Training and pruning are essential for growing fruit successfully. Fruit size, quality and pest management are influenced by training and pruning....
Learn how to propagate pear trees from cuttings, and create new specimens which are genetically the same as the parent tree.
By companion planting pear trees you will improve the health of your pears and utilise otherwise unused space in your garden.
Our Guide to Brasiliopuntia Brasiliensis - everything you will ever need to know! Tips for growing and caring for “Brazilian Prickly Pear”
Learn how to propagate pear trees from cuttings, and create new specimens which are genetically the same as the parent tree.
By companion planting pear trees you will improve the health of your pears and utilise otherwise unused space in your garden.
Fruiting pear trees are easier to grow than apples, produce huge yields, and are nearly pest free. For the top planting and care tips, read more now.
From 11-4 on Sunday, we had a consistent flow of knowledgeable and interested persons coming through our yard during the Pennypack Garden and Farm Tour. A very positive day for us! I so enjoyed sha…
Here are 14 of the fastest growing pear trees that produce crops rapidly. Some trees bear fruit within the first year!
Today’s gardeners often look for safe, natural ways to care for their crops. Companion planting is a practice that uses plants to produce nutrients, repel diseases and pests, encourage pollination, ...
Tree diseases can be sudden and fast so it is crucial to be able to recognize these diseases and prevent them. Here’s what you need to know!
Looking to grow fruit trees in Alabama? Here are 6 of the best varieties to plant for a bountiful and delicious harvest, perfectly suited to the local climate.
I sometimes get questions from my readers, especially about companion plants. This week, it was about companion planting with pear trees. So, to help answer their question, I did some ...
Did you know that you can grow pear trees from cuttings? Learn how to start your own pear orchard now on Gardener's Path.
Looking to grow fruit trees in Alabama? Here are 6 of the best varieties to plant for a bountiful and delicious harvest, perfectly suited to the local climate.
Try these plant guilds to grow soil and supercharge your trees' health! Summer is here and so many fruit trees are bursting with Summer sweetness
Here are 14 of the fastest growing pear trees that produce crops rapidly. Some trees bear fruit within the first year!
By companion planting pear trees you will improve the health of your pears and utilise otherwise unused space in your garden.
Here are 14 of the fastest growing pear trees that produce crops rapidly. Some trees bear fruit within the first year!
I sometimes get questions from my readers, especially about companion plants. This week, it was about companion planting with pear trees. So, to help answer their question, I did some ...
The comice pear is a winter European pear (Pyrus communis) that was imported to the United...
- Diuretic: It stimulates the urine elimination, so it is suitable in those cases in that it is necessary to stimulate the kidneys to increase micturition...
Don't let pests or diseases ruin your pear harvest. Morning Chores shows you how to identify and control them. Read more now.
Included are types of plants chosen for their specific functions and interactions with the floral and fauna community as a whole. FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY Bartlett Pear -central guild species; provides edible fruit, pollen & nectar, shade, wood... Apple & Spearmint -bermuda grass control, edible, insectary (provides food or shelter)... Borage -dynamic accumulator, insectary, tea... Columbine -native, edible, medicinal, insectary... Dandelion -dynamic accumulator (deep tap root), insectary, edible (dandelion wine!)... Daylily -edible (flowers and roots -boiled like potatoes), insectary... Crimson clover -nitrogen fixation (legume), soil cover, insectary, edible flowers... Calendula -garden tonic, medicinal, edible... Scallions -aromatic pest confuser (strong smells confuse pests), edible, insectary... I CANNOT WAIT TO EAT THIS BEAUTY!
Grow your own Asian pear trees (Pyrus pyrifolia) for a bounty of crispy, sweet fruit. Here's what you need to know to plant, prune, and fertilize them.
Looking to grow fruit trees in Alabama? Here are 6 of the best varieties to plant for a bountiful and delicious harvest, perfectly suited to the local climate.
