Pruning & Training Apple & Pear Trees
Master the art of pruning and training apple and pear trees to enhance their growth and yield.
Category: Tree Fruits
Pecan Planting & Fertilization
Grow productive pecan trees by following guidance on planting, fertilization, and long-term care.
Insect and Disease Management for Home-Grown Fruits and Nuts
Learn comprehensive strategies for managing insects and diseases in fruit and nut crops.
Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) for Spider Mites
Learn how to reduce spider mite damage using integrated pest management techniques
FAQ About Pecan Production in the Home Garden
Learn the basics of pecan tree care, from planting to nut production, with answers to frequently asked questions.
Apple
Apple diseases, including fire blight, scab, and cedar-apple rust, severely impact production in South Carolina. While apple trees grow statewide, commercial orchards are confined to the Blue Ridge region, where cooler weather helps but does not eliminate the need for intensive disease management. Elsewhere, high disease pressure makes apple farming impractical, with most homegrown apples lost to disease.
Plum
Plum trees are not recommended for home gardeners, as they struggle with environmental factors and pest pressure, even under intensive care. The time and cost required for proper management often make backyard production impractical. While success is possible, these crops are generally best left to commercial growers.