What To Know
- With a little planning and effort, you can have a delicious apple pie growing in your own backyard.
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep.
- Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, and follow the directions on the package.
Apple pie is a classic American dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. While it is often thought of as a difficult dish to make, growing your own apple pie is actually quite simple. With a little planning and effort, you can have a delicious apple pie growing in your own backyard.
Site Selection:
The first step in growing apple pie is to select the right site. Apple trees need full sun to produce fruit, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The soil should be well-drained and have a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
Planting:
Once you have selected a site, it is time to plant your apple tree. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just as deep. Place the tree in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly.
Watering:
Apple trees need regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
Fertilizing:
Apple trees should be fertilized in the spring and fall. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, and follow the directions on the package.
Pruning:
Apple trees should be pruned in the late winter or early spring. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You should also prune the tree to shape it and to encourage new growth.
Harvesting:
Apple trees typically begin to bear fruit after three to five years. Apples are ready to harvest when they are fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. To harvest an apple, simply twist it gently until it comes off the branch.
Storing:
Apples can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. Wrap each apple individually in newspaper or tissue paper to prevent bruising. You can also store apples in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Making Apple Pie:
Once you have harvested your apples, you can use them to make a delicious apple pie. There are many different recipes for apple pie, but the following is a simple recipe that is sure to please everyone:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Use your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
5. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle.
7. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate and trim the edges.
8. In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
9. Pour the apple mixture into the pie crust.
10. Roll out the remaining dough to a 10-inch circle.
11. Place the dough over the apple filling and trim the edges.
12. Crimp the edges of the dough to seal the pie.
13. Brush the top of the pie with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
14. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
15. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What People Want to Know
- Q: How long does it take to grow an apple pie?
A: It takes about three to five years for an apple tree to begin bearing fruit.
- Q: How many apples do I need to make an apple pie?
A: You will need about 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples to make an apple pie.
- Q: What is the best type of apple to use for apple pie?
A: There are many different types of apples that can be used for apple pie, but some of the most popular varieties include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady.
- Q: Can I grow apple pie in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow apple pie in a container, but you will need to choose a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety of apple tree.
- Q: How do I store apples?
A: Apples can be stored for several months in a cool, dark place. Wrap each apple individually in newspaper or tissue paper to prevent bruising. You can also store apples in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
