If you're like most Canadians, you consume apples more often
than any other fruit. And with the availability of dwarf trees
and cultivars that are very hardy - some to Zone 1 - many
Canadians can grow their own. Buy your trees from a local
nursery or from one in a similar climate zone so you'll have
specimens suited to your growing conditions. Two different apple
varieties that flower at the same time are needed for cross-
pollination; a crabapple will also do the job. Commercially
grown trees have two parts: The root portion - or rootstock -
determines the ultimate size of the tree and the time until the
tree reaches fruit-bearing age, as well as influences its
hardiness and productivity. Grafted onto the rootstock is the
specific variety, which determines the colour, taste, quality,
season of maturity and disease resistance of the fruit. Choose a
site in full sun that has good drainage and air circulation, and
is protected from strong winds. Avoid low-lying areas or frost
pockets, where cold air settles. A s