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: #57979 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-17
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 360 pages

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.

Customer Reviews

Fashionable Organic
Some interesting information is included. However, it is all a US specific, with no reference to Canadian conditions. Some excellent heirloom apples such as Black Twig or Keepsake are not even listed. A suggestion to cross-country ski in the orchard to prevent meadow voles from running in their tracks is rather silly. The cider making section is a bit vague, but overall it is an interesting reading for a novice.