This Saturday (June 7th) 10 AM to noon, at the NE Seattle Magnuson Park demo orchard, STFS members and friends are thinning apple fruitlets then covering remaining fruitlets with either individual maggot barriers or netting over the entire tree. Everyone is welcome.
To brush up on fruitlet barrier protection, fruitlet thinning and insects that damage PNW apple fruitlets, check out STFS USP newsletter 39 05 2021 May.
Don’t want to fruitlet thin or bag/drape? Saturday’s participants can also help STFS by pruning the “D”s and rootstock suckers or weed creeping buttercup underneath fruit trees.
Maggot barriers will be available for purchase with cash or personal check. 100 heavy weave maggot barriers per package priced at $10 per package. Small quantities of maggot barriers are also available free for attendees to take and test in their backyard orchards. Paying with cash, exact change would be very helpful. Please make personal checks out to “STFS”. All money goes to STFS. Thanks.
The STFS Maggot Barrier How-To webpage offers advice on barrier protecting fruitlets and has been recently updated to include STFS Life member Lori B.’s procedure for applying NovaSource Surround kaolin clay to maggot barriers for added protection. Yes, Surround can only be purchased in 25-pound bags, but STFS Life member Marilyn T. has graciously donated her nearly 25-pound bag to interested attendees. Free 1-cup containers of Surround will be available on Saturday for anyone following Lori B.’s online instructions.
Currently, the Magnuson orchard floor is being cleared to bare ground including removal of the grass alleyways in order to accommodate more fruit plants. Online Magnuson orchard planted varieties map shows what’s already in the ground mostly planted over 20 years ago. What should STFS plant to better demonstrate the fruits that can thrive in PNW backyard orchards? Do you have any uniquely PNW fruit plants, scion or cuttings which you could donate for planting into the Magnuson orchard? Please forward your ideas to STFS’s email (seattletreefruitsociety@gmail.com).
Meet: At the Magnuson Park demo orchard sign installed by longtime STFS member and one of Magnuson Garden’s bests Jerry Packard (RIP).
Google Maps for Magnuson Orchard by The Brig Bldg, 6344 NE 74th St, Sea, WA 98115 (47.682388, -122.259640)
Free Parking in front of The Brig Bldg and Magnuson Orchard.
Bring: Everything you need for being outside 2 hours with a small group of people. Tools that you use to snip fruitlet stems which might include trauma scissor, snubbed wire cutter, heavy duty toenail trimmer, maybe this nifty fruitlet pruning tool or just your nimble digits. Your own snacks and liquid refreshments. You can decide whether to share or not.
Dress: For light outdoor physical activities and weather which is expected to be almost PNW hot (nearly 80 F) and sunny.
Facilities: Spare … Closest toilet is port-a-potty by green P-Patch shed behind The Brig. (Got TP?)…Indoor tennis center across intersection may also allow use of indoor plumbed toilets.
Questions?: Email seattletreefruitsociety@gmail.com