Orchard People

Latest Episodes:

Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

How do you know if your soil is truly thriving?
Soil microscopy can give you the answer by actually seeing who's living in your soil.
Learn how to identify who's there, encourage the good guys, and build a living soil that feeds your trees naturally with Matt Powers.

Matt is a bestselling author, an educator, a citizen scientist, and the creator of the website regenerativesoilscience.com.
He’s also a family man who teaches people around the world how to live more regeneratively.

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.
📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!

IS READING YOUR THING?

🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Harnessing the Power of Soil Microscopy for Fruit Trees" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:
Healthy soil (Bury your briefs test)

Homemade foliar spray

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - #120 Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers
(01:19) - Exploring Soil Microscopy
(01:37) - Interview with Matt Powers
(03:04) - Understanding Soil Testing and Microscopy
(05:05) - The Role of Microbes in Soil Health
(11:08) - Practical Soil Testing Techniques
(20:23) - Water Quality and Soil Testing
(29:45) - Balancing Fungi and Bacteria in Soil
(30:37) - Introduction to microBIOMETER and Its Benefits
(31:38) - Understanding Fungal and Bacterial Ratios
(32:28) - Exploring Nematodes and Their Role
(35:16) - Amoeba and Their Interactions
(39:24) - The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi
(43:26) - Endophytes: Microbes Inside Plants
(51:07) - Microscope Technology and Its Applications
(53:54) - Conclusion and Resources

Fruit Tree Garden Design with Colleen Dieter Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to design a fruit tree garden that fits your local climate and landscape with Colleen Dieter.

Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist, a landscape consultant and owner of Red Wheelbarrow Landscape, the founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, an organization preventing extinction of valuable Texas plants.

Colleen is also a proud graduate of Susan's online courses at orchardpeople.com!

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.
📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fruit Tree Garden Design: Cultivating Your Backyard Orchard" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Best Apple Trees for Warm Climates with Larry Stephenson

How to Choose the Right Fruit Tree with Josh Davis

Hybrid Persimmons with Darren Bender-Beauregard

Fig Propagation with Sam Hubert

Irrigation Systems for Fruit Trees

Growing Fruit Trees in the Desert with Greg Peterson, and Native Edibles with Russ Cohen

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction and Community Orchard Beginnings
(01:03) - Guest Introduction: Colleen Dieter
(01:27) - Designing Fruit Tree Gardens
(02:32) - Client Consultation and Common Issues
(07:42) - Fruit Varieties for Austin's Climate
(18:46) - Soil Considerations and Solutions
(28:13) - Community Orchards: Challenges and Solutions
(33:25) - Urban Orchards and Pruning Techniques
(34:30) - Common Mistakes in Fruit Tree Planting
(35:37) - Choosing the Right Trees for Urban Orchards
(37:19) - The Benefits of Planting Younger Trees
(43:16) - Designing and Planting an Orchard
(47:34) - Central Texas Seed Savers and Fruit Tree Preservation
(52:56) - The Importance of Gardening and Civilization
(56:00) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Growing Fruit Trees Naturally with Lindsay Engers Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to grow fruit trees naturally by leveraging historical knowledge and organic, regenerative, and ecological practices with Lindsay Engers. Lindsay is a horticulturist, lecturer, and founder/owner of Chiltern Heritage Orchards (CHO) in the UK.

Lindsay operates his orchard with 3 simple principles:

Historical knowledge of reliable cultivars and growing requirements.
Organic and regenerative growing techniques which produce highly flavoured, nutritious and pesticide-free crops.
Use diverse ecological environmental practices to support the crop through beneficial insects, birds and bats.

Lindsay believes this is a very exciting time for agriculture "if you can persuade yourself to forget some of the things you learned in the past, and you open up a little bit to the idea of being a biological grower."

