Fixing My Apple Tree

There is an apple tree in my yard that is in dire need of help as it is suffering from apple scab. It is a perfect tree to use as the base of an apple guild as it is almost certainly going to improve as a result of using permaculture techniques. To create a benficial environment for the apple tree, I need to surround it with various plants.

First, we'll add some preventative medicine for the apple scab tendency - garlic chives. By planting these at the base of the tree, not only will the tree benefit form the natural fungicide properties of the chives, but they will also help to block climbing insects from gaining a foothold on the tree. The white flowers of the garlic chives are quite attractive to bees, always a nice benefit. They are perennial and the foliage with its slightly garlic flavor is a useful addition in cooking.

Apple trees are also prone to problems with woolly aphids and codling moths. For protection against the aphds, two protective plants are spearmint and sage, both of which I already have growing on the property, so I'll take some cuttings to proprogate more of each to plant near the apple. Lacewings love to lay their eggs on sage plants and their young enjoy feeding on aphids and since sage is a popular perennial herb, it is already a useful plant. The spearmint's strong scent acts to prevent pests from coming near and its winter flowers also attract polinators.

The codling moth issue is addressed by planting parsley nearby as its leaves attract many beneficial insects including lady bugs and lacewings.

Apple trees have a tendency to be dificient in magnesium, calcium and potassium, and the three herbs above all help by accumulating these nutrients. Comfrey root will also be added to the zone to boost these nutrients as well. Alpine strawberries can also be added to add more potassium to aid the apple tree, as well as providing a tasty fruit.

So, I have some work to do to help my apple tree and most of the planting near the tree will need to wait until next spring, but preparations can be done now, such as starting cuttings and planting seeds.