Product Description

Developed especially for use by backyard orchardists, rare fruit growers, and small-scale growers, The Home Orchard offers a comprehensive look at standard growing methods, as well as some innovative practices that enthusiasts have developed in recent years, some of which are uniquely suited to the small-scale grower. You will learn how trees grow, which species grow best in the different regions and soils, varieties from which to select, preparing the soil, planting, watering and fertilizing, pruning and grafting, thinning the fruit, diagnosing problems, controlling pests, and harvesting. You'll also find special attention given to organic and non-toxic pest management and fertilization methods. Key pests and diseases are identified and natural control methods are emphasized. Irrigation methods for the backyard grower are discussed and the difficult task of how often and how much water to apply is simplified. The focus is on giving the trees enough water but doing so in an efficient, water-saving manner. Included are hundreds of photographs and diagrams that clearly show how to produce the best crops. Photos of several practices, such as key budding and grafting methods, are depicted in step-by-step photos. No other publication provides this breadth and depth of coverage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #116449 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-01
• Binding: Paperback
• 202 pages

Customer Reviews

Incomplete
This book is very poorly named. It shouldn't be called the Home Orchard but the California Home Orchard. It's climate information, talk of tree species, etc are all geared to California and so the book is of far less use to anyone who lives elsewhere. Much of the information is also incomplete. When discussing the buying of trees from nurseries it talks about the differences between buying bare root trees and container tree but doesn't even mention trees with the roots wrapped in burlap, which are very common. This is but one example but there are many instances where information is missing, which leaves the reader with more questions than answers. So while this book contains a lot of good information a new edition should be published which corrects these shortcomings.

good orchard guide
I have a small backyard orchard already (20+ fruit trees) and this book is a great resource. I initially borrowed it from the library but ended up buying it because it's so helpful. I wish I had the book when I was planning the orchard and selecting varieties, but better late than never. Very good color photos, details on pruning, and budding/grafting. I also like their attention to the overall ecology of the orchard (i.e., the effects of pesticides on beneficial insects, not just the target pest). Well written with enough info to make it useful, but not too much to bog it down.

Excellent for Southern California
I found this book very useful. There's alot of information and detail. I think the criticism that it only covers So Cal is probably valid.