Tales from the Orchard

Editor's note: Master Gardeners are keeping busy in their own gardens during the Covid-19 pandemic. Summer is here and there's a lot going on in the garden! Here's how Master Gardeners are spending their time:

As a 2020 graduate of the MG program and a relatively new resident of Napa, I have delighted in my garden adventures and decided I would like to share a story regarding my cherry trees. I inherited my three mature, overgrown trees upon moving to Napa. Having no previous experience with cherry trees, I enrolled in a MG class to learn about pruning. The class was well attended and questions answered about when to prune, how much to prune, shaping trees for growth, possible pests and pest prevention. Fortified with new knowledge, I was confident and anxious to get on with the new relationship with my cherry trees.

Advice for winter pruning suggested removing about one third of growth to start to bringing the trees down to a manageable size, not an easy task. I took my time deciding on shape as I worked from my newly purchased orchard ladder. The following spring brought a healthy crop and I picked cherries for days and tried various new recipes. I was so proud. 

By the third winter's pruning my trees had a noticeable problem. A resin-like oozing had developed on some of the branches, especially around pruning cuts. My trees were ill. How could this be as I was carefully following instructions disinfecting my tools after each cut and making sure my tools were sharp and cuts clean? My trees were being attacked and I needed more answers as to what to do. Fearful that something was terribly wrong, I knew I needed experienced advice. With pictures in hand, I went to the Help Desk. The diagnosis was bacterial canker. A new strategy would have to be used for future care of my cherry trees. After further investigation and study, I decided not to prune in the winter months to avoid canker infestation.  There's always a lesson to be learned with our lives in the garden.

With the canker hopefully under control, I was excited to see the plentiful crop arriving that next May. I began speculating on more recipes and options for the cherries and my excitement was intensified as those red beauties ripened. Unfortunately, a week of heavy rain and bad weather hit Napa and devastated my long-awaited cherries. Mold and rot quickly took over and I was only able to harvest a bowl of the delectable fruit – a lost season.

Now into my fourth crop, I once again have good production. Such a wonderful feeling, and, in my excitement, I wanted to share my experience with you.

Master Gardeners are following recommended social distancing guidelines that keep everyone safe. Napa Master Gardeners are available to answer garden questions by email: mastergardeners@countyofnapa.org. or phone at 707-253-4143.  Volunteers will get back to you after they research answers to your questions.

Visit our website: napamg.ucanr.edu to find answers to all of your horticultural questions.

Photo credits: Dee De Ocampo

Reference: http://fruitandnuteducation.ucdavis.edu/fruitnutproduction/Cherry/