Before you rush off to purchase the first apple tree you see, consider what size apple tree you wish to grow in your garden. The height and spread of the tree will vary depending on the type brought. The size of the tree will depend on how big your garden in and how much gardening you will do. The size of an apple tree is determined by the lower part called the rootstock.

Another thought before you plant an apple tree is to decide what kind of apples you wish to grow. Do you want them for cooking? Do you like crisp, soft, or acidic apples? Apples trees can also last a number of seasons, so it is important you know which tree is what.

There is a huge selection of apple trees you can purchase with apple types ranging from pink lady, granny smith, golden delicious etc. Aside from the taste you enjoy, you must also consider pollination. Most apple trees will grow healthy apples when they get pollen from other apple trees. These apple trees are generally self-sterile.

Choosing a place for your apple tree will also have an impact on growth. When planting your apple tree, ensure you leave enough room for two trees to grow. The reason for this is that with two trees, you are more likely to get more fruit. As stated earlier, fruit will be produced from pollen from the pollens from other trees. Usually, two apples trees will produce enough fruit for 3-4 people.

When growing your apple tree, aside from water and pollen from other plants, ensure it is in an area that has a lot of sunlight. To grow to their full potential, apple trees need around six hours of sunlight a day.

To grow your apple tree so that it produces as much fruit possible, make sure the tree gets good drainage. Place your apple tree in a pH level of around 6.5 to get maximum results.

Edible plants like basil make a perfect micro green to grow in your own home. You don’t need a big garden to grow these mini greens, just a small area. In no time you will have a micro green plant that is tasty, nutritious and looks good with your meal.

Here’s how to grow your own micro greens:
1. If you wish to, you can grow these plants in your kitchen. Get a seed tray ready and layer it with an inch of compost. Sow the seeds into the tray, apply them liberally and add some water.
2. Place the tray in a warm, sunny room or on a windowsill where you know they will be exposed to light. Cut the shoots when they reach about 2 inches and it should take about 5 to 12 days, depending on the season.
3. Add your freshly grown garnish to your meal and you’re away.

Growing your own edible products have benefits on the environment and health and also give you rewarding physical activity. Environmentally speaking, growing your own is beneficial as:
· There are no or very little food miles
· No packaging
· No preservatives
· No or limited pesticide usage
· It is good for wildlife and biodiversity

Organic fruit and vegie gardens also have health benefits, the most noticeable being that it avoids using pesticides and artificial fertilizers to grow the products- problems that are believed to cause long term health issues and effect the wider environment.

As a plant grower, you need to have a level of control over what goes into producing the food, and growing them the natural way means you have full control.

Growing your own vegetable garden can also give you time to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy the mental space to think. Gardening gives you the chance relieve your stress, as well as make you feel satisfied when something has grown from your hard work.

Aside from the health and environmental issues, the actual product is also beneficial. Eating your own home grown food is extremely satisfying and will taste better than products you have purchased.

It will also save you money in the long run as you can use what you need when it is in season, and there will be something you can use all year round.