Pruning to Improve Fruit Quality with Harold Thornbro

Pruning to Improve Fruit Quality with Harold Thornbro

Author: Susan Poizner, OrchardPeople.com February 26, 2025 Duration: 50:36
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Learn how to make your fruit trees produce better quality fruit with specialist fruit tree pruning!

In this special episode, Harold Thornbro, Host of The Modern Homesteading Podcast (https://redemptionpermaculture.com/category/podcast/) interviews Susan Poizner of OrchardPeople.com.

Susan is the author of the new book Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees (affiliate link).


Plus, don’t miss our Spotlight on Fruit Trees segment, where we explore Nadia Cherries with Rye Owen of Raintree Nursery in Morton, Washington!


You can also check out the previous episode when Harold interviewed Susan (Episode 96 on September 26, 2023):
-Listen to podcast
-Read transcript
-Watch on YouTube

Additional relevant resources:
-Read more articles about pruning to maintain tree health, control size, or boost productivity here.
-Podcast episode featuring John Kempf and the use of "household" ingredients may also be of interest here.
-Podcast episode featuring Linda Chalker-Scott discussing the best woodchips for mulch, and how to source here.

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

 

Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world.

 

We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading.

 

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  • (00:00) - Introduction and Goals of Fruit Tree Growing
  • (00:22) - The Importance of Pruning
  • (02:08) - Pruning vs. Fertilizing and Spraying
  • (05:10) - Winter vs. Summer Pruning
  • (10:01) - Questions from the Audience: Identify the "Why" for pruning established fruit tress and stick with the strategy
  • (14:49) - Natural Fertilizers and Soil Health
  • (17:42) - Pruning Techniques for Different Climates
  • (23:34) - Spotlight on Fruit Trees
  • (25:48) - Clarifying Raised Beds for Root Rot
  • (26:42) - Pruning Techniques for Old Trees
  • (28:15) - When to Start Spraying Young Trees
  • (30:08) - Natural Remedies for Tree Diseases
  • (31:17) - Planting on Raised Mounds
  • (35:18) - Using Natural Mulches
  • (36:27) - Early Mistakes and Lessons in Pruning
  • (41:11) - Pruning Tips for Small Urban Gardens
  • (45:35) - Managing Large, Unpruned Trees
  • (48:41) - Get Susan's New Book on Fruit Tree Pruning

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: en-us Episodes: 100

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Podcast Episodes
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In this episode of The Urban Forestry Radio Show and Podcast we speak to Dr. Glynn Percival, Manager of Bartlett's Tree Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Reading, UK who has been using vertical mulc…
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In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about how biochar can help boost the carbon levels in your soil. But what is biochar and how is it made? How is biochar different than other types of soil amendments? And is…

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