my dad gave us a bing cherry tree, which we planted, and now we need a cross pollinator. the catalogs recommend either tartarian or windsor-anyone have a preference? we were also thinking of planting dwarf apricots (moonglow/sunglow). any suggestions about planting, insects etc? we are pretty clueless about orchards, so if you have any favorite bks. we'd like to know that too. oh, we live in ohio, if that makes a difference. thanks

-- kelly (maxwellds@freewwweb.com), January 03, 2000

Answers

A book that seems good to me is "All About Growing Fruits & Berries" by Ortho. My copy is a 1982 and I don't know if it is still in print and has been updated. In my opinion it covers the basic really well.

One note about dwarf trees, it is said that they have a shorter lifespan than semi-dwarf or full sized trees. As for myself, I would still rather have them.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), January 04, 2000.

You don't say what zone your in. Apricots are really prone to early killing frost. We are in zone 4, and I lost 2 trees due to early frost.

-- Linda Hess (hesscat@cot.net), January 04, 2000.

we are in zone 5. central ohio has weird weather though. people say if you don't like the weather here, wait 5 minutes. do you have another idea for us instead?

-- kelly (maxwellds@freewwweb.com), January 04, 2000.

Apricots can be touchy to grow that is for sure. Miller Nurseries offers a couple of varieties that they claim do with in tolerating the cold. Since they are out of New York state, they should do well in Ohio. The url for MIller's is http://www.millernurseries.com

Keep the trees well watered during the winter whenever you have a good thaw, and once the ground does freeze up (if it does there), mulch heavily to keep the cold in. This will delay blooming in the spring and may keep the fruit from receiving frost loss.

Mmmm, love those fresh and dried apricots.

-- greenbeanman (greenbeanman@ourtownusa.net), January 05, 2000.