Bare necessities

Now’s the time to plant bare-root apples, says Val

- Val Bourne

THIS year we’ve had a bumper crop from our three apple trees, so they should keep us going for at least three months. That’s one apple a day each, cut up on our breakfast muesli, and I’m a firm believer in the old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

Apples are rich in fibre, antioxidants and in vitamins A, C and K, so they help the dietary system, the immune system and thyroid function. Also, pectin reduces cholesterol. Most importantly, they taste wonderful and, if you grow your own, they’re free. If you’re organic, they’re also pesticide-free.

I think a lot of gardeners decided to plant apple trees in ‘lockdown’, because a lot of potted fruit trees sold out in spring. And now is the perfect time to order bare-root apple trees. These trees are field-lifted and sent out once they lose their leaves.