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 cutting-edge 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.