2014 Updates to the homestead

Just wanted to update you on the progress of our homestead here over the spring, summer and part of fall.

I decided to focus on perennials since they take the most time to get productive, but pay huge dividends into the future.  Here’s what I’ve planted

  • Apples
    • Gala
    • Honeycrisp
    • Pink Lady
    • Jonathan
    • Mollie’s Delicious
    • Stedman’s Winesap
  • Pears
    • Moonglow
    • Ayers
    • Bartlett
  • Almonds
    • All in One
    • Hall’s Hardy (this weekend)
  • Peaches
    • Red Haven
    • Belle of Georgia
  • Hardy Kiwi
    • Meader (male, this weekend)
    • Arctic Beauty (male)
    • Saanichton kiwi (female)
  • Li Jujubee (this weekend)
  • Brown Turkey fig (this weekend)

This is a mixture of things I picked up in late spring and planted, some of which I summered in the shade then planted in early fall, and some of which I’m planting this weekend.

That which I’m pleased with the most is the progress of the All in One Almond that I planted bare root in last Spring.  Other than fighting Japanese beetle, these have done fabulous here.

Honestly, apples have been a challenge here due to the duel threat of cedar apple rust and fire blight.  I planted several varieties intentionally to see which does best here.  Perhaps once I have that established, I’ll graft some of the best genetics onto rootstock and propagate.