8 Common Mistakes Apple Farmers Make (And How to Fix Them)
Apple farming might seem simple at first, but it is actually very challenging. After managing orchards for 10 years, I have met many farmers who put in a lot of effort but still find it hard to earn a profit. They often say things like, "The tree looks healthy, but the fruit is small," or "There was no fruit color this year."
Many of these issues happen because of common mistakes people make. From my 10 years working in Himalayan orchards, here are the main errors apple growers face and some ways to solve them.
Table of Contents
Fig 1: A well-managed orchard yields 3× more.
1. The "Wrong Variety" Trap
Many farmers choose to plant cold-hardy varieties at lower altitudes just because they can sell them for more. This usually leads to problems
My advice is simple: work with nature, not against it. Choose your crops based on your altitude and the number of chill hours you get.
| Altitude Level | Recommended Varieties | Yield Potential |
|---|---|---|
| High (6000+ ft) | Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith | Excellent Color |
| Mid (4000–6000 ft) | Super Chief, Scarlet Spur, Gala | Very High |
| Low (Below 4000 ft) | Anna, Dorset Golden, HRMN-99 | Consistent |
2. Fear of Pruning
A lot of beginners worry that pruning will mean less fruit, but actually, if you don’t prune, trees get too crowded and the fruit quality goes down.
To fix this, cut away any branches that grow toward the center. Shape the tree so sunlight can reach every part, like a solar panel.
3. Fertilizer Timing Errors
- Mistake: Apply urea at the end of summer.
- Effect: Fruits remain green, do not harden, poor storage.
Correct Method: Stop applying nitrogen after fruit set. Use potash for size and calcium for vigor.
4. Irrigation Blunders
Overwatering causes root rot. Underwatering causes June drop.
5. Reactive vs. Preventive Spraying
Most farmers spray after disease symptoms appear, but by then it's often too late.
Solution:For prevention, use fungicide and spray before rain.
6. Poor Orchard Sanitation
Dirty gardens attract insects and diseases.
Fix: Collect fallen fruit weekly, keep the basin clean, and mulch properly.
7. Ignoring the Bee Factor
Apples don't pollinate themselves. Without bees, your fruit will spoil.
- Plant 25–33% pollinizer trees.
- Rent 2–3 beehives per acre during flowering.
8. Overcrowding the Canopy
If trees are planted too close together or not pruned, they compete for sunlight and nutrients.
To prevent this, make sure to plant trees with enough space between them and trim any branches that touch.
Conclusion
Success in apple farming comes from making small improvements rather than big changes. If you fix common mistakes with variety, pruning, timing, pollination, and sanitation, you will see big improvements in fruit size, color, and yield.
Also Read: How to Start Apple Farming in India – A Practical Beginner’s Guide
References & Sources:
- Y.S. Parmar University – Package of Practices
- ICAR CITH – Pest & Disease Management
- SKUAST – Pollination Management Guide
