Evento

Orcharding in Western Washington

Western Washington's wet weather has always gotten a bad rap when it comes to growing healthy tree fruit like apples, pears, peaches, and cherries. Lucky for those of us on the "wetside," many years of WSU Extension research into variety and growing technique improvements are coming to fruition. New, disease resistant cultivars combined with updated methods of pruning, pest, and fertility management are helping Westside growers establish healthy orchards.

WSU Thurston County Extension, Thurston Conservation District, and the South Sound Fruit Society are pleased to present a workshop on orchard establishment and care with renowned Washington fruit expert Gary Moulton. Topics covered will include: selecting your rootstock and cultivar, laying out your orchard, the basics of soil fertility management and integrated pest management, setting up an orchard irrigation system, thinning and pruning techniques, and harvest methods. Gary will also take workshop participants through a tasting of cider varietals to demonstrate how a cider apple variety can impact flavor, mouth-feel, and other characteristics.

Instructor Gary Moulton started in 1980 with the Fruit Horticulture department at the WSU Research Station in Mt. Vernon. In 1991, he took over management, direction, and leadership of the program. When the Western Washington tree fruit program was eliminated due to budget cuts, Gary continued his work as a private consultant and workshop speaker. He holds a Master's degree from WSU in Plant Pathology specializing in fruit diseases, and a Bachelor's degree in Pomology/Fruit Science from Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo. He has authored several WSU Extension publications, taught several workshops at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, and has been a guest expert on "Gardening with Ed Hume."

Class size for the workshop is limited to ensure a quality experience. Registration and prepayment is required to hold your spot; Gary's workshops often sell out. Cost for the workshop is $70 per person and includes morning refreshments and a catered lunch.