Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle? with Derek Barbe and Chrisina Balint

Explore what soil biology can reveal about fruit tree health - and how compost, mulch, root-zone conditions, observation, and ongoing care can help fruit trees thrive.Susan visits two community orchards in Peterborough, Ontario, with Christina Balint of GreenUP, where trees planted around roughly the same time are growing very differently. With soil microscopy expert Derek Barbe, they investigate what might be happening beneath the trees. Resources from our guests:Christina Balint | GreenUPThe orchards featured in this episode are part of a larger network of community orchards cared for by volunteers with support from GreenUP and community partners.Peterborough Community Orchard StewardsRead Christina's story: Peterborough's community orchards are growing more than fruitExplore GreenUP volunteer opportunitiesSupport GreenUP's workDerek Barbe | Soil microscopyFor those interested in exploring soil biology further, Derek recommends:Soil Food Web Certified Listing Directory — find a practitioner near youFor those interested in going deeper, Derek also recommends this resource featuring Dr. Elaine Ingham, founder of the Soil Food Web School:Explore Derek's recommended Soil Food Web resource---------------------The host of the Orchard People radio show and podcast is Susan Poizner of the fruit tree care education website www.orchardpeople.com.  Susan is the author of four books on fruit tree care. Learn more here: https://orchardpeople.com/books/HOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCAST📺 Video Podcast: Watch the recorded episode anytime on our YouTube Podcast Playlist.🎧 Audio Podcast: Download the podcast and listen on your favorite app after it airs.🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Why do some fruit trees thrive while others struggle?" and find the video and podcast links there too! --------------------- ✍️ Do you want to learn to grow organic fruit trees successfully? Sign up for OrchardPeople.com's free monthly newsletter at https://orchardpeople.com/sign-up/FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GROWING FRUIT TREES THAT THRIVE:✂️ How to Prune Fruit Trees:https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-prune-and-train-fruit-trees/🪲 Fruit Tree Pests and Diseases:https://orchardpeople.com/protecting-fruit-trees-from-pests-and-diseases/🌳 How to Feed Fruit Trees:https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-feed-fruit-trees/🍎 The Best Fruit Trees to Grow:https://orchardpeople.com/best-fruit-trees-to-grow/🌱 How to Graft Fruit Trees:https://orchardpeople.com/how-to-graft-fruit-trees/WHERE TO BUY FRUIT TREE CARE BOOKS AND PRODUCTS:📗Buy Fruit Tree Care Books (including Susan's books) Here:https://orchardpeople.com/books/🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other ProductsThese show notes may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a small commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!