The California Backyard Orchard

A University of California Resource for Fruit and Nut Crops

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  • Why Have an Orchard?
  • The Big Picture
    • Site Considerations
    • Tree Selection
    • Propagation
    • Preparation & Planting
    • First Year Care
    • Irrigation
    • Pollination
    • Pruning & Training
    • Fertilization
    • Fruit Thinning
    • Pests & Diseases
    • Harvest & Postharvest
  • Fruits & Nuts
  • Master Gardeners
  • Calendars
  • Glossary
  • Links
  • About this Site
    • Acknowledgments
  • Site Map

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The Big Picture

The Home Orchard Book

The Home Orchard Book Click for more info

The pages linked below discuss concepts and processes you’ll want to consider when developing your orchard. They are listed in the order you will probably involve yourself in each activity. Be sure to explore Related Links.

Site Considerations

  • Climate
  • Microclimates
  • Chilling
  • Soil
  • Water
  • Wildlife Protection
  • Competition
  • Layout
  • Related Links

Tree Selection

  • Selection
  • Chill
  • Frost
  • Varieties
  • Related Links

Propagation

  • Cuttings
  • Layering
  • Grafting & Budding
  • Grafting Methods
  • Budding Methods
  • Compatibility
  • Rootstocks
  • Related Links

Preparation & Planting

  • Layout
  • Handling
  • Planting
  • Related Links

First Year Care

  • Competition
  • Fertilizer
  • Insect Control
  • Vertebrae Pests
  • Watering
  • Related Links

Irrigation

  • Watering Optimally
  • Putting It Together
  • Related Links

Pollination

  • Related Links

Pruning & Training

  • Training/Pruning Systems
  • Ten Pruning Basics
  • Pruning Abandoned or Neglected Fruit Trees
  • Related Links

Fertilization

  • Planting
  • First Year
  • Second and Following Years
  • Amount of Nitrogren to Apply per Tree per Year
  • Related Links

Fruit Thinning

  • Related Links

Pests & Diseases

  • Pests
  • Weeds
  • Diseases
  • Related Links

Harvest & Postharvest

  • Harvesting
  • Ripening
  • Maturity
  • Postharvest Handling and Storage
  • Storage Requirements
  • Related Links

Last updated September 29, 2008

UC Statewide Master Gardener Program
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