Very helpful!
This is the best orchard book I have read. If you have inherited some old apple trees (as we did) or are planning on adding apple trees to your garden/orchard (as we are), you must read this book. Even if you have one tree. Its the kind of really specific, helpful information that every new orchardist is dying for. I think experienced orchardists who are looking to transition to organic practices will find this helpful as well. And this book is well written, VERY well laid out and fun to read. I read it cover to cover, even the footnotes. (The section on orchard chores broken down by season and fruit stage is SO useful!) Thank goodness for this book!
For the love of apples
In (old) England where I live we are losing our orchards, especially small family ones, as the apple trade looks overseas to places with low wages, constant sunshine and scant environmental controls. Michael's book was a relief!
As a small grower, I have collected many apple books over the years. Some are purely instructional, some dreamy/inspirational, the ones I like best are both. This is one of that sort.
There is a good mixture of basic science simply explained, apple history and culture, storytelling, how-to plant, graft, prune and grow apples and do peripherals like cider, vinegar and preserves plus helpful tips on small scale local marketing. The whole thing is wrapped together with a delightful humanity and a good number of pictures, diagrams and quotes from the literature of the apple. Also many references at the back on the book although these are all American, forgiveable in an American book I suppose. There isn't a British book like this although I would recommend the new "Apples-a field guide" by Michael Clarke for the English grower, ISBN1-873580-57-6.
I try to grow apples with as little pesticide as possible but find it impossible to do without. Michael is organic, but does not dismiss growers who feel the need to use some pesticide in the desultory and unhelpful way of some zealots. His philosophy is generous.
Anyone who loves the dream of the apple and wants to join in the green conspiracy against the global industry that wants to manage what we eat for maximum profits without regard to taste, heritage or planet should read this.
A great resource
I could not put the book down. It reads more like a conversation between friends than a step-by-step how to. The author is present several schools of thought on organic farming and encourages others to try different approaches. A goldmine of information, it is comprehensive in its treatment of the organic apple growing. I highly recommend it to any one interested in raising apple trees for fun or profit.
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