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Showing posts with label Pears. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pears. Show all posts

Homesteading Fruit Trees (if you can only grow 3 Trees)

Pear, apple and plum trees are easy to grow and
 will produce for weeks.
  
If you can only grow easy trees that harvest over a number of weeks what are they?  Grow apple, plum, and pear trees for a rewarding experience. Here's a general guide on how to grow these fruit trees:


Selecting the Right Variety:


  • Choose fruit tree varieties that are suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Consider factors such as chill hours (the number of hours below a certain temperature required for fruit production) and disease resistance.
  • Consult with local nurseries, agricultural extension services, or experienced gardeners to identify the best varieties for your area.

Choosing a Planting Site:


  • Fruit trees generally require full sun exposure (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) for optimal growth and fruit production.
  • Ensure the soil is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Conduct a soil test to determine its pH and nutrient content.
  • Consider the mature size of the trees and provide enough space between them to allow for proper growth and air circulation.

Planting:


  • Plant the trees in early spring or fall when the weather is mild and the soil is workable.
  • Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the tree's root system. Gently spread out the roots in the hole.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the tree is planted at the same depth as it was in the nursery container.
  • Firmly pack the soil around the roots and water thoroughly.

Watering:


  • Provide regular and deep watering, especially during the tree's first year to establish its root system.
  • Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
  • Adjust the frequency and amount of watering based on weather conditions and the tree's water requirements.

Pruning and Training:


  • Prune the trees during their dormant season (late winter or early spring) to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches.
  • Train the trees to a desired shape (such as an open center or central leader) by selectively pruning and shaping the branches.
  • Regularly remove suckers (vigorous shoots emerging from the base of the tree) to maintain the tree's form and direct energy to fruit production.

Fertilizing:


  • Apply balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Fertilize in early spring before new growth starts and again in late spring or early summer.
  • Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can promote excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.

Pest and Disease Management:


  • Monitor the trees regularly for signs of pests and diseases such as aphids, mites, scale insects, and fungal infections.
  • Take preventive measures such as using organic pest controls, practicing good sanitation, and providing proper air circulation to minimize the risk of infestations and diseases.
  • Consider using insect traps, beneficial insects, or organic sprays only when necessary.

Harvesting:


  • Each fruit variety has its own timeline for maturity. Harvest the fruits when they reach their peak ripeness.
  • Refer to specific guides or references for each fruit variety to determine the signs of maturity and readiness for picking.
  • Remember, growing fruit trees requires patience and care. Regular maintenance, proper watering, and adequate pest control are crucial for healthy tree growth and a bountiful harvest.

Berries will grow along any creek
make them do the work


Bonus Fruit:

  • Strawberries and blueberries grow well in any gardenscape.  Just add sun and water.
  • Blackberries and Raspberries grow anywhere they can climb and have a bit of room.  Since they will go wild put them somewhere with water where you don't have to bother with them much.








Pear and Goat Cheese Salad

We love farmers markets (of course) and we love the farm tours where there are goats!  So what is better than goat cheese farmers market salad.


This one is super easy..


  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil whisked with 2 TBS of fresh lemon juice and a little bit of sugar added.
  • Thyme, pepper and a dab of Dijon mustard to taste in the dressing
  • A bowl of your favorite farmers market greens - Arugula works well
  • Very very thinly sliced green onions
  • Pears sliced
  • Goat Cheese Crumbled
  • Walnuts (or sliced almonds)

Mix the greens and dressing in a large bowl, plate it and then stack the pears and sprinkle with goat cheese, onions and walnuts.




Know your Farmer  Know your Pears....

We  have a bumper crop of pears at the markets this year.  This is a 45 year old pear tree and the farmer told us.....'We compost the pears we don't eat and have found with this variety if you put a pear into the ground you will get a new tree. The nearby creeks and by ways are full of these old heritage pear and companion cherry trees'.   



This is  from one of our Pear tress in our orchard garden which is companion planted with  heritage almonds, plums and peaches.   Big orchard trees need 25X25 per tree btw... you can read about our success growing fruit trees and dwarf trees here.   
Bet you didn't know we had a celebrity goat endorsement! 



www.facebook.com/farmersmarkets

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Follow Castle Gardener.  Permaculture and Organic Gardening tricks from a farm girl who has painted nails.  And if you read this far that is my castle in the background of the pear.  In the US no less..  :-)