Fruits and Nuts
Growing fruits and nuts in your home gardening can be incredibly productive and rewarding, but also very challenging. High quality fruits and nuts often require lots of management to keep the trees healthy and minimize pest problems. A well cared for fruit tree or berry patch can yield lots of fruit each year.
Programs We Offer
Victory Garden 101, a series of free, online classes for Kansas gardeners. These were initially offered in April and May this spring, but the videos and class resources are still available online by clicking the link above.
Growing Growers ICT - An innovative farmer education program that provides new and experienced fruit and vegetable growers with fresh energy and new ideas.
Design & Grow Gardening Workshop - Offered early in the year, this workshop covers a wide variety of fruit and vegetable gardening topics.
Library Gardening Classes - These classes are typically held in the Spring and Fall as a joint project with the Wichita Public Library, and feature speakers from our Master Gardener volunteer program. Click here for current offerings.
Central Kansas Market Vegetable Growers Workshop & Regional Farmers Market Vendor Workshop - Held on a Saturday in early February each year, this workshop features speakers from successful fruit or vegetable operations and K-State specialists. Sessions vary and include growing methods, sales and marketing techniques, season extension, business management, and other related topics.
By Request - A wide variety of vegetable gardening topics are available to groups on request.
On Our Grounds
We have several nut and fruit trees in our arboretum as demonstrations of ornamental or shade trees.
In the Demonstration Garden, there is a grapevine on a trellis to demonstrate pruning and training techniques. There are also currently everbearing strawberries planted in our Demonstration Garden.
FAQs
How do I prevent "worms" in my fruit?
Wormy fruit are caused by the larvae of a variety of insects that bore into developing fruit and feed. It is important to know what insect is causing the problem before treating. Non-pesticide methods for controlling insects include removing all dropped and damaged fruit from the area and bagging fruit. For information on organic and synthetic pesticides and treatment times, please see the publication linked below.
My peach tree keeps dying. What can I do to keep it alive this time?
Peach trees need a well-drained location with nutrient-rich soil and minimal stress. The most common problem for a peach tree is that it gets too wet in a heavy soil. If you have lost a peach tree, it is important that you not plant the new tree in the same spot and that you make sure you are planting in a well-drained site or on a berm.
What variety of _____ should I plant?
There are numerous cultivars available of most types of fruit. The publication linked below lists some of the most common varieties that will do well here, but there are many others you could consider trying as well. The key is to make sure they will tolerate both hot and cold weather and the type of soil you have.
How do I prevent premature nut drop and wormy nuts on my pecan trees?
Premature nut drop is frequently caused by nuts that have been infested with Pecan Nut Casebearer. "Wormy" nuts at harvest are frequently caused by Pecan weevil. Sprays are needed to control these pests, but are difficult on large pecan trees without specialized equipment. See the publication linked below for more information on Growing Pecans in Kansas.
