A fruitful Kansas
Amy Jordan
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Many types of fruit crops grow well in Kansas. Prior to prohibition, Kansas was a major producer of fruit, especially of apples and grapes.
Commercial production of fruit is again increasing in popularity, but fruit can also be grown successfully in home gardens.
Many fruits lend themselves well to garden production, such as melons, berries and grapes. Tree fruits like apples, pears, cherries and peaches require more space, but could be grown on a smaller property with the dwarf or semi-dwarf cultivars.
When deciding what to plant, think about what types of fruit your family likes to eat. Then consider the space you have and if it will accommodate your choices. Some fruit plants need to be cross-pollinated in order to set a crop. This means that you will need at least two cultivars of the same crop, such as a ‘Jonathan’ and a ‘Red Delicious’ apple. Two trees of the same cultivar will not work. Crops that need to be cross-pollinated are pears, plums, sweet cherries, most apples and most blueberries.
With the exception of strawberries, which should be replanted about every three years, most fruit plants will produce for a very long time. Significant time will be required for maintenance of fruit crops, such as pest control and pruning, so that should also be considered when planning what to plant.
Grapes are a fruit that has grown in popularity with an increased interest in winemaking. Many varieties of grapes that are popular in winemaking grow well in Kansas. The Kansas Grape Growers and Winemakers Association (KGGWA) is a group of individuals that share a common interest and utilize the expertise of each other and specialists for training opportunities.
On March 10, the KGGWA is sponsoring a workshop for grape growers on Integrated Pest Management. Presenters will cover grape diseases, insect pests, beneficial insects, and pest management. The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lyon County Extension Office Meeting Room, 618 Commercial, Emporia. The cost is $20, which includes lunch.
On March 17 and March 18, K-State Research and Extension-Lyon County is sponsoring educational seminars at the Emporia Spring Expo. A session titled “Home Garden Grape Expectations” will be presented on Saturday at 3 p.m. As a follow-up to this session, a grape pruning demonstration will take place on Sunday the 18th at 1 p.m. at Eagle Creek Grapes in Olpe.
• For more information on growing fruit crops or on these training opportunities, contact the Lyon County K-State Research and Extension office at 341-3220.