What did you do in the garden today?

[karenerwin]

So I’m doing research on apple trees and how they’re not self pollinating. Does that mean I need two different type of apple trees planted close together (such as a granny smith apple tree 30ft from a gala apple tree) or will two apple trees work whether or not they’re the same kind (such as two gala apple trees 30ft apart)?

2 different varieties.

 

[hysop]

I have an orchard. Yes, you need two apples trees that bloom at the same time and will pollinate each other. NOT all apple trees will pollinate other trees. They have companion trees.

Thanks. I meant more if the two apple trees had to be different or the same or if it doesn’t matter as long as it’s another apple tree.

 

[hysop]

2 different varieties.

Thanks! So if the ones I planted are, say, gala. I should plant granny smith next to each gala apple tree so they cross pollinate?

 

[karenerwin]

It rained and was very cold here today. I did move the big plastic barrel over into the chicken run and place it under the gutter opening to catch the rain!
One of my dear friends lost her battle with cancer today. It had started as lung cancer and then came back as bone cancer and then spread to her brain. 2 weeks ago she had several strokes and they sent her home on hospice. She is at peace now and free of pain. God bless her. She was a phenomenal person and a fabulous teacher and mentor! She worked first as a math teacher in the middle school and then later as a teacher to at risk kids in the middle school and then at the high school level. She had such a positive impact on so many kids and adults.

 

[WthrLady]

Thanks! So if the ones I planted are, say, gala. I should plant granny smith next to each gala apple tree so they cross pollinate?

Granny smith is actually one that WILL self pollinate, but if you want more fruit or a more reliable crop, then Golden Delicious is a better choice than gala as it is a heavier pollinator.

 

[karenerwin]

Thanks! So if the ones I planted are, say, gala. I should plant granny smith next to each gala apple tree so they cross pollinate?

Yes, but I don't know if those 2 varieties are companion trees or not. Check with a nursery (even if you don't end up buying from them) or Google to see which varieties are recommended as pollinators. (Which is what I believe @WthrLady was trying to explain).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It rained and was very cold here today. I did move the big plastic barrel over into the chicken run and place it under the gutter opening to catch the rain!
One of my dear friends lost her battle with cancer today. It had started as lung cancer and then came back as bone cancer and then spread to her brain. 2 weeks ago she had several strokes and they sent her home on hospice. She is at peace now and free of pain. God bless her. She was a phenomenal person and a fabulous teacher and mentor! She worked first as a math teacher in the middle school and then later as a teacher to at risk kids in the middle school and then at the high school level. She had such a positive impact on so many kids and adults.

She sounds like an amazing person, someone you were blessed to have known, and one who had a positive impact on the lives of many young people. I'm sorry you have lost her, but it is good to know she is at peace. Hugs to you in your time of sorrow.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

We've had so much rain this year anything that might pass for a garden is a soggy mess, with more to come. The daffs have been embryonic for about a month but I think I finally saw a little color at their tips when I walked the dog this morning.... so there's hope!

 

[Farmdog267]

Daffodil and hyacinth are poking up through the soil and mulch a tiny bit. Starting to see buds on some shrubs too.
Does anyone use the jiffy collapsed peat pots for seed starting? In the pst I’ve used the burpee peats that you add water to and the soil expands in each cell but they don’t work that well. I’d like to try my luck with these jiffy branded products and see if I have better luck vs using seed starting soil. Any input is welcomed!

 

[hysop]

Thank you both @WthrLady & @karenerwin I did not know there was such a thing as companions. Will definitely go back to doing some research! I’ll also research the Golden Delicious.