Week of October 18, 2020

One of the first plantings on the TAProots land, almost 20 years ago, was a row of APPLE trees in parallel to the driveway.  I was told you could not grow apples on the Bluff, since the deer would eat the saplings.  I grew them in 4 foot high rabbit fence cages, until tall enough for their branches to escape the browsing.  I also planted four insect resistant, low maintenance varieties from the Miller’s Nursery on Canandaigua Lake:  MacFree, Liberty, Freedom, and Jonafree.  Generally, I try to spray them with conditioning oil (organic) in the spring and rather sparse insecticides during the year.  The trees are now fully grown and need assertive pruning every winter.  Most years, we leave too early to enjoy them, but this year they were ready to be picked by midSeptember.  The summer had been very dry and COVID did not allow pruning.  As a result, the apples were small, but unlike the peaches, were plentiful.  Since we were driving to Florida, I could take an entire bushel to store in our extra refrigerator.  It turns out that the apples were small but extra tart, and make great APPLESAUCE!  About 20 apples are peeled and sliced, cooked in water, mixed with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make the most delicious sauce.  If they hold up, I will enjoy fresh applesauce through the Florida winter!