Keep the doctor away...

[Taff]

Hi gang, I don't often post here, but read it most days, and find it fun and informative, (grovelling over.)

In Jan 2018 I will be moving back to Blighty. We, (me and SWMBO,) have been given access to and long term use of a large allotment. The missus, darling that she is, agreed I can plant apple trees, as long as it's a mix of eating, dessert and cider varieties.

So, plot is in a sheltered hollow, not far from Land's End in Cornwall.

What varieties of would you be planting for cider use? (Probably with the other varieties thrown in for extra interest.)

I'll be back in a few years to get advice on using the products. ;-)

Cheers,

Taff

 

[The Idiot]

Check the rules! Many allotments don't allow trees on plots, as when the plotholder moves on they are a PITA to remove. Also, you'll find few cider varieties on dwarf stock. Without serious thinning you'll also find that fruiting will be biennial.

Last year my orchard (which is small and includes around four suitable apples trees, plus a couple of pear trees and some plum trees) produced enough fruit for 50 gallons of cider and 30 gallons of Perry. This year I reckon I'll get around 15 gallons of Perry!

You'll find many people have old orchards that only get light use. Advertise that you'll come and clear away windfalls, and people will take up the offer, especially if you offer a few bottles of cider as a reward when it's ready. You can then juice and blend to taste, plus you get apples and pears every year. Save the allotment for vegetables!

A good resource for available vanities and pollination groups, stocks and forms is the Keepers Nursery website. You'll need a mix of sweet, bittersweet and sharp apples.

 

[freester]

You'll find many people have old orchards that only get light use. Advertise that you'll come and clear away windfalls, and people will take up the offer, especially if you offer a few bottles of cider as a reward when it's ready.

This. I advertised yesterday and have had more offers than I have capacity for already!

I bought two trees from Walcott Nursery last winter. Very informative website and also very helpful on the phone. Good info on rootstocks and 'compatible' pollinators.

 

[foxbat]

What varieties of would you be planting for cider use? (Probably with the other varieties thrown in for extra interest.)

Black Dabinett. Self-fertile, heavy cropping and produces vintage quality cider without mixing. I planted a maiden in Jan 2016 in our garden and can't wait to see what we get from it. If you can't wait 4 or 5 years then buy a larger tree if you can but it'll cost more.

If you buy some varieties that are not self-fertile then check that they have compatible pollination groups otherwise you might not get apples unless you're lucky and bees that have visited compatible trees then come and poke their heads into yours.

 

[Taff]

Check the rules! Many allotments don't allow trees on plots, as when the plotholder moves on they are a PITA to remove. Also, you'll find few cider varieties on dwarf stock. Without serious thinning you'll also find that fruiting will be biennial.

It's owned by the farmer who farms the land my house (a barn conversion,) and the allotment, is on. Me and him are mates from way back. I'll, naturally, run it by him, but don't see it as a problem.

Many thanks for the heads up though.

Last year my orchard (which is small and includes around four suitable apples trees, plus a couple of pear trees and some plum trees) produced enough fruit for 50 gallons of cider and 30 gallons of Perry. This year I reckon I'll get around 15 gallons of Perry!

Crikey, a gallon would do me.

A good resource for available vanities and pollination groups, stocks and forms is the Keepers Nursery website. You'll need a mix of sweet, bittersweet and sharp apples.

Will check it out, many thanks.

 

[Taff]

I bought two trees from Walcott Nursery last winter. Very informative website and also very helpful on the phone. Good info on rootstocks and 'compatible' pollinators.

Thanks mate

 

[Taff]

Black Dabinett. Self-fertile, heavy cropping and produces vintage quality cider without mixing. I planted a maiden in Jan 2016 in our garden and can't wait to see what we get from it. If you can't wait 4 or 5 years then buy a larger tree if you can but it'll cost more.

If you buy some varieties that are not self-fertile then check that they have compatible pollination groups otherwise you might not get apples unless you're lucky and bees that have visited compatible trees then come and poke their heads into yours.

Again, many thanks!