Orchard People

What are perry pears, and why are these unusual fruit trees worth preserving?

In this episode of the Orchard People podcast, Susan visits Gloucestershire, England, to discover the centuries-old tradition of perry making.

Her guide is Phil Kester of 99 Pines, a volunteer organization working to preserve rare perry pear varieties and the knowledge needed to harvest and process them.

Together with volunteer Mark Jordan, Susan explores historic pear orchards, helps harvest the fruit, and learns how traditional perry is made.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What makes perry pears different from ordinary eating pears.
• Why rare varieties like Gin pear, Hendre Huffcap, and Blakeney Red are worth preserving.
• How to recognize when perry pears are ready to harvest.
• How panking poles are used to collect ripe fruit.
• What scratting, maceration, pressing, and fermentation involve.
• Why making perry can be more challenging than making apple cider.
• How volunteers are keeping historic orchards and local traditions alive.

Along the way, Susan discovers that preserving fruit trees is about more than keeping rare varieties growing. It's also about sharing knowledge, building relationships, and creating opportunities for future generations to participate.

Episode/related resources:

99 Pines:
https://www.nationalperrypearcentre.org.uk/99pines-perry/

Companion article: Why Grow Perry Pears? Discover the Fruit Behind Traditional Pear Cider
https://orchardpeople.com/why-grow-perry-pears

How to make apple cider:
https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-make-apple-cider/

How to make hard cider:
https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-make-hard-cider/

What is wassailing?
https://orchardpeople.com/what-is-wassailing/

Perry pears for ciders with Barry Masterson
https://podcast.orchardpeople.com/episodes/making-perry-cider

About Orchard People

Orchard People shares practical fruit tree care advice, educational resources, and conversations with people who grow and care for trees.

Explore more articles, podcasts, videos, and books at https://orchardpeople.com/

• (00:00) - Welcome to Perry Country
• (00:44) - Meet Phil and 99 Pines
• (01:18) - Perry Pear History
• (02:53) - Why Perry Is Hard
• (03:55) - Volunteer Harvest Days
• (04:48) - The 99 Pines Legend
• (05:38) - How to Harvest Pears
• (06:52) - Rare Varieties and Names
• (07:47) - Mark on Ripeness
• (11:03) - Day Two New Orchard
• (12:08) - From Scrat to Ferment
• (13:14) - Bottling Charity and Why
• (14:48) - Final Reflections

Explore what soil biology can reveal about fruit tree health - and how compost, mulch, root-zone conditions, observation, and ongoing care can help fruit trees thrive.

Susan visits two community orchards in Peterborough, Ontario, with Christina Balint of GreenUP, where trees planted around roughly the same time are growing very differently. With soil microscopy expert Derek Barbe, they investigate what might be happening beneath the trees.

Resources from our guests:

Christina Balint | GreenUP

The orchards featured in this episode are part of a larger network of community orchards cared for by volunteers with support from GreenUP and community partners.

Peterborough Community Orchard Stewards

Read Christina's story: Peterborough's community orchards are growing more than fruit

Explore GreenUP volunteer opportunities

Support GreenUP's work

Derek Barbe | Soil microscopy

For those interested in exploring soil biology further, Derek recommends:

Soil Food Web Certified Listing Directory — find a practitioner near you

For those interested in going deeper, Derek also recommends this resource featuring Dr. Elaine Ingham, founder of the Soil Food Web School:

Explore Derek's recommended Soil Food Web resource

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The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://orchardpeople.com/books/

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle?" and find the video and podcast links there too!

---------------------

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://orchardpeople.com/books/

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

We often think about watering, pruning, and fertilizing when a fruit tree struggles.

In this Classic Episode, Dr. Glynn Percival explores another possibility: compacted soil.
Learn what vertical mulching is, when it may help, and why healthy roots begin with healthy soil.

Dr. Glynn Percival is a Senior Arboricultural Research Manager at Bartlett Tree Experts in the UK.

