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Apples and Pears – Pome Fruits – Modified Central Leader

1. 3-4 main scaffolds starting at knee and ending at waist “whorled” around trunk (with some vertical distance between scaffold heights).
2. 2-3 feet between 2^nd set of 3-4 main scaffolds.
3. Remove central leader (control height of tree).
4. Identify and keep fruiting spurs – produced on 2-4 year old wood.
5. Remove branches that provide shade to interior of tree (good sun exposure to fruiting spurs).

Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines – Stone Fruit – Open Vase Center

1. 3-4 main scaffolds starting at knee and ending at waist whorled around trunk.
2. Select scaffolds that form vase-like shape (with some vertical distance between scaffold heights).
3. Identify fruiting wood (orange in color and year old branches).
4. Prune up to 50% of fruiting wood; head back remaining fruiting wood branches by 1/3^rd to increase strength of fruit-bearing branches.

Grapes – 4 Cane System

1. Trellis to hold up vines – fruit grows on year old canes (chain link fences are not appropriate support structures).
2. Find 4 good canes – mark cane at trunk and 15 buds away from trunk.
3. Choose an additional cane close to the trellis and prune back to 2-3 buds from trunk – renewal spurs (next year’s growth).
4. Remove all other cane growth; up to 90% of vine.

Raspberries – June Bearing and Ever-bearing (Fall Bearing)

1. Above ground canes are biennial – die after 2 years.
2. June Bearing Raspberries – fruit on year old wood – keep these and select for canes with diameter of pencil; prune out canes after growing season that already fruited.
3. Ever-bearing/Fall Bearing Raspberries – fruit first year in fall (tip), second fruit following spring (bottom portion). Prune out canes once done fruiting.

The post DYI Pruning Your Fruit Trees, Grapes and Raspberries appeared first on The Organic Forecast.

Vegetable Diseases of Utah

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Capital Reef National Park Proposes Revival of Historic Orchards

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How to Grow Cut Flowers with Sego Lily Flower Farm

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Native Bee Conservation in Urban Areas (“Cultivating Healthy Plants” Webinar Series)
Pollinators, especially bees, are known for providing valuable ecosystem and agricultural services. Although the honey bee is gaining recognition for its vital role in our agricultural systems, the United States is home to more than 3600 different bee species, most of which are native. These native bees are continuing to decline as a result of habitat loss, inadequate food availability, improper management practices, pests/diseases, and more! Urban areas provide unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to enhancing pollinator resources and habitat. This talk will outline a variety of best practices for native bee conservation in urban and suburban areas.
• Abi Saeed, Thursday, February 11, 12 PM MST (Click Here to Register)

Protecting Utah from the Japanese Beetle (“Invasive Species” Webinar Series)
Presentation on the latest information on the invasive and highly destructive Japanese beetle. Adult beetles feed on fruit trees, ornamental trees, shrubs, vines, and field and vegetable crops, whereas grubs (immatures) feed on roots of various plants and grasses. This presentation will cover pest biology, identification, and the statewide monitoring effort to protect Utah’s agricultural resources.
• Joey Caputo, Tuesday, February 9, 12 PM MST (Click Here to Register)

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Thriving Hive: Beginning Beekeeping

This course is designed for first year beekeepers or those who would like to experience beekeeping before purchasing their first hives.

This class series is designed for first year beekeepers or those who would like to experience beekeeping before purchasing their first hives. The classes will include both VIRTUAL lecture and HANDS-ON management of the beehives at Wheeler Farm. This class focuses on the traditional 10 frame Langstroth hive.

Classes will be held on the first and third Tuesday from 6:30pm – 8:30pm either online or at Wheeler Historic Farm. Exceptions to the schedule are the February orientation course and the bee installation class in April which is subject to change. All in-person meetings will follow COVID guidelines for health and safety.

Course instructors include USU faculty, UDAF employees, and local beekeeping experts.
Cost: $150 per person. $225 per couple. Materials and text included with registration fee.

• February 16 – Online Lecture: Beginning Beekeeping Overview
• February 20 – In-person Orientation at Wheeler Farm (SATURDAY)
• March 2 – Online Lecture: Hive Structure and Bee Biology
• March 16 – Hands on: In-person hive workday
• April 6 – Lecture: Installing your Bees/Feeding and Nutrition
• Mid April – Hands on: Install Bees at Wheeler Farm (*Date dependent on bee delivery and subject to change)
• May 4 – Online Lecture: Honey Bee Pests and Disease
• May 18 – Hands on: Mite check the hives at Wheeler Farm
• June 8 – Hands on: In-person hive workday
• June 22 – Hands on: In-person hive workday
• July 6- Hands on: In-person hive workday
• July 20 – Hands on: In-person hive workday
• August 3 – Hands on: In-person Honey Harvest at Wheeler Farm
• August 17 – Hands on: In-person Creating products with Honey and Wax/Selling your products
• September 7 – Online Lecture: Winterizing the Hive
• September 21 – Hands on: In-person Winterize the Hives at Wheeler Farm and Celebrate your first year as a beekeeper!

Here is the like to register:

Thriving Hive Beginning Beekeeping Series

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I love New Years’ Resolutions!!!  I think the start of a new year is a great opportunity to make much needed (or maybe just desired) personal change.  The year 2020, with all of its challenges, had one very bright point – at least from my perspective – many new people decided to try gardening for the first time!  Or, if you’re like me, your garden has never looked better!  I love that the people of Utah flocked to their gardens in 2020 for mental R&R.  As my friend says, you don’t need a vaccine to visit your vegetables!

So out of sheer excitement for the start of 2021, I want to challenge all new and existing gardeners!  I challenge you to explore new online resources in the quest to improve your gardening ability!  I challenge you to carve out time in your busy life to explore and enjoy your garden.  I challenge you to grow something new this year and share your discoveries with you neighbors, friends, family and fellow gardeners.

I challenge everyone to sign up for IPM Pest Advisories.

I challenge everyone to obsess over the new Utah Vegetable and Pest Management website , or listen to a Homegrown Horticulture Podcast or watch a Facebook Live-stream or join the Utah Gardening Experts Facebook group.  And hey, if you’re an accomplished gardener, spend some time responding to posts by gardening newbies.  Be part of the Utah gardening community and strive to make a positive contribution in 2021 to this place we all call home.

Happy gardening everyone, may the forecast be with you!

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