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Growing Fruit Trees Naturally" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Relationship with trees

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

Custom Fruit Tree Spray Recipes with John Kempf

Why Pests Can't Attack Healthy Plants with Thomas M. Dykstra

How Good Bugs Can Protect Your Fruit Trees From Pests with Jessica Walliser and Brian Spencer

Growing Perennial Vegetables with Ben Caeser

Cover Crops with Christina Currell

Bee Garden Design and Fruit Trees with Lorraine Johnson

Edible Landscaping & The Use of Animals with Gary and Joel Salatin

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:02) - Defining Natural Fruit Tree Care
(00:59) - Interview with Lindsay Engers: Natural Fruit Tree Care
(02:40) - Understanding Regenerative Growing
(03:11) - Organic vs. Regenerative Agriculture
(04:05) - Historical Techniques and Varieties
(04:53) - Challenges and Market Realities
(06:43) - Nutrient Management and Soil Health
(08:09) - The Role of Microbiome in Plant Health
(14:57) - Practical Soil Preparation Techniques
(21:04) - Managing Grass and Mulching
(23:10) - The Benefits of Rock Dust
(30:18) - The Plant Health Pyramid and Pest Management
(31:38) - The Benefits of Not Spraying
(32:15) - Healthy Plants and Pest Resistance
(32:48) - The Importance of Covering Soil
(35:38) - The Role of Cover Crops
(39:14) - Foliar Sprays for Tree Health
(45:03) - Grazing Animals in Orchards
(48:47) - Deer Protection Strategies
(54:46) - Transitioning to Natural Growing Methods
(56:37) - Exciting Times for Agriculture
(58:56) - Final Thoughts and Resources

Companion Planting Fruit Trees with Ryan Blosser Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to choose the best companion plants for your fruit trees, build simple and effective guilds, and avoid common mistakes.
Permaculture educator, co-founder of the Shenandoah Permaculture Institute, and co-author of Mulberries in the Rain: Growing Permaculture Plants for Food and Friendship, Ryan Blosser shares plant combinations that work — and the stories behind them — from dynamic accumulators to barrier plants, beneficial insect attractors, and more.

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Companion Planting Fruit Trees: A Beginner Permaculture Guide" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:

Willow mulch

Willow Mulch for Fruit Trees with Dr. Glynn Percival

Relationship with trees and companion planting

Know Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith Fichman

Beneficial insect attractor

How Good Bugs Can Protect Your Fruit Trees From Pests with Jessica Walliser and Brian Spencer

Autumn Olives

Autumn Olives - If You Can't Beat Them, Eat Them! with Dustin Kelly

Perennial Vegetables

Growing Perennial Vegetables with Ben Caeser

Cover Crops

Cover Crops with Christina Currell

Nitrogen Fixer

Do Nitrogen Fixing Plants Improve Soil Fertility with Stefan Sobkowiak

Pollinator Garden

Bee Garden Design and Fruit Trees with Lorraine Johnson

Food Forest

Turning Your Backyard Into a Food Forest with Dani Baker

Food Forest Design with Lincoln Smith

Foodscaping with Matt Lebon

Persimmon

Hybrid Persimmons with Darren Bender-Beauregard

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction to Fruit Tree Care
(00:47) - Exploring Relationships in Fruit Tree Growing
(00:58) - Introducing Guest Expert Ryan Blosser
(04:09) - The Art of Relationships in Permaculture
(05:13) - The Importance of Human Relationships in Permaculture
(07:37) - Understanding Companion Planting and Guilds
(17:20) - Building a Companion Planting Guild, or Groups
(25:01) - Exploring Willow Trees in Permaculture
(30:59) - Beneficial Insect Attractors and Pollinator Gardens
(32:37) - Borage: The Beneficial Attractor
(32:56) - Attracting Beneficial Insects with Color and Scent
(33:07) - Color and Smell: Attracting Pollinators
(34:09) - The Importance of Flower Variety in Gardens
(35:35) - Stories from the Farm: The Rooster and the Goumi
(43:54) - Lessons from Hunting and the Persimmon Story
(50:56) - Companion Planting Insights
(54:54) - Insights on Specific Plants: Strawberries, Sorrel, and Nettles
(56:21) - Stinging Nettles and Other Ground Covers
(58:03) - About Shenandoah Permaculture Institute
(59:16) - Final Thoughts on Permaculture, Relationships, and Advice for Gardeners

