![]() Weed killer is very effective,however it is harmful to the environment.Be careful not to allow the woodchip to touch the stem as it can cause rot. After clearing the ground around the tree, firmly fit the mat by tucking the edges into the soil and put a thick layer of bark mulch on top of this. Mulch mats are an effective way to stop grass and weeds, although they will require a careful eye to make sure they continue to work.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. Ideal for parks and new housing developments for families to enjoy picking the fruits and their seasonal features.Malus John Downie- Crab Apple Characteristics The wonderful crab apples remain on the branches long into the winter, ready to be picked and pulped into fresh apple sauce or desserts for the Christmas table. This Pectin is also what gels sugar, making jams and jellies without the need for animal gelatine. These apples are very flavoursome and have higher levels of the starch Pectin, making them firm and crunchy. During the late summer, the John Downie provides an abundance of large fruit brushed with the colours of rich marmalade and vibrant red. The summer foliage is a pleasant glossy green, which mellows into buttery yellow as the summer fades. They are popular for bees, encouraging pollination of other Apple trees and plants in the area. These are tinged with wonderful shades of water-washed pink and subtle lilac from the still opening buds. At the end of Spring, this Malus produces beautiful white flowers that envelope the entire canopy. This charming Malus is perhaps one of the most popular due to its fruit. He named the tree after his good friend and fellow nurseryman John Downie in his honour. Edward enjoyed the flavoursome taste of the fruit, leading to its commercial supply. Raised by Edward Holmes at Whittington, England during the 1870s.
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