I have an orchard and small nursery with a new website going online soon. I am in Kentucky in zone 7a. On the website, I will list a growing resources under “Growing Guides”, I want to list the best, clearest resources for beginners growing fruit trees (apple, cherry, pear, plum, peach, plum) and berries (blackberries, raspberries, elderberries, strawberries, tomatoes). When a novice buys an apple tree, I want to give them a helpful sheet of instruction “How to Care for Your Apple Tree.” I would also want to have one each for: cherry, pear, plum, peach, pawpaw. When some one buys a blackberry vine, I want to point them to an article that covers “How to Care for your Blackberry Vines.” I would also want one each for: raspberries, eldberberries, strawberries, tomatoes.
This can be in a pdf or a link to an online site or a book available on Amazon.com they can order. I really like BACKYARD FRUIT PRODUCTION by David Schlabach because it is clear, concise and helpful.
I am looking for what is clear, concise and proven to work well. (There’s lots of good material out there but hidden in verbose verbiage. When I began, I did not like having to wade through lots of verbiage to get to bottomline, actionable info.)
This would
Please make your recommendations here. Thanks greatly for your wise help!
If you want concise information, the best resource would be your Ag Extension docs. Those are designed for the homeowner and will focus on techniques and treatments available to the general public. The UT Extension has put out quite a large number of these publications which would work for you, but I don’t know what UK has published specifically for KY.
There is a searchable database located on the website, and there are plenty more publications in the SP307 series if you simply type that into the search box located here: Publications | UT Extension
From experience, though, most people won’t bother to read them. Be prepared to explain anything, no matter how concisely written or plainly worded.
You’re welcome! Do search that site, though. There are literally dozens, if not hundreds of publications focused on all aspects of fruit production. You’re probably seeing similar insect/disease pressure as we are here in East TN; we’re also zone 7a. I think you’ll find what you need on that site.