[domw001]

I took over a new plot earlier this year with 2 apple trees (1 of which is a cooking variety and is over 25 ft tall) and a plum tree.

The plot had been neglected for a whole season before I got it, but now autumn is here I can start proper work on it for next year.

I didn’t do a lot of fruit collection this year so approximately 99.9% of the apples are now on floor.  Some are rotten, the rest are very rotten.

The question is what to do with the fallen leaves and fruit ??

Burning is not really an option and I don’t really want to stick it in my compost bins.  I was thinking of just making 1 huge pile and letting it rot down. 

The problem is due to restricted space the pile would still be close to the trees and I am conscious of any overwintering pests.

Hopefully next year I can keep on top of collecting the fallen fruit and it won’t be a problem.


Any comments?

[Jamie Butterworth]

If you were to just let the fruit rot in a pile then it will produce a sticky, horrible mess which wont be useful for anything. If you were to pile them up then make sure you add plenty of 'brown' materials to make sure it produces something decent

[mumofstig]

Pile up the leaves (or put into black sacks with a few air holes in) and leave to rot....makes lovely leaf mould

IMO You'd be best to pick up the fruit and bin it, cos it will be full of pests and diseases.....just waiting for the warmer weather

[joyfull]

the fallen apples will also attract rats 

[domw001]

If you were to just let the fruit rot in a pile then it will produce a sticky, horrible mess which wont be useful for anything. If you were to pile them up then make sure you add plenty of 'brown' materials to make sure it produces something decent

Agreed.

Thats why I want to pile fruit and leaves together.

Hopefully, the leaves would provide the 'brown'.

Pile up the leaves (or put into black sacks with a few air holes in) and leave to rot....makes lovely leaf mould

IMO You'd be best to pick up the fruit and bin it, cos it will be full of pests and diseases.....just waiting for the warmer weather

To be honest the fruit is too far gone just to pick up.

[Yorkie]

If you use rubber gloves it'll make it less unpleasant to pick up the apples.  I'd compost them and leaf mould the leaves.  You're unlikely to manage to burn the apples - they'll be too wet - as may be the leaves.

[N.WalesIdealist]

Rake them, scoop them and compost them, they'll be lovely.  Or stick them in a bean trench for next year?

[pigeonpie]

Find someone with some pigs who would gladly munch up the fallen apples!

[N.WalesIdealist]

Find someone with some pigs who would gladly munch up the fallen apples!

That someone would have to cope with a rather intoxicated pig I fear .

[mumofstig]

cider marinated pork...........lovely