Wednesday, December 4, 2013

A is for Apples


The first of many updates here on Thirtyfivebyninety Urban Homestead. 
I'll start alphabetically ... with the Apples trees my daughters and I planted in 2008. 

We were/are trying for the Espalier method which since I'm not French has grossly alluded me as you can see. We had planned to pune way back this year but it was a great season for Apples in New York State including city orchards, we just couldn't bring ourselves to saw.  
So we didn't. 
The small window dead center is the kitchen.
I got a big kick out of  first seeing Apple Blossoms then Apples growing outside my kitchen window. Reminded me of the character Ma Joad in the Grapes of Wrath, when she talked about oranges outside her window. 

Summer 2013 
Notice how shady the Apple trees and house are. I was very surprised we got a harvest @ all.


Winter 2008
Proof that you don't need feet of space to have an Apple Orchard - this bed is just a bit over 12" wide and almost 15' long.


An Apple for Snow White

Golden Russets

Golden Russets 
The 4 in 1 Apple tree produced half a bushel of Golden Russets. Disappointing no shows for the other 3 varieties but  never the less good with cheese.
Preservation method of choice - storing in the cellar for fresh eating this Winter.


~~ pelenaka ~~
Posted by pelenaka at 9:49 PM
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12 comments:

  1. Preppy Pink CrocodileDecember 5, 2013 at 1:44 AM

    How exciting! Also, you actually want to prune when it's cold outside and the plant is dormant. So late fall or winter. It also makes it easier as the tree isn't full of fruit and you won't think of it as taking the fruit away. Hope that helps!

    KK

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. pelenakaDecember 5, 2013 at 4:07 PM

      Now that you mention that pruning tip I remember hubby saying the say thing ... I really need to listen better when he talks,
      Tanks for stopping by !

      Delete
  2. ceridwenDecember 5, 2013 at 8:11 AM

    Hello, Long time no see. Nice to see you back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. pelenakaDecember 5, 2013 at 4:14 PM

      Thank you, I know I am ashamed of myself for my neglect.

      Delete
  3. LeighDecember 5, 2013 at 8:28 AM

    Pelenaka, its so good to see you blogging again! Your apples look fantastic. Not just the fruit, but the trees as well.

    I had to stop by to tell you my exciting news - my homesteading book has been published! Please do stop by my blog to help me celebrate. Plus I'm having a book giveaway! Come check that out too. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. pelenakaDecember 5, 2013 at 4:17 PM

      Thanks, the issues of shade have only gotten more intense over the years. I didn't even put in a garden here becuse of it.
      Send me a blog link on facebook & I'll share it there as well.

      Delete
  4. pelenakaDecember 5, 2013 at 4:04 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MartiDecember 9, 2013 at 9:05 PM

    I always admired espalier fruit trees too but never really knew how they did it. It does seem like a great way to keep fruit trees controlled so you can easily get to all the fruit.

    ReplyDelete
  6. TerranDecember 11, 2013 at 4:27 PM

    So glad to see you blogging again!!! Seems to me some time ago your hubby made a cider press. Did you use it this year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. pelenakaDecember 12, 2013 at 12:00 AM

      Thanks !
      Sadly no, we are both now diabetic ... drinking cider is on the level of freebasing sugar.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousMarch 21, 2014 at 2:32 AM

    I was going through my Favorites list on my old computer to transfer the ones I want to keep to the new computer.

    I was very happy to see an update here. We look forward to seeing more! :)
    I've never seen the espalier method. It looks quite interesting, I'll have to read up on it.

    Jerngen

    ReplyDelete

Thanks, good to know there are other's with this interest

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