You can download Glynn's PowerPoint presentation referred to in the show by clicking here.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://www.orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Vertical Mulching for Fruit Trees: When Surface Mulch Isn't Enough" and find the video and podcast links there too!

---------------------

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

In this classic Orchard People podcast episode, explore why some fruit trees grow vigorously while others struggle for years before producing fruit, with fruit tree physiologist John Cline about the science behind fruit tree growth, productivity, and early fruiting.

John Cline Ph.D, is a professor in the Department of Plant Agriculture, at the University of Guelph in Ontario.

Together, they explore how rootstocks, pruning, branch training, soil conditions, sunlight, watering, and tree genetics all influence how quickly fruit trees establish and produce harvests.

This conversation originally helped inspire Susan’s book Grow Fruit Trees Fast and remains one of Orchard People’s foundational discussions on young fruit tree care.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The difference between vigor and precocity
• Why some fruit tree varieties grow faster than others
• How rootstocks affect tree size and productivity
• Why branch bending can encourage earlier fruiting
• When pruning stimulates growth — and when it delays harvests
• How soil, sunlight, and irrigation influence tree health
• Common mistakes that slow young fruit trees down

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fertilizing Fruit Trees: Why Water Matters More Than You Think" and find the video and podcast links there too!

---------------------

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Learn how watering and feeding fruit trees work together with arborist, author, and educator Casey Clapp on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

Casey is the co-host of Completely Arbortrary and an arborist based in Portland, Oregon.

Learn more:

https://caseyclapp.com/
https://arbortrarypod.com/
https://www.gofundme.com/manage/yearofthecone

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fertilizing Fruit Trees: Why Water Matters More Than You Think" and find the video and podcast links there too!

---------------------

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

What do all those numbers on a soil test actually mean?

In this episode of the Orchard People podcast, Susan Poizner speaks with soil educator Ariel Agenbroad about how to read a soil test for fruit trees and how to interpret results like pH, organic matter, nitrogen, and electrical conductivity.

Extension Professor Ariel Agenbroad has been working with urban farmers, gardeners and community members for over 18 years through University of Idaho Extension. Her love of plants, people and the natural world shape her programs and her approach to education. She is currently involved with a community orchard at Spaulding Ranch, a one of a kind historic agricultural park owned by the City of Boise.

Together, they explore how soil tests can guide your decisions—without overcorrecting or rushing to “fix” your soil.

You’ll learn:

• how to interpret soil test results in context
• why pH matters for nutrient availability
• what organic matter levels really tell you
• why nitrogen is difficult to measure accurately
• how to build healthier soil over time

If you’re just getting started, you may also want to check out the podcast on how to evaluate your soil before planting fruit trees, also with Ariel.

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the companion article linked to the show "How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees: What Your Results Really Tell You" and find the video and podcast links there too!

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

Additional Resources on this topic:

Managing Cover Crops Profitably: https://www.sare.org/resources/managing-cover-crops-profitably-3rd-edition/ (available free online or in print)

Cover Cropping for Beneficials Guide: https://www.sare.org/resources/cover-cropping-for-pollinators-and-beneficial-insects/

Oregon State University Cover Crop Calculator: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/calculator

Compilation of Washington State University Organic Orchard Floor Management resources, including Cover Cropping: https://tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/organicag/tree-fruit/orchard-floor-management/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Learn how to evaluate your soil before planting fruit trees with Ariel Agenbroad, Area extension educator in community food systems and small farms at the University of Idaho Extension, Boise, Idaho, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Podcast.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Evaluate Your Soil Before Planting Fruit Trees" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchaCheckingrdpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:

📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:

https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

How do you grow healthy, productive fruit trees — without guesswork? In this trailer, Susan Poizner introduces the Orchard People Podcast and explains how the show helps home growers, gardeners, and orchardists understand their trees and grow organic fruit trees with confidence.

