The Apple Grower A Guide for the Organic Orchardist

About this book

Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchard expert Michael Phillips has continued his research with apples, which have been called `organic's final frontier'. In this new edition of his widely acclaimed work, Phillips delves even deeper into the mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs.

Some of the cutting-edge topics this book explores include:
*the use of kaolin clay as an effective strategy against curculio and borers, as well as its limitations,
*creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem through
understorey management of plants, nutrients, and beneficial micro-organisms,
*how to make a small apple business viable by focusing on
heritage and regional varieties, value-added products, and the `community orchard' model.

Contents

Growing Apples Locally The Orchard Site and Its Climate The Enriching of Fruit Lands The Trees and the Planting Care of the Orchard Apple Pests and Diseases Spraying for Balance Reaping the Harvest Marketing in the Local Economy The Last Organic Frontier

Customer Reviews

Biography

Michael Phillips is a farmer, writer, researcher, consultant, and speaker who lives with his wife Nancy and daughter Grace on Heartsong Farm in Northumberland, New Hampshire, where they grow apples and a variety of medicinal herbs. Michael and Nancy are also the co-authors of The Herbalist's Way.