Golden Spice pear trees can be grown for the tasty fruit but also for the pretty spring flowers, attractive shape, and nice fall foliage. This is a great fruit tree to grow in suburban and urban yards
A Blacksmith Guild http://www.traditioninaction.org/OrganicSociety/Images_1-100/A_023_Blacksmith.jpg A guild, according to Webster's Dictionary, is an association of people with similar interests or pursuits, also, or more particularly, a guild is a medieval association of merchants or craftsmen. The word guild comes from the Old English and means Payment or Tribute. Historically, for example, a carpenter could pay tribute to join a carpenter's guild. He would then be protected by the society of fellow carpenters... protected from price gouging, unfair trade, etc. and protected from others stealing their "secrets", i.e. skills or "tradesecrets". This is where a lot of the secret societies were initially formed (like the Masons... initially, stonemasons). That carpenter could then focus on being the best carpenter he could be while making a good living for himself and his family. But enough of the history... This term has been applied to Permaculture to describe a collection of plants (a polyculture) that individually could survive on their own, but perform much better when grouped together. One of the first, and most well known, Permaculture Guilds... the Three Sisters. http://api.ning.com/files/H5c*qJE70zhPQyH0YVPLwQTZm7xxzW5HhxqQf3ys9D5bzDh3u1xjKrMLIm1PFfQfidvTx9s5CF7cyNJ4onNzkzWx6ClHtR4q/3sistersmain_Full.jpg The classic Permaculture Guild is called the "three sisters" named by the Iroquois (native American tribe). The three sisters are corn, beans, and squash. The corn provides support for the beans. The bean is a legume and pulls nitrogen from the air and puts (fixes) it in the soil with the help of bacteria and fungi. The nitrogen fertilizes the corn and squash. The squash, with its large leaves, shades out weeds and prevents moisture evaporation, and has prickly leaves which deter animal pests. Finally, squash, beans, and corn are nutritionally complementary. Permaculture Guilds then are "groups of species that support each other in beneficial ways, aiding self-maintenance, and reducing the work required to maintain the system." - Martin Crawford (Creating a Forest Garden) An Apple Guild design by Bill Mollison http://www.labocacenter.org/Portals/3/Templates/IdealAppleGuild.jpg Polycultures (as opposed to monocultures like a field of corn) offer many benefits according to Dave Jacke (Edible Forest Gardens): As a whole, yield more than comparable monocultures Require fewer labor, energy, and material inputs Minimize stress, competition, and herbivory Maximize harmony and cooperation Generate self-renewing fertility Live within a sustainable water budget Remain stable with little to no maintenance Ideally, a Permaculture Guild will provide the following: Increase vital nutrients: mainly nitrogen with nitrogen fixing plants, but also phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and other minerals with mineral accumulating plants, and general fertility plants. Attract Beneficial Insects (like ladybugs, lacewings, mantises, predatory wasps, etc.) to reduce pests. Attract Bees (including honey bees) through the use of honey plants (nectar producing plants) to increase pollination. Confuse pests with strongly aromatic plants (so pest can't find the one plant they normally prey on). Give support to a diverse population of bacteria, fungi, insects, and animals which increases diversity. Contain plants with differing soil profiles (plants with different root patterns and systems, i.e. shallow vs tap roots... so the plants are not competing for the same soil space). Contain ground cover plants that suppress unwanted species, i.e. "weeds". Contain plants with the genetic diversity and/or selective breeding that resist pests and disease A guild design by Toby Hemenway (Gaia's Garden). http://smartpei.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451db7969e2011570d7df9a970b-800wi There is so much to building and designing guilds, and so many benefits from them, that it is impossible to convey it all in one post. I'll add more, a bit at a time, about constructing Permaculture Guilds and provide as many examples as I can. I just wanted to introduce the concept in this post.
Some fruit trees and shrubs cannot produce fruit on their own, or if they can, then it's not highly effective. These charts will guide you to which different cultivar must be planted nearby to ensure a large harvest of fruits.
Pear trees provide delicious fruit, pretty spring blossoms, and gorgeous fall color. Discover 11 of the best pear varieties to grow at home.
Fruit Doesn't Need To Be Boring. These Exotic Asian Fruits Show Just How Many Exciting Options There Are.
Wondering when do pear trees bloom? Pear trees are a beloved fruit tree, renowned for their juicy and delicious fruit. But pear trees also offer a stunning display of beauty with their delicate and fragrant blooms. If you've ever admired the sight of a pear tree in full bloom, you may have wondered when exactly
Expert advice on identifying and treating pests and diseases which affect pear trees. Pictures and life cycle diagrams.
