Growing urban orchards : how to care for fruit trees in the city and beyond

Fruit trees are delicate and need specialized care, especially when they're planted in an urban environment, which comes with its own unique challenges. Whether you want to plant a single fruit tree or an entire orchard, this book will show you how to save time and money and be successful right from the start. Orchardist Susan Poizner guides novices and experts alike through every step of the process. She describes which key elements are necessary in site preparation and offers a basic overview of the anatomy of fruit trees. Susan also explains how to select trees and covers critical concerns, such as cross-pollinating versus self-pollinating trees, bare-root versus potted trees, and whether the fruit will be for eating, cooking, or canning. Thorough instructions are provided for planting and staking, as well as pointers on how to care for both young and mature trees. From assessing soil to selecting the right fertilizer, from pruning trees to choosing the proper tools, and from boosting biodiversity to preventing pests and diseases, no leaf is left unturned. This vast wealth of knowledge is accompanied by illustrations and color photos, along with inspiring stories of orchards and tree farms. Learn how to care for fruit trees in the city and beyond. Fruit trees are delicate and need specialized care, especially when they're planted in an urban environment, which comes with its own unique challenges. Whether you want to plant a single fruit tree or an entire orchard, this book will show you how to save time and money and be successful right from the start. Susan Poizner guides novices and experts alike through every step of the process. She describes which key elements are necessary in site preparation, offers a basic overview of the anatomy of fruit trees, and explains how to select trees. Also covered are critical concerns, such as cross-pollinating versus self-pollinating trees, bare-root versus potted trees, and whether the fruit will be for eating, cooking, or canning. Thorough instructions are provided for planting and staking, as well as pointers on how to care for both young and mature trees. From assessing soil,selecting the right fertilizer and pruning trees to choosing the proper tools, boosting biodiversity and preventing pests and diseases, no leaf is left unturned. This vast wealth of knowledge is accompanied by illustrations and color photos, along with inspiring stories of orchards and tree farms You'd think growing fruit trees would be easy. You just plant them, water them, and wait for the harvest, right? Well, that's not quite the case. Fruit trees are delicate and need hands-on care, especially when planted in the challenging urban environment. Community orchardist Susan Poizner teaches you everything you need to know to grow fruit trees in the city, from choosing the right tree to pruning, feeding and protecting your tree from pests and disease. Save time and money by growing fruit trees successfully, right from the start. Susan Poizner is a journalist, filmmaker and gardener, and one of the founders of Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard in Toronto. Susan can be found online at www.urbanfruittree.com "--Provided by publisher