Homegrown Fruit: A Practical Guide by Kath Irvine and Jason Ross

The authors have 25 years of experience designing and managing home orchards in a diversity of environments across Aotearoa, and they generously share their knowledge in this excellent book. This is a step-by-step guide to all you need to know about planting, growing and harvesting homegrown fruit, complete with handy illustrations and photographs.

The first section of the book is ‘Tree School’, so everything you need to know about the anatomy of fruit trees and shrubs, branches and the life cycle of a fruit tree through the seasons.

The second section of the book helps you get a lay of the land, including how to create a basemap, conduct site observations, and gather seasonal information.

The next step is the exciting task of choosing your fruit trees, considering factors such as ripening and selecting the right variety of rootstock. Included is a catalogue of everyday fruits.

The following section is the planning of the orchard, and the authors have provided seven patterns to inspire and seven practical considerations to ensure your orchard is in the best health. This section alone is worth buying the book.

The fifth section is about planting your orchard – clearing the site, shaping the land, setting up wires where needed, kickstarting healthy soil, plant and supporting the trees you have selected.

Section six has all you need to know about keeping your trees healthy and well.

Section seven is all about the fun from all your hard work – harvesting, storing and sharing. And finally, the authors have an Orchard Calendar, so it’s a reminder of when to do things in your orchard.

Homegrown Fruit is invaluable, informative and inspirational! It’s the only book you will ever need for growing fruit and becoming an epic fruit gardener.

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

K + J Publishing