Horticulture
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BEGINNING GROWERS
- Apple Orchard Information for Beginners (PDF)
- Pruning Fruit Trees in the Home Garden (PDF) - by W. Lord & J. Anderson (UMASS Extension)
GENERAL
- Apple Botany and History (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Back to Basics (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- (Washington State University)
- (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: (Michigan State University)
- Frost and Cold Hardiness Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Bud Stage Criteria (PDF)
CULTIVARS, ROOTSTOCKS
- 2006 VTFGA presentation on Apple Varieties and Rootstocks (PDF) - by Dr. Terence Robinson. Note: this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Summary of ̽̽ Apple Cultivar Evaluation (1995 NE-183 planting):1998-2000 (PDF)
- Summary of ̽̽ Apple Rootstock Evaluation (1992 NC-140 planting) (PDF)
- Cold Hardiness (PDF)- by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: (Pennsylvania State University)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Vermont)
- Scab-resistant Apple Cultivars (PDF)
- Potential Apple Rootstocks for Vermont - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Potential Apple Cultivars for Vermont - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Evaluation of Scab Resistant cultivars (SRC) Final Report (PDF) - Written in 1997, this report may provide valuable insights into whether they are appropriate for your situation.
- Update on Scab-Resistant Cultivars and Advanced Selections for Consideration in New Plantings (PDF)- by Dr. David Rosenberger, 1995
- Rootstocks and Cultivars in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
PLANTING, PRUNING
- 2006 VTFGA presentation on Modern Apple Training Systems (PDF) - by Dr. Terence Robinson. Note: this is a large file and will take some time to download.
- Pruning (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Topworking Apple Trees (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Light Interception of Apple Tree Canopies (PDF) - Horticulture Presentation by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: (Pennsylvania State University)
- VIDEO: (University of Minnesota)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (Fruitwise Heritage Apples (UK))
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- High Density Tall Spindle Apple Research and Demonstration (PDF)
- Site Selection and Preparation in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Tree Training and Planting Systems in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Pictorial Guide to Planting an Orchard - A step-by-step narrative including some of the steps during first-year maintenance.
- Pictorial Guide to Top-Grafting an Orchard (PDF) - A step-by-step narrative.
- Organic: A Orchard 4: A High-Density Planting with Scab-Resistant Cultivars (PDF)
POLLINATION, THINNING
- Pollinator Protection Efforts in Vermont (PDF) - by ̽̽ IPM Program & VT Pollinator Protection Committee, 2019.
- VIDEO: (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- Crop Load Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
SOIL, WATER, NUTRIENTS
Labs to send Soil and Leaf Samples for Analysis
General Information
- Dr. Renae Moran's 2010 VTFGA presentation on Apple Tree Nutrition (PDF)
- Calcium Use in Apples (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- VIDEO: (University of Nebraska)
- VIDEO: (Cornell University)
- Orchard Nutrition (PDF) - by Dr. M. Elena Garcia
- Mineral Nutrition of Fruit Trees in Vermont (PDF)
- Groundcover Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Weed Management in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
- Organic Matter: Fuel for Your Soil (PDF)
HARVEST
- VIDEO: (University of Maine)
- VIDEO: (University of Maine)
- Harvest and Postharvest Considerations in Vermont Apple Orchards (PDF)
Integrated Pest Management
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GENERAL
- How to Use NEWA Printable Handout (PDF)
- NEWA - Tools for IPM (PDF) - by Dr. Juliet Carroll, 2011
- VIDEO: (University of Wisconsin)
- VIDEO: (University of Nebraska)
- VIDEO: (Michigan State University)
- VIDEO: (ATTRA)
- An IPM Checklist for Vermont (PDF)
- Organic: An Organic IPM Checklist for Vermont (PDF)
- (Michigan State University Extension)
INSECTS
- 2018 IPM 'Quick' Summary for Monitoring Apple Arthropod Pests (PDF)
- Brown Marmorated Stinkbug in Vermont
- Does Surround Have Non-Target Impacts on New England Orchards? (PDF)
- (NYS IPM Program)
- Additional pictures and information on (Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide)
- - by Dr. Douglas Pfeiffer, VPI
- Early Season Pests (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2011
- Summer Pests (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2011
- "OP Alternatives in Apple Arthropod Management" (PDF) - by Dr. Art Agnello, 2008
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Nebraska)
DISEASES
- - by Lorraine Berkett, 2003
- - Currently out of print; internet version has excellent photographs and descriptions.
