🍎 Basics of Growing Fruit – One-Day Intensive Workshop

Course Overview

This workshop introduces participants to the essential principles and practices of growing fruit successfully on a homestead or small-scale garden. Participants will learn how to select suitable fruit varieties, prepare and care for soil, plant and prune trees and bushes, manage pests organically, and harvest and store fruit efficiently.

• Target Audience: Beginner to intermediate gardeners and homesteaders
• Duration: 1 day (8 hours, including breaks)
• Format: Classroom instruction, outdoor demonstrations, and Q&A

Workshop Schedule

9:00–9:30 AM: Welcome & Overview

Introductions, goals, and discussion of local fruit-growing experiences.

9:30–10:30 AM: Session 1: Understanding Fruit Plants

• Types: trees, shrubs, vines, and brambles
• Fruit plant biology: pollination, flowering, and fruiting cycles
• Perennial vs. annual fruit production

10:30–11:15 AM: Session 2: Choosing the Right Fruit for Your Climate

• Identifying your USDA hardiness zone
• Chill hours and seasonal needs
• Recommended fruit types for the local region
• Heirloom and disease-resistant varieties

11:15 AM–12:00 PM: Session 3: Site Selection & Soil Preparation

• Sunlight and drainage requirements
• Soil pH and amendments
• Designing an orchard or berry patch
• Demonstration: soil testing and compost mixing

12:00–12:45 PM: Lunch Break

Optional garden walk and fruit variety tasting.

12:45–2:00 PM: Session 4: Planting & Early Care

• How to plant bare-root and potted fruit trees
• Watering and mulching techniques
• Proper spacing and staking
• Hands-on activity: plant a fruit tree or berry bush

2:00–3:15 PM: Session 5: Pruning & Training

• Pruning tools and safety
• Pruning shapes (central leader, open center, espalier)
• Training vines and berries
• Demonstration: pruning practice with branches

3:15–4:00 PM: Session 6: Pest & Disease Management

• Common pests: aphids, borers, and fungal diseases
• Organic controls: neem oil, beneficial insects, and pruning for airflow
• Monitoring and prevention strategies

4:00–4:30 PM: Session 7: Harvesting, Storage & Preservation

• Signs of ripeness
• Proper picking techniques
• Storing and preserving fruit (freezing, drying, canning basics)

4:30–5:00 PM: Wrap-Up & Q&A

Review of key concepts, discussion, and certificate distribution.

Course Materials

Instructor Provides:
• Soil testing kits
• Planting guides and pruning diagrams
• Handouts on fruit varieties and care calendars
• Demonstration tools and protective gear

Participants Should Bring:
• Notebook and pen
• Gloves and closed-toe shoes
• Sun hat and water bottle

Assessment

• Practical Demonstration: Participants plant and care for a fruit tree or shrub.
• Knowledge Review: Informal discussion at end of day.

Recommended Resources

Books:
• Grow Fruit Naturally by Lee Reich
• The Backyard Orchardist by Stella Otto

Online:
• NC Cooperative Extension fruit-growing resources
• National Center for Home Food Preservation (for post-harvest use)

Follow-Up Support

• Community Forum: Private online group for sharing fruit-growing updates and photos.
• Monthly Q&A: Virtual sessions with instructors each season for troubleshooting and advanced topics.

Vine and Fig Tree Homestead Workshop Series
Promoting Sustainable Living, Self-Reliance, and Community Learning.