Category: Apples

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The Jazz Apple is A Delicious Apple!

Baby Jazz Apples by The Marmot

TheGardenLady has discovered what seems to be the best apple on the market: The Jazz Apple!

I first discovered the apple in a package at Trader Joe’s. I had never seen this apple before and the apples in this bag were small, the size I like to eat out of hand. I figured that since I feel that I have to have my “apple a day to keep the doctor away” I might as well get it over with, with small apples anyway. So many apples sold in markets taste like a treatment, not a treat.

I couldn’t believe that first bite- crisp and sweet tart. Not like a lot of apples that are just sweet or not crisp. This apples was unbelievably delicious. Would it last? Would the apples hold up in the refrigerator? I was amazed that the entire bag remained crisp and tart- till the very last apple. I couldn’t believe that there was finally an apple worth eating again.

Continue reading “The Jazz Apple is A Delicious Apple!”

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Can You Grow Pink Lady Apple Trees In South Dakota?

Pink Lady Apples on Treeby banderson0303

TheGardenLady received this question from Betty.

I was just wondering if you could grow pink lady apple trees in South Dakota. We love them apples and the store sells out as fast as they come in..

The Pink Lady apple that originates in Western Australia is a hot climate apple that grows in Temperature Zones 6 through 9. I don’t know if it is warm enough in South Dakota to grow Pink Lady apple trees. Please check your location for your temperature zone and if you are in zone 6 you can try; but if you are in a colder zone there are lots of apple trees you can grow. A list of apples for South Dakota can be found here or for northern states in general can be found here.  Also check out this site for temperature zones.

Those who live in areas warm enough to grow the Pink Lady apple tree can find them for sale on eBay or at some orchards like Willis Orchard or or Clifton Nursery.

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Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards

TheGardenLady received this question from Wanita:

Can you provide some nurseries that sell espaliered apple trees?  I live in
southern Michigan and would like to plant in the spring.  I have a small yard and
would like a couple apple trees and a peach tree if possible in my space.

One of the really good places to get espaliered apple and peach trees in the United States (they ship everywhere in the US except Hawaii) is from Stark Brothers Nurseries and Orchards.  See here.  After  200 years this company knows their business. They have a number of espaliered tree choices that they sell.

There are many English orchards or nurseries that sell espaliered trees but Stark Bros. told me that espaliered fruit trees is becoming more popular in the US.

You do know that you need at least 6 hours of sun for the trees to bear fruit. Stark Bros. will send you free planting instructions that should include pruning techniques. You will have to prune espaliered trees yearly.  Because fruit trees often need lots of pesticides, ask for the most disease resistant trees when you buy. If you have any problems with the trees, they will be able to help solve them.

I do not know your temperature zone- I guess it is zone 5- but you should ascertain what it is before ordering. When buying trees, tell the nursery your temperature zone to get the best trees for your area.

Fall is the best time to plant espaliered trees and Stark Bros. is presently shipping orders of espaliered and other fruit trees. They may also giving a discount if you order online.

So call and order your trees immediately if you are serious about wanting espaliered trees in your yard next spring.  If you order through Stark Bros. you can get their cataogue online or call for it at 800.325.4180

Next spring you will enjoy your garden.  TheGardenLady and her readers would love to have you share photos of your espaliered trees with any comments you have to tell about your experience with them.

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Pink Lady Apples for Jewish New Year, aka Rosh Hashannah

May you have a sweet year by _Bonnie_
May you have a sweet year by _Bonnie_

TheGardenLady received this question from Ariel.

Do you know when lady apples are in season? I heard it wasn’t until October, I wanted to use them in September for Rosh HaShanah.

The Pink Lady Apple is a new apple that was developed in Western Australia and is now grown in the United States on our west coast.

Because TheGardenLady wanted to give you the correct information, she contacted the Pink Lady America spokesperson.  Pink Lady America is a grower-supported association in Washington State.

Here is their response:

Thanks for contacting Pink Lady America.

Are you referring to ‘Lady Apples’ or ‘Pink Lady Apples’? Domestic Pink Lady Brand Apples are available from December until mid summer while fruit from Chile is on the market through September.

If a consumer can’t find this apple at her favorite supermarket, we
recommend she ask the produce manager and store manager to stock it.

Thanks again,

Alan Taylor
Marketing Director

Pink apples with honey would look lovely on the table at Rosh HaShanah. Have a sweet, happy, healthy New Year.

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Soil for Knockout Roses

TheGardenLady received this question from Pat:

I am getting ready to plant Knockout Roses in my garden in northern South Carolina, and wonder how to best prepare the soil? We have very dense red clay mixed with some sand. Any recommendations on how to get these roses off to their best start in this type of soil?

Sorry it took so long to get back to you with a response, but TheGardenLady went right to one the sources of KnockOut Roses (see here) to get you the answer. I added a link to Permatill, a product mentioned in this column.

Here is the advice from a spokesperson for Novalis Plants that Work:

Continue reading “Soil for Knockout Roses”