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Trees, tools and books for apple growers

A short, sensible list. A tree, a pair of secateurs and some patience will get you a long way.

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Trees

  • Apple trees (affiliate link)Check the rootstock on the label before you buy: it decides how big the tree gets.
  • Dwarf apple trees for pots (affiliate link)Look for M9 or M26 on the label if it’s going in a container.
  • Family apple trees (affiliate link)Three varieties grafted onto one tree, for gardens with room for one.
  • Crab apple trees (affiliate link)They flower heavily for a long time, which makes them handy pollinators for apples.

Planting and feeding

  • Tree stakes and ties (affiliate link)Dwarfing rootstocks such as M9 need staking for good.
  • Large plant pots (affiliate link)At least 45cm (18in) across for an apple in a container.
  • John Innes No 3 compost (affiliate link)The loam-based compost the RHS suggests for apples in pots.
  • High-potassium fruit feeds (affiliate link)Liquid feeds for apples in pots, through the growing season.
  • Garden mulch (affiliate link)A layer round young trees keeps weeds and grass down and holds in moisture.

Pruning and training

  • Bypass secateurs (affiliate link)For most pruning cuts, which are on branches 1–5cm thick.
  • Loppers (affiliate link)Long handles for thicker shoots and reaching into the tree.
  • Pruning saws (affiliate link)For the odd bigger branch on an older tree.
  • Training wire kits (affiliate link)Vine eyes and wire for cordons, espaliers and stepovers.

Picking and storing

Pests

Books