# How To Grow Apple Trees

- Link: https://lifeandwork.blog/how-to-grow-apple-trees/
- Published: 2026-10-24T02:13:24-05:00
- Author: Bert Swope

Apples are so easy to grow, at least one apple tree should be in every garden. After
a few years (depending on variety), you should have a good harvest with plenty of
delicious apples. The feeling of going outside and eating an apple off your own 
tree cannot be beaten. You may even have enough to share with family, friends, and
neighbors. Apple trees can benefit the whole community and make your garden look
beautiful too.** **

## **Choosing an Apple Tree**

** **When choosing fruit trees, it is important to determine whether the trees are
self-fertile. Apples are self-pollinating but often do better when pollinated by
a second tree. If you have space, you should consider planting a second apple tree
in your garden (remember, dwarf varieties are available for smaller spaces)– though
you should not worry if that is not possible and should still get a worthwhile crop.
Carter’s Blue is one apple variety to consider locally, and Maroon Crabapple is 
a good choice for cooked fruits.

## ** ****Planting an Apple Tree**

![Planting An Apple Tree](https://i0.wp.com/lifeandwork.blog/wp-content/uploads/
2020/03/af6dd-depositphotos_67716353_original-e1543683337402.jpg?resize=600%2C924&
ssl=1)

Planting An Apple Tree

** **Apple trees prefer a sheltered position in full sun but will put up with a 
fair amount of shade and may benefit from some shade at mid-summer. However, ensure
that apples always get at least half a day’s sunshine during the fruit ripening 
period. Apples for cooking will require less sun than sweeter dessert varieties.

## **Caring For an Apple Tree**

While they are becoming established, apple trees will do better if they are well-
watered and do not have to compete with grass around their base. Prepare the area
well before planting, and mulch well around the tree’s base. Water and mulch well
with organic material, especially while the tree is young.

Replace grass and competing weeds with a guild of beneficial plants, including comfrey,
borage, yarrow, and alliums such as garlic or shallots, and aromatic herbs, which
will help to gather nutrients, attract beneficial insects such as pollinators, repel
pests, and underplant with perennial shrubs to form an understory.

Apple trees should be pruned from late fall to early spring. Cut out any dead, damaged,
or diseased wood and prune for shape and size, aiming for an open canopy for free-
standing examples. Apples can also be pruned to stand, espaliered against a wall
where space is tight.

## **Harvesting Apples**

![Basket Of Apples](https://i0.wp.com/lifeandwork.blog/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/
c70ea-apple-2311043_1280-e1543683321520.jpg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)

Basket Of Apples

Apples will be ready to harvest (depending on exact location and variety) sometime
between July and October. Choose earlier and later varieties to harvest apples over
a longer period. To see whether apples are ready to harvest, gently cup the fruit
in your palm and push and twist upwards with a gentle motion. If the apple comes
away easily from the tree, it is ripe and ready to harvest.

Apples can be eaten fresh – raw or cooked, depending on the variety. They can also
be preserved in a variety of ways. You could make apple jellies, apple butter, chutneys,
or other preserves, or freeze applesauce for later. You can also make apple juice
or make apple cider, or apple cider vinegar. There are many ways to make the most
of your apple harvest.

How to Grow Apple Trees – Complete Growing Guide

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