Improving Apple & Pear Production

Bagging Fruit: A Simple Way to Grow Better Apples and Pears

Keeping insects and diseases under control on apple and pear trees can be difficult. One simple and effective method, used in Japan for more than 150 years, is called fruit bagging. This technique helps protect developing fruit while improving quality and flavor.

How Fruit Bagging Works

To start, use sandwich-sized zipper or sliding-lock plastic bags. Cut a small diagonal slit in both bottom corners of each bag so moisture can drain out. This helps prevent rot while the fruit grows.

When fruit reaches about the size of a large pea, thin the clusters so only one fruit remains per cluster. Apples should also be spaced about eight inches apart along branches. After thinning, gently place a bag over each fruit and seal it around the stem. If a fruit falls off during this process, it likely was not properly pollinated and would have dropped naturally.

Benefits of Bagging Fruit

Once fruit is bagged, very little maintenance is needed beyond occasional checks. The bag protects fruit from pests and disease while trapping extra warmth, which can help increase sugar content and improve size. Bagged fruit often develops excellent color, stays firm and has a crisp texture.

Fruit grown in bags may also ripen one to two weeks earlier, which is especially helpful in areas with shorter growing seasons. Some growers even leave bags on during storage to help apples stay sweet, crisp and fresh longer.

Fruit bagging is a simple, low-chemical way to grow cleaner, higher-quality apples and pears right at home.