Two questions about brassica, and apple trees

[Ford]

Hey guys.

 

So I have two questions. The first is about brassica. I have planted it two years in a row in a small field, in august, along with some clover. I have sprayed each time with roundup before I planted.

 

Now, I have read some conflicting info on planting brassica multiple times in the same area, as far as disease goes. I have read if you only plant in the fall, and grow other things in between (clover) it is ok to keep planting. On the other hand, some say not to do it. Does anyone have any insight on this?

 

The other question is about apple trees, 2-4 year olds. They need to be pruned, but cant get to it until around the 12th. Would that be ok?

 

Thanks for any input!

[phade]

I personally wouldn't plant brassica a third year in a row. I also wouldn't mix it with clover...better off strip planting that instead of blending.

 

Bit late for pruning imo.

[Five Seasons]

i think you're a little late for pruning as well. But it has been colder than normal so you might get away with it. Regardless I wouldn't prune heavily.

[growalot]

if you are still in the low 50s day but 20's at night...then you should be fine with light pruning....Growing Deer TV just did a spot on this last week....http://GrowingDeer.tv

 

(wrong link.) good now

Edited April 4, 2013 by growalot

[Ford]

Thanks a lot guys!

 

I appreciate it. So I could probably get away with a light pruning. Thats cool with me, as a couple of the trees grew like crazy, and some of the branches are those long whips that fold over under their own weight.

 

As far as the brassica, I guess maybe I will plant winter wheat and rye mix in the fall? Its gonna be clover until then because I through it down with the brassica...

[Five Seasons]

certainly take care of any suckers you have around the trunk

[Five Seasons]

if you are still in the low 50s day but 20's at night...then you should be fine with light pruning....Growing Deer TV just did a spot on this last week....http://GrowingDeer.tv

 

(wrong link.) good now

 

wow I wish I saw this video and website weeks ago. thanks for sharing!

[Early]

Obviously, pruning should be done when trees are dormant, but you can get away with minimal pruning now...or anytime.  Pruning now, however will encourage growth and expose scars to disease/insects....which can be corrected by proper pruning during the next dormant time and with the use of combination fruit tree sprays.

 

Another apple tree suggestion....Do NOT over-fertilize.  If you do, you will grow branches and leaves; you want to grow apples!  I have trees that are 12-20 years old, bearing well, that have been fertilized only twice.

 

Good luck.

[Ford]

Very good info from all. Thank you.

You guys think that putting something on the cut you made while pruning helps? I have used that black tar like spray before, and regular white glue like Elmers. Was told by a lady I work with that is what she uses. 

[Early]

I have never used anything to cover pruning cuts; have read several times that such is not needed. Suggestion: Make no level, flat cuts (cuts parallel with the ground)...they will hold water and possibly speed up rotting and insect production. Make all pruning cuts at an angle that will allow water to run off.

[Five Seasons]

The spray is like $7 a can. I only use it for cuts greater than 4". It's cheap insurance. But I agree with early, the best strategy is to do an angled cut. For larger limbs, always undercut so it doesn't strip bark as it falls. Try to avoid a cut that would be pointing to the sky and collect rain and take a beating from the sun. Cut as close to the limb/trunk as possible but don't cut into it. The other advice I would give is to be conservative and if anything it's better to under-prune. I've read very conflicting responses on that subject though. Seems to be like Chevy or Ford.