Local Gardening - Growing Fruits in New York State

By Sam Feldman

NEW YORK STATE — Despite having a cold climate, New York state has favorable conditions for growing a variety of fruits. Especially apples, since NY is actually located on a latitude similar to the ancestral origin of apples, the Tian Shan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan. NY also ranks as the second apple producing state in the country.

More on growing fruits in New York explained by Anna Wallis, Fruit IPM Coordinator, NYS Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University.

- I remember you explained that many of the fruit in NY is grown near the great lakes because of the microclimate. Can the same effect be used on land with a small lake or river nearby?

- You’re correct, the regional climate of the Great Lakes Region is excellent for producing fruit. Water is very good at retaining heat, meaning the land on the lake shores stays warmer in the winter and trees aren’t exposed to as severe winter low temperatures.

Also, there is often heavier snowfall near the lake, and this can insulate the tree trunks. Water also takes a lot longer to heat up in the spring, so the trees are often a little slower to start their spring growth; buds break about a week later compared to sites further inland, so they are protected from spring frosts. Usually it takes a significant body of water to have this effect, so a pond or a river will have much less effect.

- Are there other land features that could help grow fruit?

- Absolutely! Topography is very important for growing fruit. Cool air drains to the lowest part of the landscape, so it is a not a good idea to plant trees at the bottom of a hill where they’re more likely to experience frost damage. On the other hand, there are often higher winds at the top of a slope, which can cause significant physical damage to the tree especially young trees. It is best to plant in the middle of a gentle slope, where they are a bit protected, but cool air will drain through the planting. Southern facing slopes get more sun exposure, which is good for tree growth and fruit development. Soils are the foundation of an orchard, and there are many characteristics that are important to consider for growing fruit. An ideal soil for most fruits will be loamy texture that drains well, with high organic matter, balanced nutrients, a pH near 6-7. Most of these can be determined from a soil test.

- What types of fruit grow best in NY?

- New York is ideal for growing apples. It is approximately the same latitude as the ‘center of origin’ of ancestral apples, which is near modern day Khazakhstan in the Tian Shan Mountains. So the climate is similar. Most fruit (and other perennials) require a cold period to satisfy winter dormancy. For apples this is a bit longer than fruits such as many types of peaches and plums. Apples are also hardier than peaches and plums, meaning

they can survive at lower winter temperatures. Peaches and plums often do not survive our winters well. New York is also an excellent place for growing other interesting tree fruits, such as pears, hardier peaches and plums, pawpaws, and American persimmons. It’s a great place for berry production as well; this is the native range of species, including blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

- Most of the planting here in Schoharie focuses on corn, hay, and cattle. Do you think that farmers could be growing more fruits here?

- Schoharie County has diverse landscapes, including soils and topography that are good for many kinds of agriculture. It depends mostly on the specific site whether it is appropriate for fruit production. There are quite a few beautiful, successful fruit farms in the area. It’s important to make sure that the site has good soil, water, and sunlight, has a long enough growing season, and doesn’t get too cold in the winter.

- If yes, what can they do to be successful?

- Plan! In addition to selecting a good site, which I described a bit above, there are many preparations that should be done ahead of time to save heartache in the future. Trees and shrubs are perennial, so once they are in the ground it is much more difficult to change the site. Excellent soil preparation is essential: do a soil test before planting to determine pH, nutrient status, texture, etc, and get recommendation on steps to take to prepare the site. Make sure there is access to water, trees and shrubs need daily water management in dry periods, especially during early years. Learn about the pests that you will need to manage. Create a plan for pest management, including insects, diseases, wildlife, and weeds. And think about what to do with the fruit once you have it, if you’re intending to sell it, how will it be picked, stored, transported, and marketed?

- What pests and diseases are most important for fruits in NY?

- Everything likes to eat fruit! There are dozens of insects and diseases that are managed by farmers annually, and they will depend on the specific fruit and site. For apples, the most important diseases on most farms are fire blight, apple scab, powdery mildew, rusts, rots, and viruses. Insects include codling moth, plum curculio, oriental fruit moth, apple maggot, and trunk borers. There are excellent publications on many Extension websites about the specific pests and recommended management options, including the Cornell Fruit Resources website. I really like the Apple and Stone Fruit IPM for Beginners, and the Berry Diagnostic Tool.

- There are many Amish farmers in NY. Does Cornell cooperate with them?

- Cornell Cooperative Extension works with all communities throughout the state. In addition to Agriculture, CCE programming and teams include the areas of Community, Environment, Nutrition, and Youth & Families. I had the opportunity to work with two plain communities this season and many of my colleagues work in these communities routinely.

- Many of the Amish farmers successfully grow fruit. Does Cornell study their experience and methods of agriculture?

- I’m not aware of anyone studying any specific Amish farms or practices that are used on these farms. But Cornell is expansive and I’m there are may collaborations I’m unaware of. I know some of my colleagues are doing research and programming that include growers in plain communities. Many of the practices being studied by Cornell researchers will pertain to many types of farming.