Gardeners wonder what to do about yellow jackets, ground cover crops and more.
Guava is a tropical and subtropical plant native to southern Mexico. In the United States, it is grown primarily in Florida, Hawaii, southern California, and parts of Texas. With protection, it can...
Asian pears, aka nashi or apple pears are crisp and sweet. Learn how to grow and care for Asian pear trees in your yard now on Gardener's Path.
Considered the “lookers” of pear varieties, Comice pears are used in gift boxes at Christmas time, earning the nickname “Christmas Pear.” If you’re thinking of growing your own Christmas pears by plan
Looking to grow fruit trees in Alabama? Here are 6 of the best varieties to plant for a bountiful and delicious harvest, perfectly suited to the local climate.
Organic pesticides help keep fruit trees healthy while keeps pests away and not harming...
Barbed spines and a vigorous spreading habit make prickly pear cactus (Opuntia spp.) a nuisance in gardens. About 60 varieties are in the prickly pear genus, and they include Opuntia compressa, which is hardy in U.S.
Pear trees need a pal in order to fruit well. Learn all about pollination and how to choose the perfect partner in our guide at Gardener’s Path.
The Asian Pear is quite different than its European relative. http://www.miyagitheme.jp/cd/main_data/photo_data/photo_zao/pear.jpg Common Name: Asian Pears Scientific Name: Pyrus species Family: Rosaceae (the Rose family) Asian Pears can be russeted and light brown or clear and yellow. http://eyewatering.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/asian-pears-1-sa.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrus_pyrifolia.jpg Common Species: Chinese Pear, Nashi Pear, Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) Siberian Pear, Harbin Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) Chinese White Pear, Ya Pear (Pyrus x bretschneideris) Description: Asian Pears are not nearly as common in the West as their closely related cousin, the European Pear, but they are quickly gaining in popularity. They are typically round (apple-shaped), although the Chinese White Pear is more “pear”-shaped. Asian Pears are more similar to an apple in texture and a cross between an apple and European Pear in flavor. They are at their best when picked ripe. All you need is to taste a perfectly ripe Asian Pear, and you will make room for it in your Forest Garden. There are three types of Asian pears. Round or roundish-flat fruit with green to yellow skin Round or roundish-flat fruit with yellow to brown skin and bronze to gold russet (little dots) Pear-shaped with green skin or brown skin and bronze russet History: Native to the eastern Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan, Asian Pears are now grown throughout their native land as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Trivia: Asian Pears are the oldest known cultivated pear. Asian Pears contain enzymes that tenderize meat, which is why they are used in marinades. Fall Fruit Salad with Asian Pears Click here for the recipe: http://whataboutthis.biz/2012/11/26/fall-fruit-salad/ Asian Pear and Tangerine Salad Click here for the recipe: http://thindish.com/blog/asian-pear-tangerine-walnut-salad-healthy-recipe-low-calorie-nutrition/ Asian Pear Wine and Liquors by Subarashi Kudamono (means "wonderful fruit" in Japanese) Click here for the link to this site: http://www.winesofsubarashii.com USING THIS PLANT Primary Uses: Fresh eating – Asian Pears are more similar to an Apple in texture and a cross between an Apple and European Pear in flavor. Eat when fully ripe or it will be dry and hard. Great in salads. Cooking – Asian Pears have a high water content, so they are not used identical to European Pears. They are great when used for marinating (see trivia below). Drier varieties may be used for cooking, baking, pies, tarts, etc., but they really are best cooked after they have been pureed. The crisp texture is not softened with cooking as with European Pears. Sauces – In Asia, the pears are often ground and mixed into sauces instead of other sweeteners Preserved – Preserves, Jams, Jellies, etc – will often need longer cooking times to reduce the high water content. Asian Pears dehydrate very well, and the dehydrated fruit can be used in many recipes for desserts or just eaten as is. Secondary Uses: General insect (especially bees) nectar and pollen plant Wildlife food Wildlife shelter Primary or adjunt flavor component in beer, wine, cider, perry, mead, liquor, etc. Can likely be Coppiced, although I can find no good reference for this. Wood – Poles, posts, stakes, tools, crafts Wood – Firewood, charcoal Wood – Smoking/Barbeque: pear wood gives a soft “fruity” smoke to meats, similar to apple wood Yield: Standard root stock – 3-8 bushels (105-280 liters) or 170-450 lbs (80-200 kg); semi-dwarf root stock – 1-2 bushels (35-70 liters); dwarf root stock – 1 bushel (35 liters) or 56 lbs (25 kg) Harvesting: Late Summer to Autumn (August-October), but can vary based on variety and location. Pick when still crunchy (like an apple) and giving off a strong aroma – the strong and sweet fragrance of a ripe Asian Pear is the key to knowing when it is ripe. Softness is used to help determine ripeness in European Pears, but not Asian Pears. Storage: Best when used right away, but can be stored for up to a month or more if kept in a cool, dry place and handled carefully to prevent bruising Asian Pears will be covered in the beautiful flowers every Spring. 