Episodios

  • How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees (and What to Try Next) with Ariel Agenbroad

    How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees (and What to Try Next) with Ariel Agenbroad
    Mar 31 2026
    What do all those numbers on a soil test actually mean?In this episode of the Orchard People podcast, Susan Poizner speaks with soil educator Ariel Agenbroad about how to read a soil test for fruit trees and how to interpret results like pH, organic matter, nitrogen, and electrical conductivity.Extension Professor Ariel Agenbroad has been working with urban farmers, gardeners and community members for over 18 years through University of Idaho Extension. Her love of plants, people and the natural world shape her programs and her approach to education. She is currently involved with a community orchard at Spaulding Ranch, a one of a kind historic agricultural park owned by the City of Boise.Together, they explore how soil tests can guide your decisions—without overcorrecting or rushing to “fix” your soil.You’ll learn: how to interpret soil test results in context why pH matters for nutrient availability what organic matter levels really tell you why nitrogen is difficult to measure accurately how to build healthier soil over time If you’re just getting started, you may also want to check out the podcast on how to evaluate your soil before planting fruit trees, also with Ariel.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. IS READING YOUR THING?🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace. 🌐 Article: Read the companion article linked to the show "How to Read a Soil Test for Fruit Trees: What Your Results Really Tell You" and find the video and podcast links there too! 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://learn.orchardpeople.com/books✍️ 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 premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/. Additional Resources on this topic:Managing Cover Crops Profitably: https://www.sare.org/resources/managing-cover-crops-profitably-3rd-edition/ (available free online or in print)Cover Cropping for Beneficials Guide: https://www.sare.org/resources/cover-cropping-for-pollinators-and-beneficial-insects/Oregon State University Cover Crop Calculator: https://smallfarms.oregonstate.edu/calculatorCompilation of Washington State University Organic Orchard Floor Management resources, including Cover Cropping: https://tfrec.cahnrs.wsu.edu/organicag/tree-fruit/orchard-floor-management/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://learn.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!
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    51 m
  • Evaluate Your Soil Before Planting Fruit Trees with Ariel Agenbroad

    Evaluate Your Soil Before Planting Fruit Trees with Ariel Agenbroad
    Feb 24 2026

    Learn how to evaluate your soil before planting fruit trees with Ariel Agenbroad, Area extension educator in community food systems and small farms at the University of Idaho Extension, Boise, Idaho, on this episode of the Orchard People Radio Podcast.


    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://learn.orchardpeople.com/books


    She is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.com


    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.

    IS READING YOUR THING?

    🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

    🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Evaluate Your Soil Before Planting Fruit Trees" 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 premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchaCheckingrdpeople.com/.


    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://learn.orchardpeople.com/books

    🪚Buy Fruit Tree Pruning Tools and Other Products


    These 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!
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    25 m
  • How to Grow Fruit Trees Organically: Start Here (Orchard People Podcast Trailer)

    How to Grow Fruit Trees Organically: Start Here (Orchard People Podcast Trailer)
    Jan 1 2026

    How do you grow healthy, productive fruit trees — without guesswork? In this trailer, Susan Poizner introduces the Orchard People Podcast and explains how the show helps home growers, gardeners, and orchardists understand their trees and grow organic fruit trees with confidence.


    For over 10 years, Susan has interviewed leading experts and orchardists from around the world, sharing practical, science-based advice on pruning, watering, soil care, pest and disease prevention, choosing varieties, and more. This teaser will show you what the podcast is all about and where to begin.


    New episodes will appear from time to time, but the real treasure is the evergreen library — packed with conversations you can return to again and again as your trees grow.


    Listen, learn, and enjoy your fruit trees.


    Sign up for updates: OrchardPeople.com/sign-up

    Explore more resources: OrchardPeople.com
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    2 m
  • Best Fruit Trees To Grow with James Kaechele

    Best Fruit Trees To Grow with James Kaechele
    Dec 30 2025

    Learn how to choose the right fruit trees for real communities in real climates with James Kaechele, an ISA Certified Master Arborist and Program Arborist at the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation (FTPF). FTPF is a nonprofit organization that plants orchards across the United States and around the world.

