Grandpa was a fruit grower all his life, so he became a real fountain of backyard fruit growing knowledge, wisdom and common sense for his friends. Not only did he know how to grow the best fruit for the market, he knew what worked well for the garden orchard, too.
Click on a subject in the green box on the right to learn more about a particular area of backyard fruit production.
Click on one of the icons below to download handy reference charts. Usually requires EXCEL, WORD, or other programs in order to open properly.
Beware! Ole Grandpa can get a little pithy when it comes to talking about planting, pollination, spring or fall planting, soil additives, trimming, training, fertilizing, critters, harvesting, mulching, dwarf or semi-dwarf, spraying, chemicals, pesticides, fungicides, organic, etcetera...even about Grandma too!
If the answer isn't here, you can always
Use this handy chart to help determine approximate ripening for apple varieties. Opens with EXCEL only.
Use this handy chart to help determine relative bloom times and which varieties will pollinate others. Opens with EXCEL only.
Use this handy chart to help determine when pear varieties will ripen. Opens with EXCEL only.
Use this handy guide to help determine which pear varieties will pollinate others. Opens with EXCEL only.
Use this handy chart to help determine approximate ripening times for peach, plum, cherry, and apricot varieties. Opens with EXCEL only.
Use this handy guide to help determine which sweet cherry varieties will be good pollinators for others. Opens with EXCEL only.