Damaged apple trees
We planted two dwarf apple trees three springs ago and took care to protect them from critters. This winter the snow was pretty deep and we think rabbits ate the bark above where the protection was. This is the first time we have had any problems. Do you think these trees can be saved and how, or should we not waste our time and start over?
Lori
Fulton, New York
Yes, you should be able to save your trees. First off, I’d let them go ahead and bud out. The rabbits may not have eaten all of the bark deep enough to kill the tops of the trees. If they did, cut the tree trunk off at a slant, just above the protected part and wait until the lower part starts to send out shoots and branches. Often the tree will quickly recover and continue growing. Just allow one main branch to grow upright (even if you have to help it straighten upright with a stake) to replace the trunk that was killed. This fall, remember what happened and wrap the trunk right up to a height that would be safe from the varmints. If this won’t work because of side branches, make a hardware cloth corral around the whole tree, high enough to prevent damage no matter how deep the snow gets. — Jackie
Freezing beans and rice
Just read Ask Jackie Food Storage. Loved it. If you place beans/rice in the freezer for a couple of weeks to kill any bugs, will it not get damp? I know dry is very important for long term storage.
Duncan
Valdese, North Carolina
If you leave your beans/rice in the plastic bags they come in or pour them into airtight jars or bags, they won’t pick up moisture from the freezer. You’re right about avoiding moisture for long term storage. All foods to be stored long term should be packed in airtight containers that are insect, moisture and rodent-proof. — Jackie
When we owned an apple orchard we sprayed a 3 foot radius around the base of the trees with Roundup. This was to keep the weeds from stealing the water, and kept mice and rabbits away from the base of the trees. We always sprayed in the spring before the buds opened up. If accidentally spray anything green on the tree it most likely will kill.
I meant that I sometimes put the rice or beans into a jar before placing it into the freeazer.
I often put beans or rice directly into canning jars, use a new or used canning lid/flat and screw on the ring tightly. I figure this keeps mosture from the contents. If I put the beans or rice into the freezer in the bags, I let them sit out for 24 hours after spending 48 in the freezer. Then, I pour the contents into canning jars. I put the open jars into the oven for about an hour, using leftover heat from cooking. If I have not been cooking, I turn on the oven for about five minutes, put the unlidded jars into the oven and let sit for an hour. I don’t try to dry the beans too much, just use the heat to drive off any moisture.
Thanks for you quick reply. I went out last weekend to see if they needed pruning and saw what I think are little buds forming, so maybe all is not lost. Thanks again and I’ll remember to protect them better in the future. Lesson learned.
Lori
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