For over 10 years, Susan has interviewed leading experts and orchardists from around the world, sharing practical, science-based advice on pruning, watering, soil care, pest and disease prevention, choosing varieties, and more. This teaser will show you what the podcast is all about and where to begin.

New episodes will appear from time to time, but the real treasure is the evergreen library — packed with conversations you can return to again and again as your trees grow.

Listen, learn, and enjoy your fruit trees.

Sign up for updates: OrchardPeople.com/sign-up

Explore more resources: OrchardPeople.com

Learn how to choose the right fruit trees for real communities in real climates with James Kaechele, an ISA Certified Master Arborist and Program Arborist at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF). FTPF is a nonprofit organization that plants orchards across the United States and around the world.

Also, consider joining Susan's Book Development Team if you are passionate about fruit trees and would love to help shape her new books.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Best Fruit Trees to Grow: Choosing the Right Trees for Your Climate (Warm, Cold & Tropical)" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and the Best Fruit Tree Question
• (00:25) - Meet James Kaechele from the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
• (00:53) - Understanding the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
• (04:55) - The Importance of Staggering the Harvest
• (07:06) - Disease-Resistant Fruit Trees
• (10:04) - Case Study: Warm Climate Planting
• (12:11) - Selecting Trees Based on Hardiness Zones and Chill Hours
• (19:22) - Implementing the Planting Plan
• (26:06) - Recommended Cultivars for Warm Climates
• (28:54) - Self-Pollinating Persimmons
• (30:06) - Cold Hardy Apples in Wisconsin
• (35:06) - Challenges of Urban Planting
• (36:02) - Preparing for Tree Planting
• (38:55) - International Tree Planting Projects
• (40:05) - Fruit Trees in Peru
• (45:07) - Climate Change and Tree Selection
• (46:35) - Mulching and Pollinator Gardens
• (51:08) - Community Impact of Fruit Trees
• (55:23) - Farewell and Future Plans

Join Susan on a "live tour" and explore how fruit tree heritage and culture continue to thrive in the United Kingdom, in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

This journey will show you how fruit trees are ingrained into the culture and history:

• The historic town of Ludlow
• Formal collections and sustainable gardening practices at the RHS Garden Wisley
• Fruit tree training and design featuring various forms of espalier, at the Newt in Somerset
• Regenerative growing and rare heritage varieties at Chiltern Heritage Orchard
• Cooperative farming and growing at the Highbridge Community Farm

Also, consider joining Susan's Book Development Team if you are passionate about fruit trees.
Gain access to audio diaries, ask questions, and an early copy when it's ready!

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fruit Tree Garden Tour: Exploring Sustainable Gardening, Espalier, Regenerative Orchard & Community Farming" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction to the UK's Fruit Tree Heritage
• (01:27) - Exploring Wisley RHS Garden
• (04:46) - Holistic Fruit Tree Growing at Wisley
• (07:48) - Chiltern Heritage Orchards: A Regenerative Approach
• (13:31) - The Artistic Fruit Trees of The Newt in Somerset
• (24:06) - Community and Connection at Highbridge Community Farm
• (33:52) - Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Book Development Team

Join Susan on a "live tour" in search for fruit tree wisdom and inspiration, and learn how new apple cultivars are developed, with Steph Dunn James of Frank P Matthews Nursery, in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

The Frank P Matthews Nursery is a family-run and Plant Healthy certified business that has been growing fruit trees and serving customers since 1901 (more than 120 years!) in Worcestershire, UK.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://orchardpeople.com/books

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Where to Buy Fruit Trees? Choose a Specialist Fruit Tree Nursery Near You" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
• (00:34) - Interview with Steph Dunn James
• (01:45) - Tour of the Nursery
• (02:49) - Mother Trees and Propagation
• (04:37) - New Varieties and Breeding
• (07:57) - Exploring Crabapples
• (13:17) - Historic Collections and Creativity
• (15:55) - Espalier Trees and Maintenance
• (20:15) - Ensuring Customer Success
• (23:23) - Conclusion and Future Episodes

How do you know if your soil is truly thriving?
Soil microscopy can give you the answer by actually seeing who's living in your soil.
Learn how to identify who's there, encourage the good guys, and build a living soil that feeds your trees naturally with Matt Powers.

