Apple Tree update

Awhile back, I planted a stick in the ground that Henry Field's assured me was a Sweet Sixteen apple sapling. I was dubious it would turn into anything, because it was only about 18 inches long and not much bigger in diameter than a #2 pencil. I am pleased to report that it not only survived, but it's done pretty well:

I not inviting any of you over for apple pie this fall or anything, but I'm saying the tree now vaguely resembles a young tree, and I'm not actively embarrassed to have such a beefy support for a tiny twig. Maybe next fall (or more likely Fall of 2012) we'll actually get some fruit...

Calling My Bluff

Sometimes, gardening is easy (after all, we live in the Midwest). I throw some lettuce seeds or carrot seeds into the ground, water them occasionally, and soon have a bumper crop. It's easy to think I'm getting pretty good at this gardening stuff. And then I order something that calls my bluff.

Grow that, garden boy!


Henry Field's Seed Company tells me those sticks are a Sweet Sixteen apple tree on a dwarf rootstock and three red raspberry plants. Sure they are. Don't come to me for your apple pie or raspberry jam this year. Or next year either, I suspect. If I can actually get fruit and berries from these sticks, then I might start to think I'm a capable gardener. 


Or not.