Farmer Greg’s PlantingTips

COMMENTARY

• The 6-6 Rule: 6 inches of woody mulch within a 6 foot diameter circular basin
• Mulch is the sponge that cools the soil and holds moisture
• Ground cover of cowpeas or sweet potatoes further reduces soil temperature 40 to 60 degrees
• Further benefits
  • Growing fruit trees dramatically cuts water use compared to trucked in produce
  • Sustainable urban farming practices in desert climates to improve food security and environmental health

RESOURCE

• Tree paste from IV Organics Plant Guard: Protects young trees from sunburn, cold, wind without harmful chemicals

Growing Fruit Trees In The Low Desert

COMMENTARY

• Three critical factors for low desert fruit trees
  • Low chill hours
  • Proper root stock
  • Early ripening varities
•  Soft flesh fruits like peaches and apricots must ripen by July 10th to avoid summer heat damage
•  Apple varities that work well included Anna and Dorsett Gold riping in June
• Thinning fruit by removing 40-50% leads to significantly larger peaches and healthier branches
• Mulberries like dwarf black and Pakistani varities are very productive shade trees and legal in Arizona
• Some fruits to avoid due to disease susceptibility and poor adaptation
  • Pears
  • Nectariens
  • Persimmons
  • Cherries

Establishing Fruit Trees

COMMENTARY

• The ‘roots, shoots then fruits’ 3 year schedule for newly planted fruit tree
  • First year establish root development
  • Second year on shoots growth: stems, leaves and buds
  • Third year on fruit production
• Tree pot size does not equal tree size but attention to trunk diameter for true size
• Recommend visiting local nurseries and fruit tree organizations for accurate pricing and proper root stock
• Bare root trees come pre-pruned for balanced roots and top growth plus require prompt planting (24-48 hours)

TYPICAL PLANTING SEASONS

• Citrus trees: October
• Bare root deciduous fruit trees: January/February