All From One
Posted by Michael Allen on March 29, 2006
Q: Can you tell me what type of apple tree will do well in wet heavy peat type soil? Thank You.
A: I'm a bit unsure about your soil description. You mentioned a heavy peat-type soil but I'm wondering if you mean clay soil? Clay soils can be quite dense and slow draining. From what I understand, most, if not all, of the apples grow in similar kinds of soils and one variety doesn't require one type of soil or another. I have learned that orchard growers tend to grow their trees in neutral soils (pH of 7)but the trees actually do a bit better in soil around pH6 (a bit more on the acid side). If your soil is especially dense, your local nursery can suggest ways to lighten the soil with added materials and this may help get your trees established. Be sure to check out pH values of your own soil and then see what nurserymen in your area recommend. Best of luck to you with your trees.
John Wiessinger ( March 30, 2006)