Apple Tree Gift for Gardeners

Fruits of the Gift to Gardeners variety are recognized as universal. They are distinguished by their unique aroma and good tasting qualities. As for agricultural technology, there is nothing difficult in caring for a tree of this variety, although there are some peculiarities. The variety was bred by domestic breeders back in the middle of the twentieth century. Since then, this apple tree has been willingly grown by gardeners of all skill levels.

A medium-sized tree A Gift for Gardeners grows up to about 3 meters, has a rounded crown. The crown is powerful, the thickening is average, the shoots are straight, brown in color, not very large and dense, the branches are close to each other in arrangement. The saw shape is round, the edge is present in small quantities. The foliage has a green-gray tone, the size is average, it resembles an ellipse in shape. The edges of the leaves are serrated, sharp. The leaf petioles are long, the stipules are lanceolate. The lower part of the leaf is fleecy.

The most important feature of the variety is self-pollination, which makes it possible to plant one tree on the site, and not worry about pollinators. In addition, experts highlight the following advantages:

• the adaptive properties of this variety are very high;

• resistance to diseases and attacks at a decent level;

• good resistance to frost;

• tasting qualities are excellent;

• the commercial qualities are excellent;

• well transported and stored;

• growing well in different regions of the country.

There are also disadvantages that should also be taken into account when choosing a variety of apple trees:

• the size of the fruits is small - from medium to small;

• drought does not tolerate well, this should be taken into account when planting in the southern regions.

This variety of apple tree begins to bear crops relatively early; already in the third year, fruiting is quite at a good level. Every year, the quality and quantity of the crop grows, provided the correct agricultural technology is used. The fruiting type is stable and full after the sixth year of life. Apples ripen at the end of the first autumn month, the timing may vary depending on the region of cultivation.

The variety is conventionally zoned, but this does not stop gardeners from experimenting. There are some recorded indicators in a number of regions of the country.

• Moscow region. The variety has shown itself well in the Moscow region and, in general, in the central zone of the country. Due to winter hardiness, no problems with cultivation were recorded.

• Ural, Siberia. In the Urals, the tree grows well, winter hardiness is quite enough. In the Siberian region, there can be problems if the thermometer regularly shows temperatures below -40 degrees in winter.

• Altai. Due to the harsh conditions in the winter in the Altai Territory, there may also be problems with growing. It is important to ensure proper preparation for the winter.

The yield level of this variety is average, with about 30 kg of fruits harvested from the tree each season.You can use the Gift for Gardeners in its natural form, canned, processed, dried. Shelf life is more than six months, so the crop can be used for a long time after harvest.

This variety is rated as medium-fruited, the weight of one fruit varies from 60 to 100 grams. The shape of the fruit is round, the center is flattened. The skin is smooth, glossy, dense, green-yellow in color. There is a slight blush and reddish blotches almost over the entire area. The pulp has a fine-grained appearance, dense juicy, crunchy, excellent taste - sweet with sourness. The aroma is very pleasant, the content of vitamin C is 25 mg per 100 g of the product.

First of all, it is very important to choose the right site for planting the apple tree. It should be noted that the developed root system of the tree is much larger than the crown, so you need to allocate enough space for the culture. Choose a sunny area where there is no closely located groundwater. The roots go into the ground up to 80 cm, they should not be allowed to rot in any case. In terms of planting dates, it is recommended to choose either a warm autumn or the end of April.

The algorithm for correct landing is as follows:

• a landing recess is formed no wider than a meter, about 80 cm deep;

• fertile soil is mixed with organic matter, humus to increase the nutritional value of the soil mixture;

• a support for the seedling is immediately dug in, next to it is the tree itself, the roots are carefully straightened;

• the rhizome is covered with prepared soil mixture, lightly rammed and watered abundantly;

• do not deepen the root collar, it should rise above the ground level, otherwise the bark will begin to get wet and rot.

In addition to choosing a site and proper planting, the quality of the crop depends on agrotechnical measures.

• Pruning. This process is a must for growing a Gift for Gardeners. The tree is pruned twice a year, in the autumn this is a sanitary pruning, during which damaged, weak branches are removed. Spring pruning is more about crown formation. In addition, shoots are removed, which a priori do not bear fruit, but drag on the vital juices of the plant. Branches growing towards the trunk, not fruiting, weakened, damaged, are removed.

• Moisturizing. Moisten the apple tree from spring to autumn. The first watering is carried out during the formation of buds, taking into account the weather characteristics of the season. Water the plant 2 times a month if the weather is not rainy. Young trees are watered as soon as the trunk space dries up. This variety loves moisture and does not tolerate drought, while it is important to observe the measure.

• Fertilizer. In the spring, the apple tree is fed with ammonia nitrate, when buds begin to form, nutrient mixtures containing phosphorus are added. In the fall, it is important to feed the tree with organic matter, mineral compounds with potassium and phosphorus. If this is not done, the plant will endure the winter harder. Microelement fertilizers for green mass have a beneficial effect on this variety. The yield increases, and the immunity becomes stronger.

A gift for gardeners is considered a variety with good winter hardiness, tolerating temperature changes well. The tree quickly recovers after winter, if the frosts did not fall below minus 40. It is very important in regions with a harsh climate to ensure mulching of the near-trunk zone and shelter of the seedling in the first years.

Despite the fact that this variety of apple trees has good immunity, there are a number of diseases to which it is susceptible. You should beware of bacterial burns, powdery mildew, scab, fungi. If wounds appear on the bark, it means that the plant has been attacked by a tinder fungus. This leads to the defeat of the entire trunk, but the fruits practically do not suffer. It is important at the beginning of the disease to remove the mushrooms until they have eaten deep into the wood, then the plant cannot do without causing wounds. As for the attacks of insects and rodents, there are enough preventive measures - whitewashing the trunk and timely spraying.