"An apple a day keeps the doctor away."

October is a favorite month for apple growers, as it's devoted to one of the most beloved fall-time fruits: apples! There are many reasons to start eating [more] apples. Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fiber. The phytonutrients and antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. 

There are many types of apples to choose from- 2500 varieties of apples in the United States and they come in different shades of red, yellow and green. However, the most popular types of apple varieties are: Red Delicious, McIntosh, Gala, Granny Smith, Fuji and Pink Lady. (You will find these apples at your local grocery store.)

Tips For Growing Apple Trees

Apples come from trees; and are easy to grow from a backyard orchard. Here are a few apple growing tips from planting to growing:

• After purchasing apple trees, check the roots and soak them for 24 hours if they appear dried out. 
• Dig a hole approximately 2 feet deep for the roots to mature. 
• DO NOT ADD FERTILIZER DURING PLANTING TIME AS THE ROOTS CAN BE 'BURNED.'
  
• Water apple trees regularly.
• Remove all dead leaves from the trees to avoid spreading plant diseases, as well. (Keep in mind that pruning too much during the early stages can slow down the growth of apple trees.) During mature stages, pruning trees will become an annual routine. 
• Apples can grow from 10 to 30 feet tall and nearly as wide. 
• Apples are moderately fast growing, but growth slows with age. It will take between 100-200 days to see apples.

Orchard Management

Apples, and the trees they come on, will need to be protected against deer and other wildlife this fall for a number of reasons. For one, deer are hungry; and they know that winter will leave them with less fruits, vegetables and other delicious home goods to scavenge in gardens. Bucks are rubbing their antlers against trees to remove the dried velvet that they obtained in the summertime. Even bears are stock piling on food in the fall in preparation for winter hibernation. 

When growing young trees, tree guards will need to be wrapped around each tree for orchard protection. When orchard owners have many trees to care after, they should consider installing deer fencing to protect the entire orchard. This will ensure that apples are protected throughout the fall season. 

Thanks to October for bringing #NationalAppleMonth to us!