How to Choose the Right Fruit Tree with Josh Davis May 27, 2025

Show notes

Learn how "anyone can grow" by choosing the right fruit tree with Josh Davis, a Master Gardener and Fruit Tree Grower in South Carolina, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

He is known as Uncle Josh Gardens and @theplanttechie on social media.

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "How to Choose the Right Fruit Trees: A Beginner's Guide" and find the video and podcast links there too!

✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:

✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction and Host's Fruit Tree Preferences
(00:37) - Meet the Guest: Josh Davis, Master Gardener
(01:11) - Secrets to Finding Healthy Fruit Trees Anywhere
(01:30) - Engaging with the Audience
(02:25) - Josh's Fruit Tree Journey
(07:37) - The Importance of Pruning and Tree Shape
(15:30) - Josh's Bargain Hunting Stories
(20:42) - End of Season Sales and Negotiation Tips
(23:03) - Understanding Chill Hours and Pollination
(24:46) - Low-Risk Fruit Trees for Beginners
(27:10) - Pineapple Guava: A Gardener's Delight
(29:54) - Growing Fruit Trees in Pots
(36:38) - Final Tips and Advice for New Growers
(38:06) - Conclusion and Additional Resources

Growing Medlar Trees with Jane Steward Apr 29, 2025

Show notes

Learn how to grow and enjoy the fruit of the overlooked and forgotten medlar (Mespilus germanica) with Jane Steward, author of MEDLARS - Growing & Cooking (affiliate link), founder of Eastgate Larder in North Norfolk, UK (which is also part of the prestigious Plant Heritage National Collection), in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

ABOUT
Orchard People, formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, has grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of the monthly guest experts, organizations, and community from around the world.

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

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!
While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

NEWSLETTER

Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically and beyond?
Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's FREE monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

BOOKS

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care.
Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

COURSES

Susan is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

ARTICLES
For more information on this topic, click on the links below:

How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction and Confession
(00:39) - Meet Jane Steward: Medlar Expert
(02:00) - What Are Medlars?
(03:03) - Growing Medlar Trees
(08:07) - Medlar Tree Pests and Diseases
(12:39) - Pruning Medlar Trees
(21:23) - Medlar Tree Varieties and National Collection
(23:09) - Ensuring the Survival of the Medlar
(23:40) - Choosing and Identifying Cultivars
(27:47) - Growing Conditions and Planting Tips
(34:46) - Medlar in Gourmet Cuisine
(39:37) - The Bletting Process
(42:43) - Exploring the History of Medlar
(45:40) - Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Best Apple Trees for Warm Climates with Larry Stephenson Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Learn about the best apple trees for warm climates with Larry Stephenson, nurseryman at Southern Cultured Orchards and Nursery in Coldwater Mississippi and NAFEX director, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

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

Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care.
Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com

HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST

The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live for now, you can still watch or listen when it drops—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.

Video Premiere: Watch the episode when it airs on the Orchard People YouTube channel at 1:00 PM ET on Tuesday.

Audio Premiere: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET on Tuesday.

Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.

Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.

Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For more information on this topic, click on the links below:

How to Prune Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/

Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:

https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/

How to Feed Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/

The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:

https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/

How to Graft Fruit Trees:

https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/

These show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

(00:00) - Introduction to Albemarle Ciderworks
(00:36) - Meet Larry Stephenson
(03:37) - Challenges of Growing Apples in the South
(06:56) - Understanding Chill Hours
(15:06) - Cauley Apple: The Southern Favorite
(19:21) - Captain Davis Apple: A Civil War Legacy
(21:09) - Chickasaw Apple: Sweet and Productive
(22:22) - Yellow Hamilton: The Roadside Gem
(25:01) - Shell of Alabama: The Complex Apple
(27:35) - The Story of Cotton Gin Alabama
(31:41) - Dixie Red Delight: A Striking Appearance
(32:27) - Pontotoc: A Sweet Surprise
(35:11) - Aunt Rachel and the Joy of Apple Tasting
(37:52) - Yates and Sebren Apples
(40:46) - The Business of Growing Apples

Pruning to Improve Fruit Quality with Harold Thornbro Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN

Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments!

Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later.

Here’s how:

Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist

NEWSLETTER

Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond?

PREMIUM EDUCATION

Are you ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees?

Visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ for five-star rated premium fruit tree care education.

CONNECT AND GROW WITH US

We continually adapt our presence to the communities that resonate with us.

Check out the current ways to connect with us in the footer ↓
Let’s grow together!

(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

Espalier Fruit Tree Pruning with Andy Lewis Jan 28, 2025

Show notes

Learn espalier fruit tree pruning and the Lorette pruning system with Andy (Apples) Lewis, Lead Grower at The Newt in Somerset, UK, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

Plus, don’t miss this month's Spotlight on Fruit Trees segment, where we explore the Ó:iase® Apple Tree with Veronique Alexandre of Hardy Fruit Tree Nursery in Quebec!

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

FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN

Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries—catch the podcast later.

Here’s how:

Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube page at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist

Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

(00:00) - Introduction and Storytime
(01:22) - Meet Andy Apples Lewis
(02:01) - Exploring The Newt's Gardens
(03:20) - Espalier Techniques and Benefits
(06:02) - Challenges and Solutions in Espalier
(09:37) - Harvesting and Sharing the Bounty
(15:18) - Spotlight on Fruit Trees: Oasis Apple
(19:01) - Starting Your Own Espalier
(24:14) - Setting the Angle and Choosing the Bud
(25:02) - First Cut and Spring Growth
(26:05) - June Pruning Techniques
(28:25) - August Pruning and Spur Creation
(31:26) - Winter Pruning and Leader Management
(33:57) - Identifying Fruiting Buds
(34:53) - The Lorette System Explained
(36:32) - Advantages of Espalier Pruning
(39:35) - Workshops and Learning Opportunities
(44:12) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

How to Keep Water in the Soil with Bill Wilson Dec 31, 2024

Show notes

How can you create a self-watering permaculture garden or orchard? The secret is in the soil! We explore that topic with Bill Wilson of MidwestPermaculture.com in this episode of the Orchard People radio show.

Learn about Bill's online course here:

https://midwestpermaculture.com/the-heart-of-permaculture/

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

FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN

Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries—catch the podcast later.

Here’s how:

Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube page at 1:00 PM on Tuesday
Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show
Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist

Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/

For premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/.

(00:00) - Journey to Texas: A Surprising Landscape
(00:52) - Introducing Bill Wilson: Permaculture Expert
(01:00) - Permaculture Principles: Water Management
(03:20) - Online Permaculture Courses: A New Era
(06:35) - Rain Gardens vs. Berms and Swales
(08:35) - Small Space Solutions: Urban Permaculture
(16:04) - Aquaponics: Integrating Fish and Plants
(22:11) - Permaculture Tools: No-Till Farming
(24:27) - Permaculture Defined: Sustainable Living
(25:42) - Commercials
(28:49) - Orchard People Radio Show Part 2 Introduction
(29:01) - Interview with Bill Wilson: Passive Watering Systems
(29:47) - Gray Water Systems and Passive Irrigation
(32:23) - Permaculture Principles and Practices
(35:49) - Using Cover Crops and Plants to Make Soil More Absorbant
(40:20) - Soil Drenches and Compost Techniques
(45:50) - Final Thoughts and Reflections

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