For those growing fruit trees, the Todd County Extension Office says winter is the best time to start maintenance.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent Traci Johnson says for new growers, it’s a little shocking to realize that cold weather is when many important tasks need to happen.
Johnson says her biggest piece of advice is to learn what needs to be done – and when – and put it on the calendar so people stay committed. For example, she notes spraying the plants with dormant oil is very important during the winter, and growers should stick with a spray schedule starting when trees are dormant all the way through the growing season.
She notes even low-input or organic home fruit production requires spraying. Another important task is pruning – Johnson says fruit trees are best pruned in late winter, which will improve air circulation and fruit size later on.
According to Johnson, a lot of people are interested in growing fruit right now, and many people have contacted the extension office for insight, including several commercial growers in the county. She says she’s glad to visit with anyone seeking guidance or looking to get started.
To contact Johnson at the extension office for agriculture questions, call (270) 265-5659.
