Beginner's Guide to Growing Fruit Trees Fast and Easy: Proven sustainable techniques for healthier trees and a bountiful harvest while reducing effort ... McKay's Easy and Effective Gardening Series)

This is a very good book. A lot of great information that I can use. Simple to understand.

Sophie McKay's writing is clear, well organized and well presented. She starts by giving you good ideas on deciding what to plant (what fruits do you like?) with what will work in your area, when, where and how to place the trees on your property (sunlight requirements, hazards to consider, etc.), how many years until a tree will bear fruit and estimated yields, and tools you will need.She explains orchard layout (spacing), and defines terms you will want to know and understand. She covers irrigation options, fertilizer needs and types, pruning strategies (including great step by step guides and a glossary), plus options for dealing with pests and diseases. You will learn about pollination needs, when and how to harvest and store your produce, and she even includes instructions on how to build an apple storage system.The book covers many types of fruit bearing trees, especially apples. Living in the south I would have appreciated more information on what was needed for winterizing in different zones, as this seemed to be geared more to colder weather areas. The container gardening information for dwarf trees was very helpful for me.There are questions to help guide your planning, plus charts (including harvest time charts), pictures, and my favorite the takeaways (quick summaries) at the end of each chapter. There is a truly impressive reference list provided at the end of the book. This book is a great reference to help you get started with an orchard or maintain what you already have.

Excellent book! Very informative.

I throughly enjoyed this comprehensive guide to growing fruit trees. It was easy to understand, and had great illustrations. I especially enjoyed her comments on companion planting, permaculture, detailed pruning instructions and how to avoid using chemicals in your orchard.

Has good information to help growing fruit trees.

This book gives a very broad overview of planting and caring for fruit trees but lacks a lot of specific detail. The author provides information in a general format and admits she is not an expert, but a gardener with a fruit tree or two. I think this book is written for someone that wants to plant a small apple tree in his garden and enjoy the flowers in spring and a few fresh apples in the winter. I was hoping after I read this book, I would have a solid base of information to start my small (ten trees) orchard. After reading more, including guides from commercial orchards and university extension programs, I would say this book was really only beneficial to 'set expectations' for the generic care of a fruit tree.

Beneficial advice!.Cover crops ,companion planting ! So much great info. Which I had this book when I first got my trees! Still can use this info for a healthier orchard

Well written. Lots of information. Easy to read. Like being taught by a friend who wants you to succeed! I have bought all of her books!