Columnar Apple Trees for Small Gardens

Columnar Apple Trees for Small Gardens

Author: Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com October 30, 2024 Duration: 59:45

Learn about Columnar Apple Trees for Small Gardens in this episode of the Orchard People radio show. Our guests are: Kenong Xu, Associate Professor, and Laura Dougherty of Cornell University in Geneva New York and Angela Palmer, Founder and Co-Owner of Plants Nouveau in Alabama. 


The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.  


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  • (00:00) - Introduction to Apple Trees
  • (00:17) - Exploring Dwarfing and Columnar Apple Trees
  • (01:14) - Meet the Experts: Cornell University Researchers and Horticulturalist from Plants Nouveau
  • (03:01) - History of Columnar Apple Trees
  • (06:14) - Audience Interaction and Questions
  • (07:01) - Why Columnar Apple Trees are Unique
  • (08:34) - Columnar Apple Tree Rootstocks
  • (09:20) - Can Columnar Trees be Tip Bearing
  • (12:16) - Genetic Research and Breeding Columnar Apple Trees for Small Gardens
  • (16:17) - How long before a Wijcik columnar apple tree bears fruit?
  • (17:12) - What do the apples from a Wijcik apple tree taste like?
  • (18:21) - Do Columnar Apple Trees need Cross Pollination?
  • (20:22) - Challenges and Benefits of Columnar Apple Trees
  • (23:34) - Variations in the Columnar Shape
  • (26:24) - What does Columnar Growing Habit Mean and What do Columnar Apple Trees Look Like?
  • (29:01) - Do Columnar Apple Trees Produce as Much Fruit as Conventional Apple Trees?
  • (29:45) - Do Columnar Apple Trees Get Canker More Frequently than Conventional Apple Trees?
  • (32:05) - Commercial Break
  • (35:11) - Show Resumption and Guest Introduction
  • (35:58) - Do Columnar Apple Trees Need Pruning and Special Care?
  • (38:00) - Marketing and Cultivars of Columnar Apple Trees
  • (45:36) - Can Columnar Apple Trees be Used for Espalier Plantings?
  • (47:22) - Columnar Apple Tree Rootstocks and Growing Conditions
  • (49:15) - Columnar Apple Trees and Chill Hours for Cold and Warm Climates
  • (51:29) - Growing Columnar Apple Trees in Pots
  • (56:16) - Future of Columnar Apple Trees - In Outer Space???
  • (57:58) - Conclusion and Farewell



Imagine stepping into your own backyard and picking a perfect, sun-warmed apple from a tree you nurtured yourself. That tangible connection to the land and the deep satisfaction of growing your own food is at the heart of Orchard People. Hosted by fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner, this podcast digs into the practical and often surprising world of cultivating fruit trees, whether you have a few pots on a balcony or several acres to explore. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation with a knowledgeable friend, as Susan and her guests unpack the nuances of pruning for better harvests, managing pests without harsh chemicals, and understanding the life beneath our feet through soil health. You’ll hear from specialists on topics like grafting heirloom varieties, designing resilient food forests, and integrating permaculture principles into any space. It’s more than just tips and tricks; it’s about building confidence and community around sustainable growing. Tune in to this garden-focused podcast for grounded advice that helps both new and experienced growers foster healthier trees and more abundant yields, season after season.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 123

Orchard People
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