How to Grow Apples in Wisconsin
- 1). Choose a variety of apple tree that can withstand Wisconsin's cold, snowy winters. Choose varieties like McIntosh, Jonathon, Paula Red, Cortland, Northern Spy, Honeycrisp, Fireside, or even Gala or Fuji. Apples do not self-pollinate, so plant two different varieties to allow for maximum yield.
- 2). Soak the tree roots in water for ½ hour before planting.
- 3). Dig the hole in a full sun location wide, two to three times the size of the root-ball. Spread the roots out in the hole as you set the tree. Position so that the bud union is 2 to 3 inches above the level of the soil. Cover with the topsoil and tamp it down gently.
- 4). Spread mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the root zone of the tree will keep weeds from rooting and will hold moisture in the soil.
- 5). Prune to remove broken or damaged branches. Remove limbs that have narrow crotch angles. Cut off all branches below 18 inches on the length of the trunk. Remove unwanted branches from the central leader trunk.
- 6). Fertilize with 10-6-4 fertilizer each year in the spring at a rate of ½ lb. per tree the first year, adding another ½ lb. for each additional year.
- 7). Spray apple trees for pests as needed, consulting with the Wisconsin agricultural extension services for the best insecticides for your region.
- 8). Harvest when apples turn their mature color. Taste test before harvesting.
