Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle? We compare two community orchards and explore what soil biology can reveal about fungi, compaction, nutrient cycling and the conditions that help fruit trees grow.
How to Feed Fruit Trees
Discover how to feed your fruit trees organically on this page. We delve into improving soil health so that soil microbes can nourish your trees naturally, along with mulching techniques and using holistic or regenerative foliar sprays. Learn the best practices for keeping your trees well-fed and productive through sustainable, eco-friendly methods.
Learn how to recognize the signs of soil compaction, understand when vertical mulching may help, and discover the research behind this fascinating approach.
Discover how water carries nutrients, supports root health, and helps your tree truly thrive.
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How to Feed Fruit Trees - All Articles
Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle?
Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle? We compare two community orchards and explore what soil biology can reveal about fungi, compaction, nutrient cycling and the conditions that help fruit trees grow.
Vertical Mulching for Fruit Trees: When Surface Mulch Isn't Enough
Learn how to recognize the signs of soil compaction, understand when vertical mulching may help, and discover the research behind this fascinating approach.
Fertilizing Fruit Trees: Why Water Matters More Than You Think
Discover how water carries nutrients, supports root health, and helps your tree truly thrive.
How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees: What Your Results Really Tell You
A soil test can reveal a lot about your soil. Learn how to interpret the results and make smart decisions when preparing soil for fruit trees.
Evaluate Your Soil Before Planting Fruit Trees
Before you plant a fruit tree, take a closer look at your soil. In this article, we explore how to evaluate soil structure, drainage, organic matter, and compaction so your trees can thrive for decades.
Harnessing the Power of Soil Microscopy for Fruit Trees
When you know who’s there, you can learn how to encourage the good guys and build a living soil that feeds your trees naturally!
How to Keep Water in the Soil with Passive Watering Systems
How can you create a self-watering permaculture garden or orchard? The secret is in the soil!
Fruit Tree Garden Design: Cultivating Your Backyard Orchard
Explore how to design a fruit tree garden based on fact, not fantasy. What works, what grows, and what makes sense for ANY unique site.
Growing Fruit Trees Naturally and Regeneratively
Are you interested in growing fruit trees without using chemical fertilizers? Learn how to work with nature and let the biology do the heavy lifting for you!
Transform Your Soil with Hügelkultur: Growing Fruit Trees Naturally
Explore how hugelkultur can greatly enrich your soil with moisture retention, creating a nutrient-rich environment, and enhancing biodiversity.
Companion Planting Fruit Trees: A Beginner’s Guide to Permaculture Guilds
Learn how to choose the best companion plants for your fruit trees, build simple and effective guilds, and avoid common mistakes.
Nitrogen-Fixing Trees: Do They Feed Fruit Trees or Waste Space?
Some say nitrogen-fixing trees improve the soil in your garden or orchard. Others say they are a waste of space. Learn more in this article.
The Best Wood Chips for Fruit Trees
What is the best kind of wood mulch for fruit trees? And can fresh wood chips introduce disease? Find out in this article, video and podcast.
Control Plum Curculio & Other Fruit Tree Pests with Beneficial Nematodes
Learn how beneficial nematodes can help you protect your fruit trees from plum curculio and other pests.
How to Make Homemade Fruit Tree Fertilizer That Boosts Tree Health and Harvest Quality
Homemade fruit tree fertilizer sprays are a great way to help fruit trees fulfil their potential. Learn how to make them and use them in this article, video and podcast.
Fruit Tree Mulch: The Ultimate Guide
Mulch can help fruit trees in a variety of ways. Learn more in this ultimate guide to fruit tree mulches.
When to Stop Watering Fruit Trees in the Fall
When do you stop watering fruit trees in the fall? Learn more in this article and video.
The Best Ways to Water Fruit Trees to Boost Tree Health and Harvest Quality
Discover the best way to water fruit trees to improve tree health and the quality of the harvest. Learn when, where and how to water effectively for healthier, more fruitful trees.
Stop Over-Fertilizing Your Fruit Trees: Tips for Thriving Trees
If you are having challenges with your fruit tree's health and productivity, you may be over-fertilizing it!
Bringing Life to Your Soil: How to Improve Soil Quality Naturally
Learn how to improve soil quality naturally by nurturing the microbes in your soil.
Holistic Sprays for Fruit Trees
Discover how holistic sprays for fruit trees may help prevent fruit tree pests and diseases by boosting your tree's health.
When to Fertilize Fruit Trees: A Seasonal Guide
Learn how fruit trees' nutritional needs change throughout the seasons with Tree Fruit Production Extension Specialist Robert Crassweller, Ph.D. from Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences
How to Feed Fruit Trees - Podcasts
Susan Poizner of OrchardPeople.com
I am a journalist, filmmaker and urban orchardist who created OrchardPeople.com because it was exactly what I needed when I planted my first fruit trees in 2009.
To learn more about Susan visit the About Us Page.