They say the story about George Washington chopping down a cherry tree is just folklore, but I like to use holidays to remind me of when to do seasonal upkeep. So on President's Day, when I'm mussing on Lincoln and Washington, my mind eventually goes to pruning. (I know, I'm seeking help for it. ;-))
Few gardening disappointments are as great as not getting any fruit on your fruit trees. By the time you notice there's nothing there, it's too late to do anything about it. So start planning now, to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here's how to get your fruit trees to bear fruit. And you have George Washington to thank for it.
Photo: © Marie Iannotti
Comments
Since it’s not a windy day, I was going to get to work on my peach trees. One of them got hit with peach leaf curl last year, so I was going to treat it with copper fungicide this year. I pulled off all the contaminated leaves and the tree was fine, but that was over a 100 leaves that I took off. This year will definitely be more so I’m hoping the fungicide will work and be organic at the same time.
I had leaf curl 2 years ago and sprayed with copper last spring, while the tree was dormant. Only a few couple of leaves showed signs last year. I’m hoping the dry winter here will keep things in check.
I read that mixing hort oil in with the spray makes it more effective and also smothers over-wintering scale and mites, but I’m hesitant to go overboard. If anyone has tried it, let me know.