bicarbonate for thinning (1 reply)
There is a very interesting article from Europe on using bicarbonate for thinning. It might be a reasonable alternative to lime sulfur/oil, which raises phytotoxicity concerns with me. Since I use...
View ArticlePruning to Thin the Crop (6 replies)
We have come to the conclusion that hard winter pruning is the best way to thin our crop. Lime sulphur certainly works, but it doesn't feel right.We "single line" downward hanging branches coming from...
View Articlefruit cracking (1 reply)
We got to thinning kinda late on our Haralson hardy winter keeper apple. The spring and early summer were kinda damp... and we're noticing that the fruit is cracking a good bit. And we're wondering...
View ArticleQuince - do I need to thin? (no replies)
My 3 year old Quince of Portugal tree is loaded with blossoms. If this were an apple, it would be very clear - I would need to aggressively thin if I wanted either decent size fruit, or a crop next...
View ArticleTable Salt (no replies)
I'm thinking of using table salt (4 lbs per 100 gallons) this year to thin the bloom. Any tips, suggestions, warnings?
View ArticleAlternate bearing (5 replies)
We have been trying to correct the alternate bearing tendency that some varieties are prone to when they over crop, aren't pruned enough, or are neglected. We have been doing this by vigorous pruning,...
View ArticleEAS as thinning 'ally' (1 reply)
Ok, a bit provacative here but: many of us have some European Apple Sawfly pressure. With a huge bloom currently underway, I'm wondering about using these guys to do some thinning for me. Of course...
View ArticlePeach thinning and tree physiology (1 reply)
In the midst of thinning peaches, I once again wish I had taken notes when harvesting last summer, so I would better understand where the biggest peaches grow. Absent that, it would be nice to know...
View ArticleLate season return bloom strategies for apples (1 reply)
The scenario is this: I have an organic grower that grows primarily cider fruit; old true cider apples that already have a tendency towards biennial bearing. This year several varieties set up way...
View Article11 y/o Pear that doesn't bloom (2 replies)
Anyone have ideas on this mystery? We have a Potomac Pear planted in 2008. Looks overall vigorous and healthy. No apparent disease or stress on it or any of our other pears.And yet. Last year it...
View Articlebalanced crop load (2 replies)
The bees had a tremendously warm week to pollinate and now the crop awaits revealing. Bloom here was encouraging in that a number of last year's heavy bearers (like Sweet Sixteen) had enough blossoms...
View ArticleApple blooming like a cherry (no replies)
My Bedan are blooming right now, before any real leaves are present. This variety always leaves out really late here, but this behavior is new to me and seems somewhat ominous. These trees are just...
View Articlethinning cider varieties (9 replies)
I am a little embarrassed to have to ask, but am I correct in thinking that there is no need or benefit in thinning apples destined for cider production?Another question which somebody may be able to...
View ArticleUsing lime sulphur (1 reply)
So here is my dilemma, I have too many trees for one old bugger to care for, yet I value having the trees for the privacy they provide. It appears my relationship with the pest control board is going...
View Article2022 Thinning trials (11 replies)
So, I had asked about using lime/sulphur in another thread to thin apples. In my case, strip the trees. I have three rows with 85 trees per row that are closest to the road I don't want any fruit on....
View ArticleHow Do You Thin Your Apples (and Why)? (5 replies)
At the recent Berkshire Roundtable (affectionately known as Stump Sprouts) we had a vigorous discussion about apple thinning. There was discussion of seasonal objectives, philosophies, sprays, and...
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