Matt is a bestselling author, an educator, a citizen scientist, and the creator of the website regenerativesoilscience.com.
He’s also a family man who teaches people around the world how to live more regeneratively.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.
📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Harnessing the Power of Soil Microscopy for Fruit Trees" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:
Healthy soil (Bury your briefs test)

Homemade foliar spray

Regenerative spray

Biochar

Wood chips

Beneficial nematodes

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - #120 Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers
• (01:19) - Exploring Soil Microscopy
• (01:37) - Interview with Matt Powers
• (03:04) - Understanding Soil Testing and Microscopy
• (05:05) - The Role of Microbes in Soil Health
• (11:08) - Practical Soil Testing Techniques
• (20:23) - Water Quality and Soil Testing
• (29:45) - Balancing Fungi and Bacteria in Soil
• (30:37) - Introduction to microBIOMETER and Its Benefits
• (31:38) - Understanding Fungal and Bacterial Ratios
• (32:28) - Exploring Nematodes and Their Role
• (35:16) - Amoeba and Their Interactions
• (39:24) - The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi
• (43:26) - Endophytes: Microbes Inside Plants
• (51:07) - Microscope Technology and Its Applications
• (53:54) - Conclusion and Resources

Learn how to design a fruit tree garden that fits your local climate and landscape with Colleen Dieter.

Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist, a landscape consultant and owner of Red Wheelbarrow Landscape, the founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, an organization preventing extinction of valuable Texas plants.

Colleen is also a proud graduate of Susan's online courses at orchardpeople.com!

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.
📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fruit Tree Garden Design: Cultivating Your Backyard Orchard" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Best Apple Trees for Warm Climates with Larry Stephenson

How to Choose the Right Fruit Tree with Josh Davis

Hybrid Persimmons with Darren Bender-Beauregard

Fig Propagation with Sam Hubert

Irrigation Systems for Fruit Trees

Growing Fruit Trees in the Desert with Greg Peterson, and Native Edibles with Russ Cohen

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Community Orchard Beginnings
• (01:03) - Guest Introduction: Colleen Dieter
• (01:27) - Designing Fruit Tree Gardens
• (02:32) - Client Consultation and Common Issues
• (07:42) - Fruit Varieties for Austin's Climate
• (18:46) - Soil Considerations and Solutions
• (28:13) - Community Orchards: Challenges and Solutions
• (33:25) - Urban Orchards and Pruning Techniques
• (34:30) - Common Mistakes in Fruit Tree Planting
• (35:37) - Choosing the Right Trees for Urban Orchards
• (37:19) - The Benefits of Planting Younger Trees
• (43:16) - Designing and Planting an Orchard
• (47:34) - Central Texas Seed Savers and Fruit Tree Preservation
• (52:56) - The Importance of Gardening and Civilization
• (56:00) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Learn how to grow fruit trees naturally by leveraging historical knowledge and organic, regenerative, and ecological practices with Lindsay Engers. Lindsay is a horticulturist, lecturer, and founder/owner of Chiltern Heritage Orchards (CHO) in the UK.

Lindsay operates his orchard with 3 simple principles:

• Historical knowledge of reliable cultivars and growing requirements.
• Organic and regenerative growing techniques which produce highly flavoured, nutritious and pesticide-free crops.
• Use diverse ecological environmental practices to support the crop through beneficial insects, birds and bats.

Lindsay believes this is a very exciting time for agriculture "if you can persuade yourself to forget some of the things you learned in the past, and you open up a little bit to the idea of being a biological grower."

