Growing Urban Orchards

Book excerpt: Fruit trees are delicate and need specialized care, especially when they’re planted in an urban environment, which comes with its own unique challenges. Whether you want to plant a single fruit tree or an entire orchard, this book will show you how to save time and money and be successful right from the start. A professional orchardist, Susan Poizner guides novices and experts alike through every step of the process. She describes which key elements are necessary in site preparation and offers a basic overview of the anatomy of fruit trees. Susan also explains how to select trees and covers critical concerns, such as cross-pollinating versus self-pollinating trees, bare-root versus potted trees, and whether the fruit will be for eating, cooking, or canning. Thorough instructions are provided for planting and staking, as well as pointers on how to care for both young and mature trees. From assessing soil to selecting the right fertilizer, from pruning trees to choosing the proper tools, and from boosting biodiversity to preventing pests and diseases, no leaf is left unturned. This vast wealth of knowledge is accompanied by illustrations and color photos, along with inspiring stories of orchards and tree farms.