UMaine Publishes Fruit Tree Guide for Home Gardeners
Contact: Renae Moran, 207-933-2100
ORONO, ME–A new publication from University of Maine Cooperative Extension provides in-depth information specifically for home orchardists. Growing Fruit Trees in Maine can help property owners successfully grow apple, pear, peach, cherry, plum, and apricot trees under Maine conditions. The guide details varieties adapted to Maine, rootstocks, planting, early care, fertilization, pollination, pruning, reasonsf or lack of fruitfulness, pests and diseases, and preparation for winter. Developed by UMaine pomology professor Renae Moran and Associate Scientist Glen Koehler, the 32-page full-color publication includes 30 photos. It is availablefor $12.50 from www.extension.umaine.edu (“publications”) or by calling (207) 581-3792.
Orchards can be low maintenance or high maintenance, depending on landowner goals. For instance, many gardeners also like to cultivatehard-to-find varieties that are no longer commercially available, such as Bellede Boskoop or Esopus Spitzenburg. In any case, by selecting a species andvariety that is adapted to Maine and resistant to common diseases, one can eliminate problems that could otherwise lead to tree death, lack of productivity, and reliance on chemical sprays.
Moran conducts research at the University of Maine’s Highmoor Farm in Monmouth to identify new apple varieties that are hardy and productive. Improving orchards has been a central focus at Highmoor Farm since the state of Maine bought 225 acres there in 1909 for apple research.