EVERETT, Wash. — Eastern Washington tree fruit has a worldwide reputation, but new innovations are making it easier and more productive to raise tree fruit on the state’s “wet side.” Washington State University Snohomish County Extension is presenting three workshops on west side tree fruit growth and care.
All three workshops will be held at Ed’s Apples, 13420 339th Ave. S.E. in Sultan, just off State Route 2. Space is limited for all workshops and advance registration and pre-payment is required, and includes a box lunch.
“Orcharding on the Westside” will be presented on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 9 am to 4 pm. Topics to be covered include the basics of tree fruit production, fruit types and varieties, rootstocks, nutrient management, pest management, orchard layout, pruning and harvest indices. The registration fee is $75 per person and online registration is available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/event/136747.
“Dormant Pruning” will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 26 from 10 am to 3 pm. This in-orchard workshop will cover the basics of pruning with an emphasis on the goals and techniques of dormant pruning. It will cover the physiology of a tree’s response to pruning and what to look for in deciding whether to prune. Registration is $65 per person and online registration is available at www.BrownPaperTicket.com/event/136751.
“Grafting” will be the topic of the workshop on Saturday, April 16 from 10 am to 3 pm. The session will cover different types of grafting, choosing and taking scion wood, choosing a receptor site, and making the graft and sealing it properly. Participants will practice grafting indoors, then move outdoors to work on larger trees. Dress appropriately and bring gloves and a grafting knife, or purchase one at the workshop for $15. The fee is $75 per person and online registration is available at www.BrownPaperTickets.com/events/136756.
The workshops will be presented by tree fruit scientist and consultant Gary Moulton, former manager of the Westside tree fruit program at WSU’s Mount Vernon Northwestern Washington Research and Extension Center.
You may also register for any of the workshops by downloading the form at www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/Pomology2011.pdf and mailing it with your check, or by contacting Karie Christensen at 425-357-6039 or by e-mail at klchristen@cahnrs.wsu.edu.
For more information on the workshops, contact Andrew Corbin at corbina@wsu.edu or 425-357-6012.