBLESHOOTER

Why are my apples covered in scabby patches?

Apple scab is a disfiguring fungal disease that’s a problem nationwide but tends to be more prevalent in wetter regions such as the south west. The good news is that there are plenty of scab-resistant cultivars on the market, including ‘Adams’s Pearmain’ and ‘Rajka’.

Can I do anything to help my tree produce bigger fruit?

Apples can be victims of their own success and set far too many fruit. When this happens it’s up to you to thin them out in late spring or early summer to be sure of fewer, larger apples. Thin to at least 15cm (6in) between fruit.

How can I stop my apples rotting in store?

If you want to keep apples into winter, it’s best to just store the perfect ones. Any fruits that are bruised, cut or in any way blemished or scabbed will rot far sooner. Storage also depends on the traits of the cultivar: ‘Red Falstaff’ and ‘Ashmead’s Kernel’ will store for months, while ‘Discovery’ won’t keep at all. Later-ripening cultivars tend to store better. Fruit will store in the fridge in bags with holes pierced through the plastic. If temperatures are cool outdoors, store them in a cold, rodent-proof shed in wooden apple racks spread out in single layers. Or, invest in a special apple store such as the one below, £69.99 from Primrose 0118 903 5210; www.primrose.co.uk.