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Search Results for ' Heirloom varieties'

PAL Questions: 1 - Garden Tools: 2 - Recommended Websites: 2

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Keywords: Fruit trees--Washington state, Heirloom varieties, Fruit trees

PAL Question:

I am interested in planting fruit trees on our treeless property. Can you recommend any sources of bare-root HEIRLOOM fruit varieties grafted onto modern rootstocks? Or do people who grow heirloom fruits usually use the old rootstocks, too?

I am also interested in finding a descriptive list of how different heirlooms taste, how difficult their pests are to control, and how they do in our region (Puget Sound).

View Answer:

Below are some suggestions:

1. WSU’s fruit research station in Mt. Vernon is the best place to learn about history, grafting rootstocks, varieties, etc. Here is a WSU Extension article on heirloom apples, for example.

2. There is an event in early October at Cloud Mountain Farm in Everson, Washington. They have a fruit festival where you can taste the fruits and talk with experts.

3. An outstanding book you will probably want to buy (or come to the library to review it first) is Fruit, Berry and Nut Inventory, 4th edition, An Inventory of Nursery Catalogs Listing All Fruit, Berry and Nut Varieties Available by Mail Order in the United States. Edited by Ken Whealy, 2009.
We also have many other excellent reference sources about growing tree fruit.

4. You might consider joining the Western Cascade Fruit Society or the Seattle Tree Fruit Society. They offer courses and events, and are very knowledgeable.

5. The staff at Raintree Nursery near Morton, WA offer a wealth of information about what grows well in the Pacific Northwest, best rootstocks, etc.

Season All Season
Date 2006-10-10
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Keywords: Vegetable varieties, Vegetable gardening, Heirloom varieties

Garden Tool: A new magazine is available dedicated to antique treasures from the garden. The Heirloom Gardener is published four times per year for a mere $12.00. Articles in the winter 2004 issue range from a history of the Brandywine tomato, renovating neglected pome trees (apples and pears) to a profile on an heirloom vegetable farmer. Color photos and illustrations contribute to the thoughtful, informative articles. To subscribe call 1-866-OLD-SEED, or send a check to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, 2278 Baker Creek Rd, Mansfield, MO 65704, or subscribe online at www.rareseeds.com

Season: All Season
Date: 2006-02-28
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Keywords: Seed exchanges, Seed companies and seed sources, Heirloom varieties

Garden Tool: The Seed Savers Exchange was founded in 1975 to preserve rare heirloom fruit and vegetable varieties. Today thousands of members work together to keep old time cultivars from disappearing forever. Members pay $35.00 a year to support the non-profit organization and receive three publications a year, one of which is the 120-page yearbook/catalog. Membership is not required to purchase seeds and tomato transplants from the online catalog, www.seedsavers.org. Seed Savers Exchange, 3094 North Winn Road, Decorah, IA 52101; (Phone) 563-382-5990.

Season: All Season
Date: 2006-02-28
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April 19 2012 16:02:30