Many people want to grow fruit on a small scale but
lack the insight to be successful orchardists. Growing
tree fruits and berries is something virtually anyone
with space and passionate desire can do - given wise
guidance and a personal commitment to observe the
teachings of the trees. A holistic grower knows that
producing fruit is not about manipulating nature but
more importantly, fostering nature. Orcharding then
becomes a fascinating adventure sure to provide your
family with all sorts of mouth-watering fruit."The
Holistic Orchard" demystifies the basic skills everybody
should know about the inner-workings of the orchard
ecosystem, as well as orchard design, soil biology, and
organic health management. Detailed insights on
grafting, planting, pruning, and choosing the right
varieties for your climate are also included, along with
a step-by-step instructional calendar to guide growers
through the entire orchard year. The extensive profiles
of pome fruits (apples, pears, asian pears, quinces),
stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots,
plums), and berries (raspberries, blackberries,
blueberries, gooseberries, currants, and elderberries)
will quickly have you savoring the prospects.Phillips
completely changed the conversation about healthy
orcharding with his first bestselling book, "The Apple
Grower," and now he takes that dialogue even further,
drawing connections between home orcharding and
permaculture; the importance of native pollinators; the
world of understory plantings with shade-tolerant berry
bushes and other insectary plants; detailed information
on cover crops and biodiversity; and the newest research
on safe, homegrown solutions to pest and disease
challenges.All along the way, Phillips' expertise and
enthusiasm for healthy growing shines through, as does
his ability to put the usual horticultural facts into an
integrated ecology perspective. This book will inspire
beginners as well as provide deeper answers for
experienced fruit growers looking for scientific organic
approaches. Exciting times lie ahead for those who now
have every reason in the world to confidently plant that
very first fruit tree! |
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