- (NYS IPM Program website)
- (West Virginia University)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Massachusetts)
- VIDEO: (University of Nebraska)
BENEFICIAL INSECTS
- (Factsheet with excellent pictures)
- (NYS IPM Program)
- (NYS IPM Program)
- (NYS IPM Program)
- (Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide)
- Leafminer parasitoid- (Bio.Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America)
- Aphid predator- (Bio.Control: A Guide to Natural Enemies in North America)
- Encouraging Biological Control in Vermont: The T.pyri Project, 1996-1997 (PDF)
- The T.pyri Project - 1998 Vermont Update (PDF)
PESTICIDES, SPRAYING
- (NYS IPM Program)
- VIDEO: , (Cornell University)
- VIDEO: (Michigan State University)
- Sprayer Calibration (PDF) (1996/97 New England Apple Pest Management Guide)
- Organic: Organic Orchard Equipment (PDF)
ORGANIC
- (ATTRA)
- (ATTRA)
- (ATTRA)
- - According to the EPA
Cider
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GENERAL
- Commercial Production of Unpasteurized and Fermented Ciders in Vermont (PDF) - Note: this reference was written in 2010, prior to the implementation of several important food safety regulations, and thus, should be considered as a general reference and not a guidance document.
- Long-Term Contracts in the UK Cider Industry (PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
- Cost of Production, Prices, and Economic Performance for the Cider Market in Vermont (PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
RESOURCES FROM THE CIDER MAKER AND GROWER MEETING
AT WOODCHUCK CIDERY, MIDDLEBURY VT - JUNE 28, 2016
- Cider Apple Evaluations in Vermont (PDF) - by Terence Bradshaw
- Growing Apples for the Cider Industry: Does the Math Add Up?(PDF) - by Florence Becot, Terence Bradshaw, and David Conner
- Developing Evaluation Programs to Improve Cider Making (PDF) - by Chris Gerling
RESOURCES FROM THE WORKING LANDS ENTERPRISE FUND PROJECT MEETING AT VERMONT HARD CIDER, MIDDLEBURY VT - MARCH 30, 2015
- Cider Apple Research at ̽̽ & other Land Grants (PDF) - by Terence Bradshaw
- Market Opportunities and Challenges for Cider Apple Production in VT (PDF) - by Florence Becot
- The Cider Industry (PDF) - by Dan Rowell, VT Hard Cider Company
- Cider Apple Production: The U.K. Perspective (PDF) - by Neil MacDonald
- Basic Laboratory Analysis of Fruit for Cidermaking (PDF) - by Ben Calvi, VT Hard Cider Company
- Evaluation of Research Ciders from the VT Working Lands Enterprise Fund Project: Apple Market Optimization and Expansion through Value-Added Hard Cider Production (PDF)- by Terence Bradshaw
Food Safety
Economics & Marketing
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- Human Resource Considerations In Hiring - by Jericho Bicknell
Organic Basics
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In 1995, the USDA National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) defined organic agriculture as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It is based on minimal use of off-farm inputs and on management practices that restore, maintain, or enhance ecological harmony…The primary goal of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities of soil life, plants, animals and people." Before a product can be labeled "organic," a Government-approved certifier must inspect the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet the USDA organic standards. Detailed records are required and reviewed by the certifier. It takes three years of organic management before a farm product can be “certified” as organic. Please note that the labels "natural" and "eco-friendly" which have been used to describe agricultural products may imply that some organic methods were used in the production of the product, but this labeling does not guarantee complete adherence to organic practices as defined by law.
- (Ohio Ecological Farm & Food Association)
- Practical Guide for Organic Apple Production
- Champlain Orchards - Shoreham, VT
- Raven Hill Orchard - East Waterboro, ME
Home Orchards
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- (University of Minnesota)
Other Resources
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