Show Notes
Commercial growers are increasingly growing sweet cherries and other fruits in an easy to prune, maintain and harvest fruiting wall structure. Matthew Whiting, Extension Specialist from Washington State University, played a key role in developing the UFO cherry fruiting wall system and he explains how they are grown.
During the interview, Matthew mentions this document which describes the steps for creating a UFO cherry tree.
This month's recommended resource is Micro Food Gardening: Project plans and plants for growing fruits and veggies in tiny spaces by Jennifer McGuinness. The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.
Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/books
She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:
✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/ 🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases: https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/ 🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/ 🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow: https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/ 🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees: https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/
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(00:00) - Introduction and Importance of Watering Fruit Trees
(00:21) - Guest Introduction: Matthew Whiting
(01:24) - Understanding the Fruiting Wall System
(01:50) - Detailed Explanation of Fruiting Wall Structure
(03:40) - Development and Benefits of the UFO System
(05:08) - Personal Experience with the UFO System
(12:21) - Mechanization and Commercial Success
(14:40) - Q&A: Growing Different Types of Cherries
(20:22) - Q&A: Starting Your Own Fruiting Wall
(28:07) - Year-by-Year Guide to Establishing a Fruiting Wall
(40:06) - Addressing Climate Concerns and Final Thoughts
(42:33) - Conclusion and Farewell
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