Gardening and maintaining a grove or orchard has been considered one of the most calming and productive hobbies, especially if you want to make a small side profit too. Many people often get into growing exotic and tropical flowers and fruits just for the challenge of it. There is something amazing about holding a fruit … Read more
People are going absolutely bonkers for the sheer amount of nutritional value that’s to be found in nuts. They are full of healthy fats, high in protein, and relatively low in carbs. Not only that, they have such mammoth quantities of antioxidants and trace minerals that they’re a worthwhile addition to just about anybody’s diet. … Read more
Fruit, particularly tree fruit, is a long-term investment. Farmers need to balance looking ahead to what consumer demand will bring five years down the road with what they are growing and need to sell today. Add to that the disease and pest concerns that typically accompany tree fruit production in many climates, and it’s no … Read more
Each year, insects continue to challenge apple growers in western North Carolina. Marvin Owings, Extension director of the Henderson County Center, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, said county growers deal most with Lepidoptera type insects such as codling moths and oriental fruit moths as well as a different pest called plum curculio. Codling moth Jim … Read more
When establishing a new orchard, growers are usually very diligent in identifying all the components needed for rapid tree establishment, including performing soil tests to determine fertilizer needs. Additionally, the results will indicate whether the pH needs to be adjusted with the goal of attaining pH 6.5. Professor Eric Hanson, from the Horticulture Department at … Read more