Torkard Cider - Back-garden espaliers

[nobski]

Great video, some very useful information, can I ask what do you use to tie the branches to the wire? do you have a video to see what it looks like at this time of year (May/June).

[kingstonblack]

@nobski Hi, I've just uploaded another little video showing 3 of the cider-apple trees in blossom. We use adjustable plastic ties to hold the branches to the wires so we can slacken them as the branches grow in girth. Some of the branches are now thick / old / set enough not to need any form of tie. We did try the plastic / wire rings but these proved not strong enough.

[Brian395f]

Ray, thanks, just looking to grow one or two and very encouraged by your video...the squash and wash has like most things gone straight over my head..so if you can answer that for me and indicate any other 'cures' or pests i'm likely to incur that would be great. I live in Bosnia now.....so I shall have a scream asking for some of these cultivar names and rootstocks - I will see if they allow imported - anyway good luck with your cottage industry may it thrive.

Brian Eager (Livno was Wokingham).

[kingstonblack]

@Brian395f  "Squash and Wash" is a very organic (but messy and sticky) way of dealing with greenfly / blackfly / apple aphid / wooly aphid / etc. - it means you squash them with your fingers and then wash your hands well afterwards! :-) It is quite satisfying in an evil kind of way...

[Brian395f]

@kingstonblack Cheers Ray...I appreciate you posted the video some time back and didn't think i'd get a reply so fast - so top marks and yes it sez it in the name - I should have guessed ha ha ..!

[agrotis79]

How's MM106 doing for you?

It needs well drained soil...susceptible to collar rot

[kingstonblack]

The MM106 are doing fine. Our soil is heavy - solid clay about 300mm / 1 ft down. As the ground is on a slight slope, drainage is no problem.

[FLORINOID]

what kind of rootstock its that?

[kingstonblack]

All the trees are on MM106 rootstock.

[5043ellis]

Hey there

I have so many questions I would love to ask, I will start with this one. Can you suggest a good cider apple tree with a flowering group the same as the breaburn and the cox's orange pippin already in already in my back garden.

[kingstonblack]

No expert but for a good cider apple go for Dabinett: hardy and reliable. This will be in blossom in May but doesn't mature til late October. Tom Putt flowers earlier and fruit are mature late-August - mid-September, not a classic cider apple, but good triple use (dessert / cooking / cider).

[scrumpyboy]

Lovely job Ray, now get that fence painted...

[kingstonblack]

Yep, it's on the list before too much growth kicks in. Did you spot the footings for the shed base in the background? Why can't all ground be dead flat...?

[MarchesCyderCircle]

Ray,you should keep your eye open for a copy of a lovely old book (1955)'Fruit from Trained Trees' by Stanley D. Whitehead. Its a mine of information. Got mine from a car boot sale for two bob !

[stephenhayesuk]

A very helpful video on backyard espalier apples in a small space. LOVE to see your apople garden again in blossom time!

[kingstonblack]

Good idea, Stephen. I'll do my best!