Many of the questions that come into the office to the Horticulture Agent are related to fruit trees. Due to the interest in growing backyard fruit trees in Harrison County and due to the lack of knowledge of growing them, the Horticulture Advisory Council determined that a series of classes for fruit trees should be offered in the spring of 2019.  

A series of 4 classes were taught featuring topics related to fruit trees.  Class one focused on Where, What, When and How to Plant Fruit Trees. Class 2 was about Pruning and Training, Harvesting, and Winterizing Fruit Trees.  The third class was about Tree Grafting.  Using resources from the University of Kentucky Horticulture Department, the UK Fruit Specialist offered a training and workshop on fruit tree grafting. Class 4 covered Cultural Management and Caring for Fruit Trees throughout the year.

Three of the four classes were offered at two different times to best accommodate the schedules of clientele.  Classes 1, 2, and 4 were offered at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Class 3, the grafting workshop was offered at 6:30 p.m. only.  Total attendance for the 4-week program was 94.  Included in attendance were a variety of clientele; some were homeowners needing help with current fruit trees in their yard, some homeowners that were wanting to plant new fruit trees, and two individuals were looking to begin a commercial orchard.  

At the end of the first class, participants could describe locations that would be appropriate for planting fruits trees, how and when to plant and discussed what to consider when selecting fruit trees.  

After the second class, participants recognized proper pruning and training of trees, could recall winterizing techniques, and discussed how to harvest.  

The UK Fruit Specialist conducted the 3^rd class where each participant grafted their own fruit tree to take home.  

The final class reviewed cultural management and care of fruit trees required throughout the year, and concluded that although chemical applications can be needed to grow fruit in Kentucky, cultural methods should always be incorporated as well.

All of the participants who completed the end survey reported gaining knowledge.  100% had confidence to invest in one or more fruit trees for their property.