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Getting ready for fall - can you feel the change in the air?
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Autumn's Bounty - Apples are in Season
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It's a wonderful season for apples and so much more!
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This time of year is one of my favourites and especially with the great weather we have been experiencing recently. I think we are so blessed to be living in a region with such diverse field and food crops in our different seasons. At this time of year, I especially love that crisp mouth-watering bite of a freshly harvested apple.
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Apples have been important food ever since the first settlers brought them here!
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The orchard would be considered a Canadian homestead staple. We have a long and proud history of growing apples. They were first brought over by European settlers in the 17th century. Depending on the amount of cleared land and the region, our ancestors would plant a small orchard of apples, pears and maybe plums for a food source in the fall and into the winter months as well as another source of income for the family. Apples were the most important fall harvest for our pioneers. From the early vulnerable varieties, they would dry and preserve them as a source of fruit for the long cold winter. The hardy later varieties would be kept in cold storage and the spent windfalls would be pressed & juiced for cider.
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The Pippin, Baldwin, and Greening are a few of the early varieties of apples brought here that date back to the late 1600s. Another old apple was the Snow which too has a long lineage brought from France to southern Quebec in the early 1700s. This apple named for its snow-white flesh may be one of the parents of the McIntosh variety.
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Growing up on a century-old farmstead just north of London, the favourite apple I picked from our little orchard was the Spy. This fruit was large, crisp and juicy and the best part is, my Mom would make us delicious apple pie from these apples.
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A couple of years ago (according to Agriculture Canada), Ontario was the largest apple-producing province in Canada. Besides growing those good old favourites such as McIntosh, Empire, Spy, Paula Red, Idared, and Spartan, there have been more orchards growing varieties such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Ambrosia. These varieties have become very popular and often are the apples of choice for local market-goers.
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Growing fruit trees in the home garden can be a challenging endeavour as my husband & I have found. Apple growers need:
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- two cultivars for pollination to set the fruit
- a location with full sun and good well-drained soil
- the best hardy and disease-resistant varieties for your area.
- proper pruning in early spring (We are still trying to perfect that job!)
- Spraying with a dormant oil combination to maximum fruit production and lessen disease and insect damage
It would be much easier to buy apples from our local grower but where is the challenge in that?! We thoroughly enjoy growing our own and then celebrating our success with delicious fresh crisp apples for eating, baking, and preserving.
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More information about apples on our site
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Did you Know?
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You still have time to start some veggies
It's not too late to plant a few veggies in the garden. Quick-growing veggies like radishes or mesclun lettuce can be planted now and enjoyed before frost. Check the seed package for ‘Days to maturity’ and chose a variety that has a low number. Frost tolerant veggies like kale can also be started now and harvested right through to December. Extend the Season for Edible Crops
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Fall is a great time to plant trees.
Fall is a great time to plant new trees, shrubs, and perennials! The extra moisture and moderate temperatures make it easier for your new plants to adjust to their home. It's also a great time to find a special something at a lower cost. Greenhouses often offer discounts in the fall as they look to clear out their stock.
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Leaves can feed your soil.
Did you know that mowing your leaves is good for your lawn and the environment? Shredded leaves add nourishment to your lawn and garden and keep them out of landfill. Simply run your lawnmower over the leaves to break them up. If there is already a thick layer of leaves on the ground, attach your mower bag to gather them and spread them on your garden beds. Or you can use them as brown material in your composter. Harden off your young plants!
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NO-NO of the Month
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Now is not the time to fertilize!
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Now is not the time to be fertilizing your shrubs and trees. This prompts soft new growth that does not have a chance to harden before winter and causes winter die back. Instead, tuck your plants into a bit of mulch after the first frost (you can even use those shredded leaves) - this will buffer temperature fluctuations in the soil and add nourishment when your plants wake up in spring.
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Recipe Corner
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Nancy’s Apple Pie Jam
For those of you who love apple pie, this is for you. It is delicious on your morning toast but even better over vanilla ice cream, or with a piece of cheddar cheese. My Dad always said, “Apple Pie without cheese is a kiss without a squeeze!” He loved my Mum’s apple pie and I am sure he would have approved of this jam too!
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6 cups of cored, peeled and finely chopped apples (8 Macs & 3 Royal Gala apples)
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¾ c of chopped sultana raisins
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2 c pure & no-added-sugar apple juice
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2 c white sugar (optional if you want to lower the sugar content of this jam)
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1 box Bernardin ‘No sugar needed’ Fruit Pectin’
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Peel, core, and quarter apples. Place in a food processor to finely chop, only for a few seconds but not puree. Measure out 6 cups in a large stainless-steel saucepan. Quickly add lemon juice, and apple juice so your chopped apples won’t turn brown. Add in chopped raisins and spices.
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On medium heat, and while stirring, cook for about 5 minutes to soften the fruit. Stir in the ‘No sugar needed’ pectin. Keep stirring until it is well incorporated and cook for a few minutes. Gradually stir in all the sugar and bring the mixture back to a boil. (Sugar is optional because you are using this kind of pectin). Bring this mixture to 100C degrees.
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Carefully ladle this jam into hot sterilized jars, leaving ½” or 1cm headspace. Remove air bubbles with a non-metallic utensil and adjust the headspace. Wipe the rim with a clean cloth. Centre lid on the jar and screw metal ring on until resistance is met, increase to fingertip tight.
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Process in hot water canner for 10min. Turn off the heat and remove the lid. Then after 5 min carefully lift jars out without tipping and place them on a tea towel on the counter to fully cool and seal. Do not tighten the metal band. Store in a cool dark place.
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Yields approximately 7 250ml jars
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Do Dandelions Make a Pollinator Garden?
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The quick answer is No. The alternative to a neighbourhood of vast 'eco-desert' lawns isn't a weedy expanse of dandelions. Try some beneficial native plants! Less work, beautiful and great for pollinators too.
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Planting Bulbs for Colour
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If you’re looking for more colour in your spring garden, plant bulbs in the fall! There are so many wonderful bulbs. By planting some early, mid, and late choices, you'll have continuous blooms.
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Plant the right trees! Best Choices for our Zone
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Trees are the biggest investment decision for the long-term enjoyment of our outdoor spaces. These favourites would be great for any gardens rated as Canadian zones 5b-7a
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Squirrels - The Bulb Thieves
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Its spring and tulips are in bloom everywhere. Everywhere, that is, except your garden. After all your hard work last fall, how can you best deal with these furry bulb-munchers?
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Fall Plant Sale
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Saturday, September 14, 2022
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Friends Of The London Civic Garden Complex, 625 Springbank Drive, London
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Fall Native Plant Event
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Bird Friendly London, in partnership with Reimagine Co., is hosting an event dedicated to gardening with native plants, including a plant exchange program for nature enthusiasts around London and the surrounding region.
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150th Anniversary of the Strathroy-Caradoc Horticultural Society
Know Your Food: Grow, Eat, Understand
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Engaging panelists discussing food in our community, networking, and FUN!
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Who should attend: Anyone that is interested in FOOD!
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We love to hear from gardeners and answer questions. Don't be shy.
We were all new to this once!
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