After planting new trees behind the main house in March, the first of our apples are looking great and ready for the upcoming harvest. We planted these trees with a lot of care, as the conditions for growing apples on the moor aren’t always the best. However, behind the house is a well sheltered, south facing area and as a result, the trees have shot up. Large planting holes, well rotted horse manure and sturdy tree guards and wire were needed to ensure a good start and also to guard against rabbits and deer who love to nibble them!
A good mix of cider varieties as well as some eaters to ensure good pollination. Below you can see Joe at the time of planting in March.
Also pictured is a ‘Dabinett’ apple, a vintage Somerset cider apple, believed to have been discovered growing in a hedgerow near Taunton by a local vicar. A truly local variety doing well even high up on Exmoor. The cider will be good this year!
