Upper South
March, 2004
Regional Report
Web Finds
Fruit Care
Among the many state cooperative extension service bulletins online, here are two that are especially helpful for planting, growing, and caring for fruits. Training and Pruning Fruit Trees, from the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, offers in-depth information for this often-complicated process. Small Fruit in the Home Garden, from the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, covers all aspects of growing strawberries, grapes, brambles, blueberries, currants, and gooseberries.
Books
Great Soil
Soil science may sound boring, but having a basic understanding is a major factor in having a successful yard and garden. Secrets to Great Soil: A Grower's Guide to Composting, Mulching, and Creating Healthy, Fertile Soil for Your Garden and Lawn, by Elizabeth P. Stell (Storey Books, 1998; $19.95) is an invaluable resource for learning to identify soil types, remedy deficiences, improve problem soils, make compost, and zero in on the needs of specific plants. There's an abundance of illustrative line drawings, charts, and sidebar features as well.
