No, it's not a painting project but it can help add color to peaches and apples. The sun does the painting if you help let the light into your fruit trees by pruning.
Ever notice a red apple which has a sharp change to green on its one cheek? Chances are that a leaf laid against it and blotted out the sun during the color-up fall days.
This is an extreme example of what can happen to fruit trees and why some good heavy pruning is important on apples and peaches, in particular.
No, I can't tell you exactly what branch or limb to lob off. No two trees are alike, and no two growers see the tree the same way. One usual rule is to take out more than you first plan to prune. Backyard fruit trees are notoriously brushy - underpruned.
Look for cross limbs. No doubt, one should be removed. Look for vertical shoots (suckers). They don't produce. Note limbs too high for your pest control operation and too difficult to harvest. Open up the tree - let a little sunshine in.
In spite of your heavy-handed use of pruning shears, saws and loppers, there will be plenty of fruit buds to bloom, pollinate and develop into good harvest.
Usually, if the tree was healthy and maintained its green leaves into fall, the fruit buds develop in excess early last fall for this year's production.
Don't prune peaches or other stone fruits for another month or so. They are more tender and are freeze-shocked when cut too early.
SEED SAVERS AND TESTERS
Inventory was taken recently to see what the seed supply was and to consider the needs for this spring.
I don't throw away the leftover seeds, as usually, seeds don't die at the end of the year. It's true that the "seed power" isn't ever stronger than in its first year, but the rate of power reduction can be slow or fast, depending on several factors.
Not all seeds have the same lasting viability. Some varieties fade away in a year or two while others hang on for several seasons.
The manner of storage, too, is important to length of seed life. When a Morning Call reporter asked if the item was correct in a household hint book, that seeds should be stored in sealed glass jars, she opened some review for information on my own. The answer is yes, it's a good idea. Dryness is one key. High humidity helps deteriorate seed quality and life. Coolness is good, as well. Freezing does not hurt dry seeds.
As I took inventory, I also tossed out some packs that were four or five years old. Why gamble? As a matter of fact, it's not too early to check the odds by doing some germination testing.
Paper towels are excellent germinating items. Lay out a strong white towel. Dampen it. Lay out 10 seeds in a row. Label the row with a ballpoint pen before dampening. You can test 10 or more different varieties on one towel. Place a second towel carefully over the seeds and dampen. Gently roll the two towels - not tight. Wrap the roll with plastic wrap to hold the moisture in the roll (dolly). Place in a 65-70 degree spot.
Carefully unroll the dolly to check the seeds in 5 to 7 days. If 7 out of 10 show sprouting, the seeds are worth keeping for spring planting. Re-roll and wait for another 5 days for final evaluation.
TREE AND SHRUB SELECTION
Having information about the new planting or replacement item for your landscaping plans will help assure satisfactory planting success.
Sure, there are the old standards that most people know. Things such as Norway Maple or forsythia don't need much description, but there are lots of new varieties of trees and shrubs that might well be evaluated.
The review of good nursery catalogs will freshen your ideas of something new and interesting. The written descriptions along with the pictures whets your interest in having an unusual planting. Once you have learned, then it is a wise next step to hunt a good local nursery or landscaper to check that special variety. Perhaps an early visit will prompt the local center to make that plant available this spring.
Not all unusual trees or shrubs are new. Some have been around for years, even as native species, but have been "tamed" and given a high rating for landscape use. I can think of a couple such ornamental trees. Red Bud or Judas Tree is one such beauty. Another is Shadblow or Sarvis tree. Both grow wild in Pennsylvania in the woods, and have been overlooked for years.
Don't wait. Bone up on the offerings in the ornamental world early. Make your investigation before springtime. Plant a special!
Q & A
Q - Shame on you! You want to outlaw Zoysia. We like it. The ball is in your court. Explain. J.M.H., Kutztown