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Growing Fruit Trees Naturally" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Relationship with trees

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

Custom Fruit Tree Spray Recipes with John Kempf
Why Pests Can't Attack Healthy Plants with Thomas M. Dykstra

How Good Bugs Can Protect Your Fruit Trees From Pests with Jessica Walliser and Brian Spencer

Growing Perennial Vegetables with Ben Caeser

Cover Crops with Christina Currell

Bee Garden Design and Fruit Trees with Lorraine Johnson

Edible Landscaping & The Use of Animals with Gary and Joel Salatin

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
• (00:02) - Defining Natural Fruit Tree Care
• (00:59) - Interview with Lindsay Engers: Natural Fruit Tree Care
• (02:40) - Understanding Regenerative Growing
• (03:11) - Organic vs. Regenerative Agriculture
• (04:05) - Historical Techniques and Varieties
• (04:53) - Challenges and Market Realities
• (06:43) - Nutrient Management and Soil Health
• (08:09) - The Role of Microbiome in Plant Health
• (14:57) - Practical Soil Preparation Techniques
• (21:04) - Managing Grass and Mulching
• (23:10) - The Benefits of Rock Dust
• (30:18) - The Plant Health Pyramid and Pest Management
• (31:38) - The Benefits of Not Spraying
• (32:15) - Healthy Plants and Pest Resistance
• (32:48) - The Importance of Covering Soil
• (35:38) - The Role of Cover Crops
• (39:14) - Foliar Sprays for Tree Health
• (45:03) - Grazing Animals in Orchards
• (48:47) - Deer Protection Strategies
• (54:46) - Transitioning to Natural Growing Methods
• (56:37) - Exciting Times for Agriculture
• (58:56) - Final Thoughts and Resources

Learn how to choose the best companion plants for your fruit trees, build simple and effective guilds, and avoid common mistakes.
Permaculture educator, co-founder of the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute, and co-author of Mulberries in the Rain: Growing Permaculture Plants for Food and Friendship, Ryan Blosser shares plant combinations that work — and the stories behind them — from dynamic accumulators to barrier plants, beneficial insect attractors, and more.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Companion Planting Fruit Trees: A Beginner Permaculture Guide" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Willow mulch

Willow Mulch for Fruit Trees with Dr. Glynn Percival

Relationship with trees and companion planting

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

Beneficial insect attractor

How Good Bugs Can Protect Your Fruit Trees From Pests with Jessica Walliser and Brian Spencer

Autumn Olives

Autumn Olives - If You Can't Beat Them, Eat Them! with Dustin Kelly

Perennial Vegetables

Growing Perennial Vegetables with Ben Caeser

Cover Crops

Cover Crops with Christina Currell

Nitrogen Fixer

Do Nitrogen Fixing Plants Improve Soil Fertility with Stefan Sobkowiak

Pollinator Garden

Bee Garden Design and Fruit Trees with Lorraine Johnson

Food Forest

Turning Your Backyard Into a Food Forest with Dani Baker

Food Forest Design with Lincoln Smith

Foodscaping with Matt Lebon

Persimmon

Hybrid Persimmons with Darren Bender-Beauregard

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction to Fruit Tree Care
• (00:47) - Exploring Relationships in Fruit Tree Growing
• (00:58) - Introducing Guest Expert Ryan Blosser
• (04:09) - The Art of Relationships in Permaculture
• (05:13) - The Importance of Human Relationships in Permaculture
• (07:37) - Understanding Companion Planting and Guilds
• (17:20) - Building a Companion Planting Guild, or Groups
• (25:01) - Exploring Willow Trees in Permaculture
• (30:59) - Beneficial Insect Attractors and Pollinator Gardens
• (32:37) - Borage: The Beneficial Attractor
• (32:56) - Attracting Beneficial Insects with Color and Scent
• (33:07) - Color and Smell: Attracting Pollinators
• (34:09) - The Importance of Flower Variety in Gardens
• (35:35) - Stories from the Farm: The Rooster and the Goumi
• (43:54) - Lessons from Hunting and the Persimmon Story
• (50:56) - Companion Planting Insights
• (54:54) - Insights on Specific Plants: Strawberries, Sorrel, and Nettles
• (56:21) - Stinging Nettles and Other Ground Covers
• (58:03) - About Shenandoah Permaculture Institute
• (59:16) - Final Thoughts on Permaculture, Relationships, and Advice for Gardeners

