Overgrown apple trees are also difficult to harvest and spray. Gardeners who have such a tree are often at a loss as to how to get it back in shape.
According to Ward Upman, Kansas State University Extension associate, often the best advice for such a tree is to make one pruning cut at ground level and start over with a new tree.
This will be a long process, because no more than 30 percent of the tree should be removed in one year.
Here are some steps to follow:
- Remove all dead wood. This does not count toward the 30 percent.
- Remove suckers from the base of the tree.
- Remove all but about six of the best branches to keep as scaffold branches.
- Branches should be cut flush to the branch collar - the natural swelling that occurs where a branch connects to the trunk or to a larger branch.
- Do not paint wounds; they heal more quickly if left open.
Candidates for removal include branches with narrow crotch angles, which are more likely to break in wind and ice storms, and those that cross branches you will save. This may be all that is possible the first year if the 30 percent threshold has been reached.
- Thin the branches on each scaffold branch. Remove crowded branches to open up the tree to light and allow humidity to escape.
- Shorten each scaffold branch by cutting back to a side branch.
Severe pruning often will cause an apple tree to produce vigorous side shoots, called water sprouts, from the trunk. Main branches will also produce suckers that grow straight up. Suckers and water sprouts should be removed throughout the growing season so the center of the tree stays open.
A series of backyard fruit workshops that include pruning tips will take place March 10, 17 and 24. For information, call the Extension office at 263-9226.
Soil temperature and vegetable germination
One of the most neglected tools for vegetable gardeners is a soil thermometer.
Soil temperature is a much better measure of when to plant than air temperature or the calendar. Planting in a too-cool soil can cause seeds to rot and transplants to sit.
Taking soil temperature accurately is a bit of a science. First, use a metal soil thermometer, which is sold in many garden and hardware stores. Take temperature 2.5 inches deep at about 10 to 11 a.m. Daytime variations affect soil temperature, with lowest readings after dawn and warmest around mid-afternoon.
Late-morning reading gives a good average temperature. Get a consistent reading for four to five days in a row before planting and make sure a cold snap is not predicted.
An excellent guide published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System can be found at http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1061/ANR-1061.pdf.
Gain strength to fight chronic diseases
Research shows that strengthening exercises are both safe and beneficial to people of all ages, especially for those who have chronic health issues such as heart disease or arthritis. These exercises can relieve or reduce signs and symptoms of illnesses that include diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis, back pain and depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tufts University conducted a strength training program with older adults who had moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis. Results showed that the regular exercise decreased pain by 43 percent, increased muscle strength and general physical performance, as well as decreased disability from the disease. In addition, CDC noted that similar results have been found with people who have rheumatoid arthritis.
Also, older adults are more prone to falls due to poor balance and limited flexibility. In some cases, falls lead to fractures, which may result in disability or even death.
Strengthening exercises can improve balance and flexibility. A New Zealand study involving women 80 years of age found a 40 percent reduction of falls when they performed simple strength training exercises.
Studies have also shown that lifestyle changes such as strength training have a significant impact on helping older adults manage diabetes. In a study of Hispanic men and women, 16 weeks of strength training produced dramatic improvements in glucose control that are comparable to taking diabetes medication.
The Strong Women and Strong Seniors program, offered through Penn State Extension, is designed for adults 40 and older. It includes an hour of strength training exercises twice a week along with nutritional information.
Two programs are set to begin soon in two Chambersburg locations: Monday and Wednesday mornings, March 5 through April 11, New Guilford Brethren in Christ Church; or Tuesday and Thursday mornings, beginning Tuesday through April 5, Fourth Street Church of the Brethren.
The cost of the 12-class program is $50.
For more information, call Penn State Extension at 263-9226.
To register, call 1-877-489-1398 or visit http://extension.psu.edu/events.
Walk-ins are welcome at any time during the session.
- - -
Karen S. Hack is the director of Franklin County's Penn State Cooperative Extension. Call the Extension office at 263-9226 or visit http://www.extension.psu.edu.
Extension and Master Gardeners' Workshops
To learn about Franklin County Master Gardeners' events and activities, visit http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com.