The Home Orchard: Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees

Product Description Developed especially for backyard orchardists, rare fruit growers, and small-scale growers, The Home Orchard offers an in-depth look at how trees grow; which species grow best in different regions and soils; varieties from which to select; preparing the soil, planting, watering and fertilizing; pruning and grafting; thinning fruit; diagnosing problems and controlling pests; and harvesting. Several practices, such as key budding and grafting methods, are depicted in step-by-step photos. The guidebook covers standard growing methods as well as innovative practices that are uniquely suited to the small-scale grower. About the Author Chuck Ingels joined ANR in 1989 as a tree and vine information analyst for the statewide Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program in Davis. In 1996, he became a UC Cooperative Extension advisor for Sacramento County, specializing in tree crops, grapes and environmental horticulture. He actively supported the UC Master Gardeners, giving workshops on urban horticulture. His research and extension focused on IPM, evaluation of sustainable products and practices, water conservation and deficit irrigation, home orchards and vineyards, sustainable landscaping, alternative turfgrass species, and tree training, pruning and grafting. Chuck was a gifted educator with the ability to take jargon of science and tell a farmer, tell a gardener, exactly what the problem is and how to treat it. Pam Geisel is a passionate gardener and educator. After her tenure as a Cooperative Extension Advisor in Fresno County, Pam served as the first director of the Statewide UC Master Gardener Program. Now Emeritus, she continues to educate and is the host of The Practical Gardener on North State Public Radio. Maxwell Norton was raised on a diversified farm near Salida, CA. He farmed almonds and walnuts in Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties. Max was a Cooperative Extension Advisor in Merced County specializing in tree fruit, grapes and farmland preservation from 1979 to 2015.