…and the “Intrastate” Connections That Have Kept It Alive —by Jack Kertesz, November 2020 This is not a story of the discovery of some ancient apple variety, nor is it the story of one that will alter the course of future plant breeding. It is the story of a chance…
—by Jack Kertesz, submitted March 2020 Evidence exists of deliberate nut tree planting efforts, primarily directed by a few individuals, some of which have occasionally spread to outlying communities. The remaining trees or stands could provide valuable genetic material and a realistic glimpse at the potential for these tree crops…
Sterilized Pruning Tools: Nuisance or Necessity? by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Washington State University Puyallup Research and Extension Center. (pdf post) Excerpts from a Feb-2020 discussion: Aaron Parker: I have always used rubbing alcohol. What i have heard is that to be really effective you need to put it on and…
by Jack Kertesz One could name this “Cascade” crab, but it’s real name still remains a mystery. This is the “Waterville P.O.” crab. It generated some interest at Great Maine Apple Day. The flavor is unique, perhaps a bit winey. They are a delight to snack on and rather large…
Also see related article on Jack’s DIY Holster for Wheeler Orchard Saws. by Jack Kertesz Maybe 30 years ago, Arthur Harvey made and sold replacement blades for Wheeler Orchard Saws. Have a look at these, made from bandsaw blades, and then check out the models and their specs. Arthur is…
How to Clean and Sharpen Your Pruners A UNH publication from January, 2018. Includes a step-by-step video. How-To Maintenance Videos For Your Felco Hand Pruner from The Pruner Warehouse . Sterilizing Pruning Tools. Advice and discussion by MTCA members. Jack Kertesz I’ve been tinkering with some pruners and trying to…
— by Jack Kertesz The tools displayed here are HACKS. (Check https://farmhack.org/tools to see what innovative farmers are up to.) These are attempts to produce effective hand tools that can be made locally or DIY, at a reduced cost. All could use some final adjustments to make them more durable…
The Acornucopia Project , an Ashville, N.C.-based group dedicated to learning more about using acorns. “There’s plenty to go around and more to be had. — Old squirrel proverb.” Their mission is “to develop perennial based agriculture as an economically viable, environmentally beneficial, and socially dignified human endeavor.” Lots of…
Newsletter No.15, Spring 1991 What’s in this issue… Introduction………………… 1 Fall Fruit Swap……………….1 Calendar…………………… 1 Gleanings on Woody Ornamentals .2 Supplies…………………….2 Bored to Death………………. 3 Nut News………………….. 3 Literature of Note ………..4,5 & 6 Notable Nursery…………….. 6 Conservation Tree Sale………… 6 Business Cards We’d Like to See… 7 Fedco Trees…
NEWSLETTER #4, SPRING 1984 Some people may view the idea of tree crops as nothing more than a fleeting trend. Perhaps an inherent stubbornness and impatience keeps them from seeing the forest of tree uses, their practicality, perseverance and grace. Thor Heyerdahl, in one of his first visits to a…
