Press Release: Grow Your Own Fruit Trees with Espalier Technique
In a delightful twist for aspiring fruit gardeners with limited space, the ancient technique of espalier is making a modern comeback. Perfected by the gardeners at Versailles in the 1600s, this method allows for fruit trees to flourish flat against walls, turning any small area into a productive oasis. Espalier not only maximizes sunlight exposure but also helps trees withstand colder temperatures and produce greater yields.
Ideal candidates for espalier include apple, cherry, peach, and pear trees, known for their flexible branches. This technique, meaning "to lean" in French, has roots dating back to the Middle Ages and ancient Egypt. Training these trees requires patience, pruning undesired branches and securing preferred ones against a support structure.
For optimal growth, gardeners should apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the early growing season, shifting to a fruit-specific fertilizer once desired shapes are established. While the close quarters may increase pest issues, attentive care can yield both an enchanting garden feature and a delicious harvest.
For detailed gardening advice, visit AP News Gardening.
Jessica Damiano, gardening columnist
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
