Say it with me, "Prune-A-Thon"
Prune-A-Thon. Just the name causes my cutting hand to twitch even now. Last weekend with much anticipation I attended the annual event organized by Plant Amnesty . And while there were discreet fundraising efforts, the entire focus was on helping the ordinary gardener advance their diabolical, I mean, botanical knowledge.
Several hands-on (instructor's only) sessions addressed general tree pruning as well as some species specific classes. With my small orcard in mind, I hit the one about fruit trees. Starting with a basic review of tree biology the instructor stressed the need to know your triming intentions. Fruit vs. leaf production is the result of branch angles. Forty (45) to sixty (60) degrees is the sweet spot for heavier harvests. Visualizing next year's growth helps to determine this year's actions. The direction and strength of a future branch all depends on where you cut today. The overall goal is good sunlight and air flow among the branches.
Sky Nursery in Shoreline proved a convenient and gracious host. Not only did they provide many flyers that supplemented the day's activities, it really helped to run ideas and questions by their informed staff. I know I'll be consulting with Dan (the fruit farmer in his time off) when it comes to my apple and pear orchard. Other organizations represented were Master Gardners , Seattle Tree Fruit Society and my favorite, Seattle Tilth Garden Hotline . Someone to call when you don't know when to fertilize or water. How cool is that?
Several hands-on (instructor's only) sessions addressed general tree pruning as well as some species specific classes. With my small orcard in mind, I hit the one about fruit trees. Starting with a basic review of tree biology the instructor stressed the need to know your triming intentions. Fruit vs. leaf production is the result of branch angles. Forty (45) to sixty (60) degrees is the sweet spot for heavier harvests. Visualizing next year's growth helps to determine this year's actions. The direction and strength of a future branch all depends on where you cut today. The overall goal is good sunlight and air flow among the branches.
Sky Nursery in Shoreline proved a convenient and gracious host. Not only did they provide many flyers that supplemented the day's activities, it really helped to run ideas and questions by their informed staff. I know I'll be consulting with Dan (the fruit farmer in his time off) when it comes to my apple and pear orchard. Other organizations represented were Master Gardners , Seattle Tree Fruit Society and my favorite, Seattle Tilth Garden Hotline . Someone to call when you don't know when to fertilize or water. How cool is that?
Posted by Steve McDonald at 2/14/2011 11:35 AM 
Categories: In the Garden, On the Town
Tags: Garden Gardening pruning fruit trees sky nursery seattle tilth garden hotline seattle tree fruit society Plant Amnesty Master Gardners
Categories: In the Garden, On the Town
Tags: Garden Gardening pruning fruit trees sky nursery seattle tilth garden hotline seattle tree fruit society Plant Amnesty Master Gardners
Comments