thinning Archives - Growing Magazine

Fruit Trees: Thinning Young Fruit to Prevent Maintenance – 2024 Guide

March 4, 2021February 1, 2021 by Growing Magazine

Fruit trees often set more fruit than they can support or develop adequately, especially if the trees were not properly pruned during the previous season. Excessive fruit competes with each other for carbohydrates (stored energy) and remains small. This carbohydrate drain, or “sink,” can also weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to pests … Read more

Fruit Quality Begins in the Orchard – 2024 Guide

March 4, 2021January 31, 2021 by Growing Magazine

When it comes to defining fruit quality, growers might think a bit differently than consumers. “Fruit consumers are concerned with flavor, texture, the balance between sugar and acid, and appearance (shape, color, russet),” said Dr. Jim Schupp, pomologist at Penn State’s Fruit Research & Extension Center. “We’ve seen an increase in consumers who say that … Read more