'Large Korean' variety of Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifoliaI) http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Nzy91WRToMI/S8htFTF6oeI/AAAAAAAADXs/k_pZ3CTSNyk/s1600/Pear+Asian+Lg+Korean+4-12-10.JPG Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrus-ussuriensis-flowering.JPG Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) http://www.iowaarboretum.org/sites/default/files/images/collection/Flowering%20Trees%202.jpg DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT USDA Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-9, but really depends on the species and variety AHS Heat Zone: Zone 9-3, but really depends on the species and variety Chill Requirement: 300-750 chilling hours/units depening on the variety Plant Type: Small to Medium-sized Tree depending on the root stock Leaf Type: Deciduous Forest Garden Use: Canopy Layer, Sub-Canopy (Understory) Layer Cultivars/Varieties: Many varieties available. (see my article about Asian Pear varieties) Pollination: Asian Pears traditionally require cross-pollination, although a few varieties are self-fruitful. This requires two different varieties of Asian Pear. Some European Pears (Pyrus communis) will cross-pollinate Asian Pears. Because there is such a wide variety of pears and cross-pollination variations, it is best to get cross-pollination information from the nursery or catalog company you are purchasing your pears. Pollinated by insects. Flowering: Spring (May) Life Span: Years to Begin Bearing: 3-7 years depending on the variety and rootstock Years of Useful Life: up to 300 years. Dwarfing rootstocks live shorter lives Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) in Autumn http://www.primeplants.com.au/database-files/view-file/164/?size=original Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) in Autumn waiting for harvest http://philadelphiagreen.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/sk_waiting_for_harvesting.jpg Asian Pear in Autumn after a frost http://ellishollow.remarc.com/images/frost2008_asianpearx1200.jpg PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT Size: Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia): 25-30 feet (7.5-9 meters) tall and 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) wide Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis): 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) tall and 25-30 feet (7.5-9 meters) wide Chinese White Pear (Pyrus x bretschneideris): 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) wide Roots: Fibrous Growth Rate: Medium Harvesting a large Asian Pear at Virginia Gold Orchards http://www.virginiagoldorchard.com/ Here is a great article about this orchard in the Washington Post GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT Light: Prefers full sun Shade: Tolerates very little shade… shade is best avoided with pears Moisture: Medium soil moisture preferred pH: most species prefer fairly neutral soil (6.0-7.5), but many can tolerate a bit wider pH ranges Special Considerations for Growing: Pears to not tolerate juglone (natural growth inhibitor produced by Black Walnut and its relatives). Make sure you have other varieties of trees and shrubs as a buffer between your walnuts and pears. Pears are susceptible to Fire Blight, Pear Scab, and Canker, so try to choose varieties that are resistant to these diseases. Make sure to consider flowering times when planning which varieties you choose. You need to make sure that you have compatible varieties (i.e. ones that will pollinate each other) flowering at the same time. Propagation: Named varieties are usually grafted because pear cultivars do not grow “true to type”, meaning that seeds will grow into trees that produce fruit that is likely to be nothing like the parent stock. If growing from seed, they will need 8-16 weeks cold stratification for germination. Less improved species and non-cultivars are often grown from seed. Maintenance: Typically, Asian Pears are pruned once a year to once every 2-3 years. Concerns: None
Here are 14 of the fastest growing pear trees that produce crops rapidly. Some trees bear fruit within the first year!
Learn how to propagate pear trees from cuttings, and create new specimens which are genetically the same as the parent tree.