Learn how "anyone can grow" by choosing the right fruit tree with Josh Davis, a Master Gardener and Fruit Tree Grower in South Carolina, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

He is known as Uncle Josh Gardens and @theplanttechie on social media.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "How to Choose the Right Fruit Trees: A Beginner's Guide" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Host's Fruit Tree Preferences
• (00:37) - Meet the Guest: Josh Davis, Master Gardener
• (01:11) - Secrets to Finding Healthy Fruit Trees Anywhere
• (01:30) - Engaging with the Audience
• (02:25) - Josh's Fruit Tree Journey
• (07:37) - The Importance of Pruning and Tree Shape
• (15:30) - Josh's Bargain Hunting Stories
• (20:42) - End of Season Sales and Negotiation Tips
• (23:03) - Understanding Chill Hours and Pollination
• (24:46) - Low-Risk Fruit Trees for Beginners
• (27:10) - Pineapple Guava: A Gardener's Delight
• (29:54) - Growing Fruit Trees in Pots
• (36:38) - Final Tips and Advice for New Growers
• (38:06) - Conclusion and Additional Resources

Learn how to grow and enjoy the fruit of the overlooked and forgotten medlar (Mespilus germanica) with Jane Steward, author of MEDLARS - Growing & Cooking (affiliate link), founder of Eastgate Larder in North Norfolk, UK (which is also part of the prestigious Plant Heritage National Collection), in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

ABOUT
Orchard People, formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, has grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of the monthly guest experts, organizations, and community from around the world.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!
While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

NEWSLETTER

Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically and beyond?
Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's FREE monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

BOOKS

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care.
Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

COURSES

Susan is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

ARTICLES
For more information on this topic, click on the links below:

How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Confession
• (00:39) - Meet Jane Steward: Medlar Expert
• (02:00) - What Are Medlars?
• (03:03) - Growing Medlar Trees
• (08:07) - Medlar Tree Pests and Diseases
• (12:39) - Pruning Medlar Trees
• (21:23) - Medlar Tree Varieties and National Collection
• (23:09) - Ensuring the Survival of the Medlar
• (23:40) - Choosing and Identifying Cultivars
• (27:47) - Growing Conditions and Planting Tips
• (34:46) - Medlar in Gourmet Cuisine
• (39:37) - The Bletting Process
• (42:43) - Exploring the History of Medlar
• (45:40) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Learn about the best apple trees for warm climates with Larry Stephenson, nurseryman at Southern Cultured Orchards and Nursery in Coldwater Mississippi and NAFEX director, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care.
Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live for now, you can still watch or listen when it drops—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

Video Premiere: Watch the episode when it airs on the Orchard People YouTube channel at 1:00 PM ET on Tuesday.

Audio Premiere: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET on Tuesday.

Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For more information on this topic, click on the links below:

How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

• (00:00) - Introduction to Albemarle Ciderworks
• (00:36) - Meet Larry Stephenson
• (03:37) - Challenges of Growing Apples in the South
• (06:56) - Understanding Chill Hours
• (15:06) - Cauley Apple: The Southern Favorite
• (19:21) - Captain Davis Apple: A Civil War Legacy
• (21:09) - Chickasaw Apple: Sweet and Productive
• (22:22) - Yellow Hamilton: The Roadside Gem
• (25:01) - Shell of Alabama: The Complex Apple
• (27:35) - The Story of Cotton Gin Alabama
• (31:41) - Dixie Red Delight: A Striking Appearance
• (32:27) - Pontotoc: A Sweet Surprise
• (35:11) - Aunt Rachel and the Joy of Apple Tasting
• (37:52) - Yates and Sebren Apples
• (40:46) - The Business of Growing Apples

Learn how to make your fruit trees produce better quality fruit with specialist fruit tree pruning!

