November is a good time to plant trees - and what better than an apple, with delicate flowers in spring and delicious fruit in autumn. Chose a sunny, sheltered site, but not one where an apple has grown before, as residual pests and diseases in the soil may affect the new tree. Dig a huge hole, place a layer of well-rotted manure in the bottom (if you can get it) and partially refill with good soil mixed with compost. Place the tree so the knobbly graft is a few inches above ground and fan out the roots. Bang in a support-stake and refill the hole. Water in well and attach to the stake. Make sure the soil is kept slightly moist for the crucial first year.
Readers in search of old Irish apple varieties can order from 27 types at McNamara Nursery, Dunsfort, Midleton, Co Cork. Tel: 021-613733.