The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has released the second edition of “The Home Orchard,” a comprehensive guide for those interested in growing deciduous fruit and nut trees at home. The updated publication provides new research-backed information for gardeners, hobbyists, and anyone with an interest in fruit and nut cultivation.
This edition expands on topics such as site selection, variety choice, pruning, grafting, irrigation, and integrated pest management. It also incorporates findings from nearly twenty years of research since the first edition was published in 2007.
Paul Vossen, emeritus UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor and co-author of the book, said: “This vital reference for backyard tree fruit growers has been significantly expanded beyond common crops such as peaches and apples, and now includes coverage of figs, persimmons and nuts – almonds, walnuts, pecans, chestnuts, filberts and pistachios. It includes integrated pest management guidance for each crop.”
The new 240-page resource offers more detailed strategies for sustainable growing practices. These include modern rootstock recommendations based on current breeding advances; updated water-efficient irrigation system designs; climate-adaptive practices; and troubleshooting chapters to help diagnose issues like poor yields or physiological disorders.
John Karlik serves as technical editor and co-author. Other contributors are current and former UC ANR experts including Chuck Ingels—who was a technical editor on the original edition—Maxwell Norton, Ted DeJong, Louise Ferguson, Mary Louise Flint, Pamela Geisel, Janet Hartin, Janine Hasey, Katherine Jarvis-Shean, Scott Johnson, Craig Kallsen, Niamh Quinn, Lawrence Schwankl, Beth Teviotdale and Paul Vossen.
The paperback is available for $40 through the UC ANR Catalog at https://bit.ly/HomeOrchard2.