Blog

The codling moth is starting to fly. If you have an apple tree consider using a solution that will attract and drown this pest at this time. http://www.wikihow.com/Control-Codling-Moth-Organically Also consider talking to your local nurseryman about getting a product that has either neem oil or kaolin clay or spinosad in it and how to apply one [...]

Our pear tree with spots. It’s time to check out your tree’s leaves and see if they’re good and healthy or if they’ve got little spots on them (like our poor pear tree). A few spots here and there aren’t too big of a concern if the overall tree is healthy — but watch it [...]

There is a story that I like about not saving the world but just one thing at a time. It is the starfish story. Please see if you can google the story or pick up a link such as this one below: http://blog.pembi.net/one-starfish-at-a-time This is the way I feel about protecting things whether it be [...]

My rhubarb plants are so productive already, I have plenty of stalks for crisps and sauces. See our recipe index for previous rhubarb recipes and here is one that is sure to please family and friends. I found it in the Williams Sonoma online recipe collection: a great go-to site if you are looking for [...]

[This exerpt is from Seattle's Orchards: A Historic Legacy Meets Modern Sustainability, by Audrey LIeberworth. It's a thesis paper written for Scripps College that explores the historic and new orchards in Seattle.] Meridian Park is located on the wide expanse of parkland in front of the Good Shepherd Center. Mark Wilson, the property manager for [...]

An abnormally wet and cool March…..geesh !   Maybe if I post this on April 2nd (rather than April 1st) people will know I am not joking when I say the weather should improve. Fruit trees need a decent Spring and Seattle hasn’t enjoyed any of those in the past few years…but there are “silver linings” [...]

[This exerpt is from Seattle's Orchards: A Historic Legacy Meets Modern Sustainability, by Audrey LIeberworth. It's a thesis paper written for Scripps College that explores the historic and new orchards in Seattle.] There are a lot of fruit trees scattered along the Burke-Gilman Trail that winds its way through Seattle. The fruit trees that are [...]

[This exerpt is from Seattle's Orchards: A Historic Legacy Meets Modern Sustainability, by Audrey LIeberworth. It's a thesis paper written for Scripps College that explores the historic and new orchards in Seattle.] Piper’s Orchard at Carkeek Park is one of the oldest orchards with an abundance of fruit trees in Seattle. As the “Piper Oral [...]

[This exerpt is from Seattle's Orchards: A Historic Legacy Meets Modern Sustainability, by Audrey LIeberworth. It's a thesis paper written for Scripps College that explores the historic and new orchards in Seattle.] Dr. Jose Rizal Park, located on Beacon Hill, was created as a byproduct of the early settlers’ efforts to transform Seattle into a [...]

[This exerpt is the first in a series about Seattle orchards from Seattle's Orchards: A Historic Legacy Meets Modern Sustainability, by Audrey LIeberworth. It's a thesis paper written for Scripps College that explores the historic and new orchards in Seattle.] The origins of the surviving historic orchards are connected to the rich narratives of the early [...]

Starting in 2012, joining City Fruit will not only make you feel great for supporting a worthy cause — it will also save you money. City People’s Garden Store, Swanson’s Nursery, Dish It Up! kitchen store and Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream are offering discounts (and free cones!) to people who join or renew their [...]

Looking for a delicious recipe to serve friends and family at a winter brunch? Try this one out. Spicy Ginger Muffins With Currants and Toasted Pecans Butter for greasing muffin tin 1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup dark molasses 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 1 2/3 [...]

Nell’s restaurant recently shared the following recipe with their email list. It is the perfect treat at this time of year. Red Wine & Star Anise Poached Pears with Pear Ice Cream . . . POACHED PEARS 6 Bosc or D’Anjou pears 3 cups full bodied red wine 1 cup sugar 5 pieces Star Anise [...]

In this December fruit report, Don Ricks updates us on the proper timing to prune fruit trees in our abysmal La Nina winter weather, and also advises cleaning up fallen leaves and fruit around your trees.

Believe it or not, actually Autumn is the best time not only to transplant but to plant. Here is what Larry Davis, a City Fruit supporter has written: “As winter approaches, the temperature drops and most plants enter a period of dormancy. In a mild climate, like we have here in the Puget Sound region, [...]

(We post our monthly email newsletter, with tips about fruit tree care, notes about happenings in the area and updates about City Fruit, to the blog but if you want it delivered directly to your inbox, please email info@cityfruit.org.) Hi everyone, Fruit tree tip: Pick up your fallen fruit. Experts say that the single most [...]

Last night’s cider fest was a ton of fun! Thanks so much to everyone who came. It was a great crowd and people really loved tasting the many varieties of cider. A lot of people were surprised at how dramatically different the ciders could taste. We have a lot of people to thank. Special thanks [...]

Every year, just when we think the harvest has ended, we get a call about a major harvest. This time, it was for grapes. A new homeowner discovered that the entire back fence of her yard is covered in grape vines. After giving tons away to her neighbors and picking more than she could eat [...]

Let’s talk about Fall fertilizers. I am including some suggestions here from Norma Connolly, a friend who has some knowledge about this: Potassium: Associated with better fruit color, and more sugar, this is something best applied in the Fall because it does not move quickly in the soil.  Consult with your local nursery about amounts [...]

       Gail Savina updated you earlier on this blog as to many wonderful activities happening this month. I am just going to give a little more “color” on three cider fests coming up…at Beacon Hill, in the Ravenna area and in Northeast Seattle. Consider going to the one nearest you, surprise them, and support them. [...]