In this special episode, Harold Thornbro, Host of The Modern Homesteading Podcast (https://redemptionpermaculture.com/category/podcast/) interviews Susan Poizner of https://OrchardPeople.com.

Susan is the author of the new book Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees (affiliate link).

Plus, don’t miss our Spotlight on Fruit Trees segment, where we explore Nadia Cherries with Rye Owen of Raintree Nursery in Morton, Washington!

You can also check out the previous episode when Harold interviewed Susan (Episode 96 on September 26, 2023):
-Listen to podcast
-Read transcript
-Watch on YouTube

Additional relevant resources:
-Read more articles about pruning to maintain tree health, control size, or boost productivity here.
-Podcast episode featuring John Kempf and the use of "household" ingredients may also be of interest here.
-Podcast episode featuring Linda Chalker-Scott discussing the best woodchips for mulch, and how to source here.

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com/.

Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world.

We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading.

RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN

Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments!

Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later.

Here’s how:

• Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
• Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
• Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
• Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist

NEWSLETTER

Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond?

Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

PREMIUM EDUCATION

Are you ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees?

Visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ for five-star rated premium fruit tree care education.

CONNECT AND GROW WITH US

We continually adapt our presence to the communities that resonate with us.

Check out the current ways to connect with us in the footer ↓
Let’s grow together!

• (00:00) - Introduction and Goals of Fruit Tree Growing
• (00:22) - The Importance of Pruning
• (02:08) - Pruning vs. Fertilizing and Spraying
• (05:10) - Winter vs. Summer Pruning
• (10:01) - Questions from the Audience: Identify the "Why" for pruning established fruit tress and stick with the strategy
• (14:49) - Natural Fertilizers and Soil Health
• (17:42) - Pruning Techniques for Different Climates
• (23:34) - Spotlight on Fruit Trees
• (25:48) - Clarifying Raised Beds for Root Rot
• (26:42) - Pruning Techniques for Old Trees
• (28:15) - When to Start Spraying Young Trees
• (30:08) - Natural Remedies for Tree Diseases
• (31:17) - Planting on Raised Mounds
• (35:18) - Using Natural Mulches
• (36:27) - Early Mistakes and Lessons in Pruning
• (41:11) - Pruning Tips for Small Urban Gardens
• (45:35) - Managing Large, Unpruned Trees
• (48:41) - Get Susan's New Book on Fruit Tree Pruning

Learn espalier fruit tree pruning and the Lorette pruning system with Andy (Apples) Lewis, Lead Grower at The Newt in Somerset, UK, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

Plus, don’t miss this month's Spotlight on Fruit Trees segment, where we explore the Ó:iase® Apple Tree with Veronique Alexandre of Hardy Fruit Tree Nursery in Quebec!

The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website https://orchardpeople.com/.

FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN

Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries—catch the podcast later.

Here’s how:

• Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
• Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube page at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
• Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
• Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist

Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

• (00:00) - Introduction and Storytime
• (01:22) - Meet Andy Apples Lewis
• (02:01) - Exploring The Newt's Gardens
• (03:20) - Espalier Techniques and Benefits
• (06:02) - Challenges and Solutions in Espalier
• (09:37) - Harvesting and Sharing the Bounty
• (15:18) - Spotlight on Fruit Trees: Oasis Apple
• (19:01) - Starting Your Own Espalier
• (24:14) - Setting the Angle and Choosing the Bud
• (25:02) - First Cut and Spring Growth
• (26:05) - June Pruning Techniques
• (28:25) - August Pruning and Spur Creation
• (31:26) - Winter Pruning and Leader Management
• (33:57) - Identifying Fruiting Buds
• (34:53) - The Lorette System Explained
• (36:32) - Advantages of Espalier Pruning
• (39:35) - Workshops and Learning Opportunities
• (44:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts