Hi-- Have received very helpful responses to a previous question, so hope all you experts can help this time. We planted two semi-dwarf apple trees 4 years ago--a McIntosh and a Jonafree. They were planted about 10 feet from each other. Both have grown well and both look very healthy this season--we use completely organic approach to care, have had few bugs, etc. Last year they each produced a few apples for the first time.

This year, the Jonafree is heavily loaded with beautiful looking apples (in fact, I had to thin a big bucket off the tree so the remaining apples could get what they needed.) However, there is NOT ONE APPLE on the McIntosh and it only had a few blossoms, compared to the Jonafree. I called Gurney's, where we got them, but they had no suggestions except to "wait til next year." Any ideas? Does McIntosh just bloom every other year or something? All your input and help very much appreciated. Many Thanks.

-- marilee thome (hotjmmt@ados.com), June 18, 2000

Answers

Marilee, I am not an apple expert, but I know that we have alternating bounty crops of apples: for each tree, one year we get tons, the next year only a few. This is just the way apples grow. I would bet that your blossoms didn't get fertilized well this season...did you happen to have cold or rainy weather during blossom time (for the tree not producing?) People around here have taken turkey or goose feathers and done it themselves during bee-less or rainy years. You're right: not much you can do but wait until next year, so glad you have a lot on your other tree. Good luck!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), June 18, 2000.

She's nailed it again! Apples tend to be 'every other year" producers. I have 14 semi-dwarfs, and this year only 1 is doing well, others less well. Worst year I've had in a long time, but that's the way for apples. Don't worry - be happy! GL!

-- Brad (Homefixer@SacoRiver.net), June 19, 2000.