Establishment & Management

As we established our first phase of production fields, we have planted on a variety of spacings and in both flat or elevated beds. What we have found is that an ideal spacing is likely near 20' x 20' with trees staggered on alternating rows.

We have also found that the mayhaw is not a heavy feeder on nitrogen and have begun putting out a 4-4-4 organic product with mycorrhizae in spring summer and fall.

For both spray applications and fruit harvest it is critical to plant large blocks of the same cultivar. Better yet, we have found it ideal to plant out a minimum of 3 cultivars across your production area in order of bloom date. Start with your earliest blooming varieties, and plant those that bloom mid season next to those, with your latest blooming varieties planted farthest out. This will allow for seamless transition during your spray program and harvest operations.

With regards to pest, fungal and disease management we have found that consistent seasonal orchard inspections, swift corrective action and culling when necessary have lead to a healthy established orchard. We inspect trees for cankers / fire-blight during the dormant winter season, and remove all material back past 18" of healthy wood. It is imperative to clean pruners with peroxide or alcohol when pruning at all times.

We have also faced issues with apple/pear-tree borers, and as such inspect the trees looking for sawdust (frass) in the early spring, and manually worming trees with a piece of wire if borers are located. We have seen this method result in the linear reduction of infestation in our fields year over year.

WIth regards to quince rust, the best practice is to spray the trees on time, and consistently through flowering and fruit set. This becomes much easier when trees are planted in large blocks of the same cultivar.