Organic apple production has expanded in the U.S. since the turn of the century. The state of Washington, especially, has added organic apple acreage. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service, about 90 percent of the nation’s organic apple acreage is in the Evergreen State. In the Northeast, organic apple growing is just at the … Read more
Pears, peaches and much more A dirt road leads up a hill to Blum Ranch in Acton, Calif., where the Blum family has been growing peaches, pears and lilacs, and keeping bees for more than a hundred years. In 1891, George Blum, a Swiss stonecutter working in Los Angeles, was looking for a better life … Read more
Apple trees, with their lush green leaves, fragrant blossoms, and promise of a bountiful harvest, have always been a symbol of growth and prosperity in the horticultural world. They hold a special place in the hearts of gardeners and orchard enthusiasts, and for good reason. Whether you are a seasoned apple tree fanatic or a … 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
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