CD $5.00
MP3 $1.25
Fruits
Small-Scale Tree Fruit Production
Join Hoch Orchard’s Harry Hoch and Meadow Farm’s David Sliwa for an overview of growing apples and stone fruit, including cultivar selection; site selection, preparation, and maintenance for optimal health; and organic pest control. Harry and David will also discuss considerations regarding volume of fruit, time to production, and sizing the small orchard.
Organic Blueberry Production
Blueberries are an excellent crop to integrate into an organic market garden or small farming operation, provided that soil acidity and siting considerations can be met. Northern Wisconsin berry growerTom Galazen will address the vital factors in establishing a blueberry planting as well as how to meet the challenges presented by drought, fungal diseases, weeds, and birds.
In many locations, demand for locally-produced strawberries far exceeds available supplies. Laura and Brian Wilson will share their experience with four acres of organic strawberry production, including information on varieties, fertility, irrigation, straw application, weed and pest management, crop rotation, and marketing through multiple venues.
Strawberries, Blackberries, Muscadines, Figs
Jerry Larson of Boggs Organic Garden will show practical organic methods for the home gardener and small-scale producer. He’ll address bed preparation, plant spacing, mulching, watering, frost protection, bird control, harvesting, pruning, trellising, and propagation. Jerry is an extension agent with Fort Valley State University.
Transitioning to Organic Blueberry Production
Growers, extension agents, and researchers from the Organic Blueberry Working Group share their knowledge and experiences.
Organic Apple Production – Grow Your Own Eden
Harry Hoch and Thaddeus McCamant - Harry will share his experiences in experimenting with organic practices over the past decade and his recent attempt to transition several acres of fruit trees into certified organic production. He will explain the bio-intensive methods he uses to create a balanced environment and the organic products he uses to moderate pest levels. Thaddeus will share what he has learned from other organic growers and will discuss the variations in apple pest pressure in different regions of the state.
Berry Good Berries – Organic Strawberry Production
Thaddeus McCamant and Harry Hoch - Thaddeus McCamant and Harry Hoch will discuss the cultural practices of successful organic strawberry production in different parts of Minnesota, including the hurdles that all organic strawberry producers have to overcome.