Product Description
For decades fruit growers have sprayed their trees with toxic chemicals in an attempt to control a range of insect and fungal pests. Yet it is possible to grow apples responsibly, by applying the intuitive knowledge of our great-grandparents with the fruits of modern scientific research and innovation.
Since The Apple Grower first appeared in 1998, orchardist Michael Phillips has continued his research with apples, which have been called “organic’s final frontier.” In this new edition of his widely acclaimed work, Phillips delves even deeper into the mysteries of growing good fruit with minimal inputs. Some of the cuttingedge topics he explores include:

The use of kaolin clay as an effective strategy against curculio and borers, as well as its limitations

Creating a diverse, healthy orchard ecosystem through understory management of plants, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms

How to make a small apple business viable by focusing on heritage and regional varieties, value-added products, and the “community orchard” model

The author’s personal voice and clear-eyed advice have already made The Apple Grower a classic among small-scale growers and home orchardists. In fact, anyone serious about succeeding with apples needs to have this updated edition on their bookshelf.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 11 reviews)

well written, well researched and the most helpful

This book has become my "Bible" on orchards. The book is very well presented and although it focuses on another geographical area the information applies evenly for my area as well. It goes into more scientific detail than most orchard books, it is so well written however that it does not bog down.
I continue to use and re-read sections daily as I learn. What a great book. Permanent library status for me.
October 02, 2008

Comprehensive book on Growing Organic Fruit

This is the most comprehensive book I have been able to find on Organic growing of fruit. Get the revised version, it is worth the money. I am in charge of a large community Garden's orchard and this book is a must have for what I do. I have applied the infromation over one season I found in this book and this will be the first year we will have a successful crop. John Cremati
July 20, 2008

Fascinating Book

I'm about halfway done reading it. It definitely has covered more than I knew I needed to know about apple growing! All the terms used in it are also defined, so that people (like me) who are new to orcharding can understand what is being described.
July 09, 2008

Fabulous Resource!

I LOVE this book.

I'm particularly impressed with the density of information: too many hobby farm/small farm books take a once-over-lightly approach, but this one is deep on detail. I also appreciate the discussion of seedling trees: typically I've seen them ignored or dismissed as irrelevant. The discussion of root stock is a help too; before this I've seen it only discussed in terms of it's limiting factor on size, but this also introduces issues of hardiness and climate appropriateness. The book is incredibly thorough while reminding the reader that there are no "cook books" to growing organic orchards, it's still an art and science that is being developed.

I spent the first few years of my life on an old-fashioned orchard and have never recovered. Now, after 30 big-city, corporate years the world is circling back to the kind of orchard I've always longed to have, and this book is filled with invaluable information on how to proceed. Next year I'm headed back to the country, this book in hand, to make a home and create a backyard cider orchard. I know it's hard work and the best of it may happen after I'm gone, but this book gives me the courage to begin and information to guide me as I figure it out.

I hope within 5 - 10 years I'll be toasting the author with my own apple cider!

January 26, 2008

Chock full of Great Information

This is a great book. Indispensible for anyone attempting to grow organic apples. The one drawback is the book is somewhat disorganized and some information is hard to decipher. In any case, I constantly refer to this book in my organic orcharding. A must have for Organic Orcharding!
July 15, 2007

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide to Growing Fruit Trees in the Home Garden
by Stella Otto

Cider: Making, Using & Enjoying Sweet & Hard Cider, Third Edition
by Annie Proulx, Lew Nichols

The Backyard Berry Book: A Hands-On Guide to Growing Berries, Brambles, and Vine Fruit in the Home Garden
by Stella Otto

The Pruning Book
by Lee Reich

Root Cellaring: Natural Cold Storage of Fruits & Vegetables
by Mike Bubel, Nancy Bubel