Botanist Dad

Sometimes we all need a helping hand in the garden, but who do you ask for help? Our Botanist Dad knows all about plants and growing, and is here to answer your dilemmas

QI’ve always wanted to grow my own apples, but only have a small garden. Do you have any suggestions? Helen Seal, Cambridge

AApples are easier to grow than you might imagine – even in tiny gardens – and autumn/ winter is the ideal time to plant a tree. The first thing to think about is the variety, which determines how your apples taste. Early flowering varieties are the most reliable, and you need to decide between a self-pollinating tree, like a Cox; or a cross-pollinating tree, whereby you need to plant two trees from different varieties that flower at the same time, so they can pollinate each other. Try a Discovery apple planted near either a James Grieve or a Fiesta.

The next choice is the rootstock – the type of roots – which determines how big your tree will grow. For a small garden, choose a tree with dwarf rootstock (also known as M27 rootstock). This means your tree will never grow bigger than about 1.8m in any direction. For something smaller, look for a Ballerina or Minarette tree; these grow straight up and down, similar to a long feather duster, with tiny branches.

You can plant your tree in the ground or in a large pot any time during winter, so long as the soil isn’t frozen. Choose a spot next to a south- or west-facing wall or fence; dig a hole as big as you can, then place the tree in it and refill with good-quality compost. Add a stake or secure it to a trellis or wires to stop it wobbling about in the wind.

Keep your new tree well watered, but don’t drown it. You shouldn’t need to prune until it’s two or three years old. And that’s about it. With very little effort, you’ll be making apple crumble in no time!

Email thesimplethings@icebergpress.co.uk with your questions, or follow on Instagram: @thebotanistdad.