Product Description

For decades fruit growers have sprayed their trees with toxic chemicals in an attempt to control a range of insect and fungal pests. Yet it is possible to grow apples responsibly, by applying the intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents with the fruits of modern scientific research and innovation. Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchardist 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 cuttingedge topics he 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 understory management of plants, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms; * How to make a small apple business viable by focusing on heritage and regional varieties, value-added products, and the "community orchard" model The author's personal voice and clear-eyed advice have already made The Apple Grower a classic among small-scale growers and home orchardists. In fact, anyone serious about succeeding with apples needs to have this updated edition on their bookshelf.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #76213 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-17
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .2 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Review
Review
Northern Woodlands
by Carl Demrow
Spring 2006

As anyone who has ever planted a few apple trees knows all too well, growing apples can be a perplexing and frustrating endeavor. The trouble is that apples are very attractive to many of nature's creatures besides humans. And at least one of these creatures, from deer to apple maggot flies, and from the roundheaded apple tree borer to mice (not to mention the long list of diseases that also affect apples), is sure to be working for its share of the fruit (and in some cases the tree) every day of the year. But if you've ever baked a pie made from your own apples, or pressed a batch of cider from them, the trials and tribulations all seem worth it with that first bite or sip.

Michael Phillips' revised "The Apple Grower" has as much help as you'll find anywhere to get you to that first bite of pie or sip of cider. The previous edition, published in 1998, was the bible for many backyard

About the Author
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 coauthors of The Herbalist's Way.