I'd like to hear from folks about what they would like to see in this Fruit Trees forum during the coming growing season of 2012. Some folks have asked me for more photos. Others have asked for notice of what to prepare for in coming weeks, such as seasonal tasks, pest emergence, etc.

Also, I just realized tonight that most topics in this forum have been viewed over 1,000 times, so there must be considerable interest in growing organic tree fruit here in the Northeast.

Please let me know your thoughts and we can help each other grow organic, healthy and delicious tree fruit!! Thanks.

C.J. Walke
-- MOFGA's Organic Orchardist

I can see 163 people have viewed this post, but none have responded. Any thoughts?

C.J. Walke
-- MOFGA's Organic Orchardist

Hi CJ,

I understand we’ve seen a warming trend for some time now but the recent update of the update of the USDA’s Plant Hardiness Zoning and the past few crazy seasons have really got me wondering about other people’s home orchards how they are doing and any pitfalls they may be having from this weather.

Specifically, I’d love to know what’s going on at the MOFGA Orchards. How are things, are you seeing any new? What are some of the bigger pressures on the orchard for the past few seasons? What is thriving and what is a challenge, or are you seeing any change at all? Do these changes open Maine up to any exotic species of fruit tree or bug/fungus/bacterium?

Many Thanks

Phil Dostie

Phil,

I think the main issue is erratic weather patterns, where we had over 80 degrees a couple weeks ago, then a few inches of snow, and now it's a more "regular" early April weather pattern. These drastic fluctuations are my main concern. This year is very similar to 2010, when an early spring set things into motion very early, and in the case of apple trees, they got hit with early May frost while in bloom, killing blossoms, and that significantly reduced fruit yield. This year is right on track with 2010 and we are roughly three weeks earlier than "normal".

In terms of thriving, I'm not necessarily seeing anything different with the trees, but here at MOFGA we have a cover crop of annual rye grass that should winter kill, and it's starting to green up a little bit. So it survived the light winter.

As for exotics, I think we'd need a more steady climate change for that possibility. I do think of fireblight, when you mention bacterium. It's not much of an issue here now, but if early spring trends continue, then hot weather during apple and pear bloom could make fireblight inoculum more of a possibility during this primary infection period.

Posted By C.J. Walke on 31 Jan 2012 07:47 PM
I'd like to hear from folks about what they would like to see in this Fruit Trees forum during the coming growing season of 2012.

Hi CJ,

I would be interested to read more about diversified orchards (like polyculture, but applied to fruit and nut tree/shrub orchards)--or even permaculture. Examples of a few questions I’d like to see addressed:

1/ what are good (and bad) companion trees/shrubs? For instance, I know that you mix Pea shrubs in your orchards.

2/ How should one distribute the different species in an orchard? Should they be isolated in groups for pollination reasons, or can they benefit one another by being interplanted? I expect this question to be species specific.

3/ How should one diversify an orchard to buffer oneself from the economic impacts of climate issues you and Phil address in earlier posts?

4/ What are challenges in managing a diversified orchard (both technical and financial)?

Manny,

I consider a "good" companion plant as anything that increases the diversity of beneficial organisms, flora and fauna like. Food and shelter for beneficial insects and pollinators - plants that mine nutrients with deep taproots - woodsy herbs that build fungal dominance in the soil. The only plant I would consider "bad" is one that is an alternate host for damaging insects and disease, but all the rest are welcome.

As for distribution, I think inter-planted would be best or small bunches here and there throughout. Though plants that mine nutrients would be most beneficial within the dripline of the trees.

Diversity is the buffer from any type of impact, where monocultures are sure to fail. We can't change the weather, but we can build in the diversity to know that a broader range of blooming plants/dates can reduce risk of early spring frost damage to blossoms. Or diverse varieties that are ready to harvest late-August to early November, spreading it all out, where loss of one crop doesn't equate to devastation for all.

Challenges can be just a point of view. Long straight rows are easy to navigate with equipment and there is some efficiency in geometry, but I prefer a more haphazard look, though strategically planned. Intercropping adds more financial cost at start-up, but produces added benefits continually down the road. This may be hard to measure, but it exists and it certainly amounts to significance over time.

These are quick thoughts on your deeper questions, but good things for all of us to think about while out in the orchard.