Question
Every year the bugs get the apple before me. Any solution that is safe? I have a dog and a cat. :) Thank you very much.

Answer
It depends upon which area of the country you live in. Eastern growers must contend with the plum curculio and increased incidence of fungal diseases. Northeastern growers have the apple maggot as a major pest. In the Southeast, fruit rot is a problem.

There are a lot of links for organic pest control resourcs and fertilizers listed at our website: http://www.avant-gardening.com/organicPestControl.html    Peacefull Valley Farm Supply, and Planet Natural are good sources.

http://web1.msue.msu.edu/vanburen/organasp.htm has lots of information on an organic apple tree spray program, it really depends on your ability to identify which insects are damaging your trees.  For help in identifying the insects causing the problems go to:  http://www.caf.wvu.edu/Kearneysville/organic-apple.html#IDENTIFYING%20AND%20UNDE...

For general information about growing apples organically and identifying the type of possible pests go to: http://www.caf.wvu.edu/Kearneysville/organic-apple.html

Keeping the trees healthy will help them fight off insects.  An organic fertilizing program would include foliar and soil applications of organic fertilizers after the leaves open during pre-bloom, post-bloom, and during fruit set.

This might include a foliar spray if nitrogen is needed - Alaska fish fertilizer, or a Natural Kelp or Sulfate of Potash for Potassium.  These are usually applied before or after rainfall or watering, and in the late afternoon.

There are also organic liquid tree fertilizers for deep root feeding with micronutrients that release slowly into the root zone. These are used in the early spring or fall, by making bored holes on trees and shrubs, by making holes at the base of the tree using a grid pattern with points every 2 or 3 feet starting at least a foot away from the base of the tree or shrub and extending one or two feet beyond the width of the limbs.