Spraying

[burnie]

Just given my 3 apple trees a spray with fungicide, I really don't like doing it but the scab is so bad that it is not just cosmetic damage, the fruits actually split if I don't spray. Done them early before the blossom opens so as not to harm any bees as we get a lot of wild bees here.

[Lardman]

What are you spraying with Bernie? I didn't think there was anything left we were allowed to use. I have a problem with rust on the pears but I've drawn a blank on what it spray with.

I looked at my apple trees this afternoon, they're already covered in ants and something has been plucking leaves and blossom off It's still a bit early to tell if last nights frost caused a problem though.

It's been so long since I actually had an apple from them I'd be glad of even a scabby one !

[nickdub]

What are you spraying with Bernie? I didn't think there was anything left we were allowed to use. I have a problem with rust on the pears but I've drawn a blank on what it spray with.

I looked at my apple trees this afternoon, they're already covered in ants and something has been plucking leaves and blossom off It's still a bit early to tell if last nights frost caused a problem though.

It's been so long since I actually had an apple from them I'd be glad of even a scabby one !

The flowers bud loss will be birds - can be little buggers sometimes. As for the ants - could be aphids though it seems rather early for that - anyway I'd try some washing-up liquid and water put on with a soft paint brush.

As long as you can get some blossom pollinated you should usually get a crop of some kind.

[Jungle Jane]

Sulphur of potash helps against rust,I sprinkled a bit around my garlic a few weeks ago to keep it nice,it was trying to go yellow at the tips,seems good now.

[Lardman]

The flowers bud loss will be birds - can be little buggers sometimes.

I figured sparrows for the blossom having watched them shred some red flowered runners once; the shredded leaves threw me a bit though.

As for the ants - could be aphids though it seems rather early for that - anyway I'd try some washing-up liquid and water put on with a soft paint brush.

No sign of aphids yet, I think they're after water, I should really grease band the trees & framework I had a nightmare last year with rosey apple aphids.

As long as you can get some blossom pollinated you should usually get a crop of some kind.

Nah - that's when the squirrels (aka tree rats) show up to clean me out.

Sulphur of potash helps against rust

Sulphate of potash ?

[nickdub]

squirrels eating the apples ? - bugger - I thought I was having a struggle on the pest front - not sue what to suggest - someone who likes shooting and who owns a shotgun would seem to be the obvious answer.

[burnie]

What are you spraying with Bernie? I didn't think there was anything left we were allowed to use. I have a problem with rust on the pears but I've drawn a blank on what it spray with.

I looked at my apple trees this afternoon, they're already covered in ants and something has been plucking leaves and blossom off It's still a bit early to tell if last nights frost caused a problem though.

It's been so long since I actually had an apple from them I'd be glad of even a scabby one !

I'm using this...........Bayer Garden - Systhane Fungus Fighter

[Welsh76]

To protect my trees (3 Apple, 1 Cherry, 1 Plum) I use the following..

- Winter Tree Wash (Amazon Link)
- Fruit Tree Grease Band (Amazon Link)

I've heard mixed reviews about the effectiveness of the Winter Tree Wash and this winter was the first time I used it so I can't offer feedback on that just yet.

The Grease Band I used last year for the first time because I too saw hundreds of ants all over my trees and this band stops them climbing up. I did it this year before the ants came out and there isn't a single ant on my trees.

[Lardman]

I'm using this...........Bayer Garden - Systhane Fungus Fighter

Systhane based stuff is banned now... I have a bottle of the new version but it wasn't overly effective last year.

Sorry to say that winter wash was as effective as asking the bugs to leave nicely. The products I used to be able to 'clean' my trees with was far better.

I've used grease bands past years they do help with the ants especially if you remember to cover the support posts too but you have to keep an eye on them to stop rot behind the plastic and the fixing digging into the trunk.

I have pests a plenty here.

[Lardman]

squirrels eating the apples ?

Im not sure if they eat them but they certainly make off with them. I thought Id moaned about it last year, they even took the organza bags I put on to protect them from the birds and insects.