About this episode
When is the best time to fertilize fruit trees? In this episode Tree Fruit Production Extension Specialist Robert Crassweller, Ph.D. from Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences talks about how fruit trees' nutritional needs change throughout the seasons. Additional resources: Watch this 10-minute video excerpt from this episode on when to fertilize fruit trees Learn best practices for keeping your trees well-fed and productive with articles here Listeners that sent in questions or comments during the live show were entered into this month's contest to win Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden (affiliate link) by Jessica Walliser The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website http://www.orchardpeople.com . Formerly known as the Urban Forestry Radio Show, from germination in January 2016 until December 2023, we have grown over the years, thanks to the collective knowledge and collaboration of our monthly guests, organizations, and audience from around the world. We offer something for everyone to support your fruit tree care journey, whether you prefer to learn through listening, watching, and/or reading. RADIO SHOW and PODCAST - FOUR WAYS TO TUNE IN Join our live show on the last Tuesday of every month at 1:00 PM ET and submit your questions and comments! Can’t make it live? No worries – catch the podcast later. Here’s how: Live Audio: Listen on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Live Video: Watch live on the Orchard People YouTube Channel at 1:00 PM on Tuesday Audio Podcast: Download the podcast after the show Video Podcast: Watch the recorded video on our YouTube Podcast Playlist NEWSLETTER Do you want to learn to grow fruit trees successfully, organically, and beyond? Sign up for the free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/ PREMIUM EDUCATION For premium fruit tree care education, visit https://learn.orchardpeople.com/ if you are ready to dig deeper and further your relationship with your fruit trees. CONNECT AND GROW WITH US You can also connect with us in the various communities listed below in the footer! Let’s grow together. (00:00) - Introduction: The Impact of Diet on Health and Productivity (00:55) - Comparing Human Nutrition to Plant Nutrition (02:19) - Essential Nutrients for Fruit Trees (02:40) - Understanding NPK and Macronutrients (06:04) - Identifying Nutrient Deficiencies in Fruit Trees (09:14) - Listener Questions: Nutrient Testing and Pruning (13:18) - Cover Crops and Nutrient Competition (15:30) - Seasonal Nutritional Needs of Fruit Trees (19:30) - Listener Questions: Rot and Favorite Apple Varieties (21:58) - New Apple Varieties (22:24) - Mulching and Calcium Application (25:33) - Spring Nutritional Needs for Fruit Trees (29:36) - Nutrient Management for Backyard Growers (31:45) - Choosing the Right Apple Tree Varieties (34:45) - Fertilizing and pH Levels (39:24) - Fall Care for Fruit Trees (40:48) - Listener Reviews and Show Wrap-Up