Author Archives: Patty Doll

What had been a relatively mild winter season has now become a normal January in Indiana, snowy and cold.  We were blanketed with about eight inches of snow these past few days and temperatures dropped into the teens.  Less than … Continue reading →

First, we offer a sincere “thank you” to all of our customers, old and new.  Without our great customers, we would not be able to have the successful harvest and sales season that we had.   Thanks again for buying from … Continue reading →

It has been a challenging and overwhelming harvest season so far.  Peaches were picked, orders filled and the rest taken to market.  Not really a great crop year for peaches.  Although, the flavor was there, the fruit had problems with … Continue reading →

Weed control continues to be the main order of business in the orchard.  Ideal growing conditions have made the control of grasses and broad leafs a real challenge.  It is an ongoing and continuous job.  Certain species of weeds seem … Continue reading →

Summer Solstice is being celebrated today with a short respite from outdoor labors.  A much needed slow, steady rain has been falling since mid-morning and as it refreshes Mother Earth we are enjoying a day away from weed eaters and … Continue reading →

Although the trees’ bloom was later than normal, by just about two weeks later, the bloom period was good with favorable temperatures and little rainfall.  Favorable weather conditions enabled the bees to work feverishly and nonstop.  While the bees collect … Continue reading →

Just like semi-dwarf apple trees, dwarf trees are also produced from clonal rootstock.  Advanced developments have made the dwarf tree very desirable by commercial growers as well as back yard orchardists.  Dwarf trees work well for growers in high density … Continue reading →

So, it’s conclusive – a “standard” size apple tree is not what will be the best choice for your planting.  Any other options – how about considering a semi-dwarf tree? Almost all modern apple varieties in commercial use are propagated … Continue reading →

Apple trees do not reproduce true to seed.  If you plant a seed from an apple variety that you thoroughly enjoy, such as a Gala, the tree that grows from that seed may taste really different or in fact, may … Continue reading →

Our previous posts have had numerous references made to “rootstocks.”  What is rootstock and what role does rootstock play in an orchard planting? Rootstock is basically what is underneath the ground or the roots of the tree.  It is the … Continue reading →