The Holistic Orchard : Tree Fruits and Berries the Biological Way

Winner of the American Horticulture Society Book Award"Phillip’s first-hand knowledge anchors this innovative and highly readable book in practical wisdom that both beginner and long-time fruit growers will find invaluable."—Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s GardenMany people want to grow fruit on a small scale but lack the insight to be successful orchardists. As The Holistic Orchard illustrates, growing tree fruits and berries is something virtually anyone can do. A holistic grower knows that producing fruit is not about manipulating nature but more importantly, fostering nature. The Holistic Orchard demystifies the basic skills everybody should know about the orchard ecosystem, focusing on:Orchard designSoil biologyOrganic health managementGraftingPlantingPruningChoosing the right varieties for your climateIncludes a step-by-step instructional calendar to guide growers through the entire orchard year!Fruit profiles include:pome fruits (apples, pears, asian pears, quinces)stone fruits (cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums)berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, currants, and elderberries)Phillips completely changed the conversation about healthy orcharding with his first bestselling book, The Apple Grower, and now he takes that dialogue even further by exploring:The connections between home orcharding and permacultureThe importance of native pollinatorsPlantings with shade-tolerant berry bushes and other insectary plantsInformation on cover crops and biodiversitySafe, homegrown solutions to pest and disease challengesAll 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. With The Holistic Orchard in your hand you have every reason in the world to confidently plant that very first—or next—fruit tree!