EVERETT – Eastern Washington tree fruit has a worldwide reputation, but WSU Extension will present workshops on innovations for west side tree fruit growth and care that make raising tree fruit on the state’s “wet side” easier and more productive.
The WSU Snohomish County Extension workshops will be held at Ed’s Apples, just off State Route 2. Space is limited and advance registration and pre-payment is required for all workshops, which include a box lunch.
“Orcharding on the Westside” will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, and will cover topics such as tree fruit production, fruit types and varieties, rootstocks, nutrient management, pest management, orchard layout, pruning and harvest indices. Registration costs $75 per person and is available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/136747.
“Dormant Pruning” will be an in-orchard workshop presented 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, and will cover the basics of pruning with an emphasis on the goals and techniques of dormant pruning. It will discuss the physiology of a tree’s response to pruning and what to look for in deciding whether to prune. Registration costs $65 per person and is available at www.BrownPaperTicket.com/event/136751.
“Grafting” will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 16, and will discuss different types of grafting, choosing and taking scion wood, choosing a receptor site, making the graft and sealing it properly. Participants will practice grafting indoors before moving outdoors to work on larger trees. Dress appropriately and bring gloves and a grafting knife, or purchase one at the workshop for $15. Registration costs $75 per person and is available online at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/events/136756.
Gary Moulton, tree fruit scientist, consultant and former manager of the west side tree fruit program at WSU’s Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center, will present the workshops.
To register for the workshops by mail, download the form here and mail it with a check, or contact Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.
For more information on the workshops, contact Andrew Corbin at 425-357-6012 or corbina@wsu.edu.
