Backyard Fruit Production

A Less Common Fruit Class was offered in Lyon County with eleven participants. The class covered many fruits that are advertised in catalogs. Daniel Becker, Extension Fruit and Vegetable Associate, discussed the varieties and how well they are adapted to Kentucky. Participant comments included the following:

• The discussion of cold hardiness and chilling requirements was very interesting. I will be able to identify some wild plants now that I was very unaware of previously.
• I must try planting a few cultivars of persimmons, elderberry and Asian pears.
• I must take this information back to my garden club and share.
• I am convinced now on what I will and won’t plant.
• I was made aware of the pros and cons – made me more judicious in my selections.
• I know what not to buy or plant.
• I like this type of class because it gives the good, bad and ugly which saves labor if plant a “bad” or “ugly bush or tree. Our high humidity and hot summers seems to limit some choices and I needed to know that.

All participants said they found the class very informative and helpful. Other classes in our series that have been offered in recent years have included blueberry production, strawberry production and tree fruit production with apple tree grafting. In addition, every year in late winter we make home visits to assist individuals with pruning fruit trees and blueberries. The Master Gardener demonstration garden includes apple, a peach and a blueberry variety trial. These are also used in pruning demonstrations for the public and for Master Gardener classes.