Customer Reviews

The Home Orchard

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a small backyard orchard already (20+ fruit trees) and this book is a great resource. I initially borrowed it from the library but ended up buying it because it's so helpful. I wish I had the book when I was planning the orchard and selecting varieties, but better late than never. Very good color photos, details on pruning, and budding/grafting. I also like their attention to the overall ecology of the orchard (i.e., the effects of pesticides on beneficial insects, not just the target pest). Well written with enough info to make it useful, but not too much to bog it down.

I found this book very useful. There's alot of information and detail. I think the criticism that it only covers So Cal is probably valid.

If you want only one reference to manage your fruit trees, and you are in California, this book should answer all your questions.

I got better answers for questions I had about pruning & planting multiple trees in one single hole in an old, possibly out of print book called 'Growing Fruits & Berries in the West' (or something like that, can't find it right now to check on the title).

Also it could use a larger list of fruit varieties -- Dave Wilson's web site is still a better source for that.

It is the UC Davis 'official' guide to backyard orchards though, good to have at hand and obviously written by reputable experts.

Incredible information for the advanced and novice fruit gardener. Very complete; hardiness, chill requirements, cross pollination compatibilities, all you need to know in depth without becoming too technical or boring.
High on my list!!

This is a wonderful, very thorough book for you if you live in California, and have fruit trees. But the title should be changed; I can see it being misleading for shoppers from other climate zones.

Easy to read, well illustrated and the fruit varieties listed are actually available locally for sale. Very helpful, worth the dollars and taking up space in your permanent library.

This is a very useful book for the home orchard.

Lots of professional good information.

However it does not covery Avacado, maybe I set the expectation too high:-)

very helpful on all details of information on the care of fruit & nut trees in all areas of California.