    Also, consider joining Susan's Book Development Team if you are passionate about fruit trees and would love to help shape her new books.

    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

    The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.


    📺 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.


    IS READING YOUR THING?

    🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

    🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Best Fruit Trees to Grow: Choosing the Right Trees for Your Climate (Warm, Cold & Tropical)" 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/


    These 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!


    • (00:00) - Introduction and the Best Fruit Tree Question
    • (00:25) - Meet James Kaechele from the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
    • (00:53) - Understanding the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation
    • (04:55) - The Importance of Staggering the Harvest
    • (07:06) - Disease-Resistant Fruit Trees
    • (10:04) - Case Study: Warm Climate Planting
    • (12:11) - Selecting Trees Based on Hardiness Zones and Chill Hours
    • (19:22) - Implementing the Planting Plan
    • (26:06) - Recommended Cultivars for Warm Climates
    • (28:54) - Self-Pollinating Persimmons
    • (30:06) - Cold Hardy Apples in Wisconsin
    • (35:06) - Challenges of Urban Planting
    • (36:02) - Preparing for Tree Planting
    • (38:55) - International Tree Planting Projects
    • (40:05) - Fruit Trees in Peru
    • (45:07) - Climate Change and Tree Selection
    • (46:35) - Mulching and Pollinator Gardens
    • (51:08) - Community Impact of Fruit Trees
    • (55:23) - Farewell and Future Plans
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    1 h
  • Fruit Tree Garden Tour UK: Exploring Sustainable Gardening, Espalier, Regenerative Orchard & Community Farming

    Fruit Tree Garden Tour UK: Exploring Sustainable Gardening, Espalier, Regenerative Orchard & Community Farming
    Nov 25 2025
    Join Susan on a "live tour" and explore how fruit tree heritage and culture continue to thrive in the United Kingdom, in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.This journey will show you how fruit trees are ingrained into the culture and history: The historic town of LudlowFormal collections and sustainable gardening practices at the RHS Garden WisleyFruit tree training and design featuring various forms of espalier, at the Newt in SomersetRegenerative growing and rare heritage varieties at Chiltern Heritage OrchardCooperative farming and growing at the Highbridge Community FarmAlso, consider joining Susan's Book Development Team if you are passionate about fruit trees.Gain access to audio diaries, ask questions, and an early copy when it's ready!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/booksHOW TO TUNE IN TO OUR PODCASTThe show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.📺 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.IS READING YOUR THING?🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fruit Tree Garden Tour: Exploring Sustainable Gardening, Espalier, Regenerative Orchard & Community Farming" 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/These 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!(00:00) - Introduction to the UK's Fruit Tree Heritage(01:27) - Exploring Wisley RHS Garden(04:46) - Holistic Fruit Tree Growing at Wisley(07:48) - Chiltern Heritage Orchards: A Regenerative Approach(13:31) - The Artistic Fruit Trees of The Newt in Somerset(24:06) - Community and Connection at Highbridge Community Farm(33:52) - Conclusion and Invitation to Join the Book Development Team
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    36 m
  • UK Apple Cultivars and Red Fleshed Apples at Frank P Matthews Nursery with Steph Dunn James

    UK Apple Cultivars and Red Fleshed Apples at Frank P Matthews Nursery with Steph Dunn James
    Oct 28 2025

    Join Susan on a "live tour" in search for fruit tree wisdom and inspiration, and learn how new apple cultivars are developed, with Steph Dunn James of Frank P Matthews Nursery, in this episode of the Orchard People Radio Show.

    The Frank P Matthews Nursery is a family-run and Plant Healthy certified business that has been growing fruit trees and serving customers since 1901 (more than 120 years!) in Worcestershire, UK.

    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

    The show airs on the last Tuesday of every month on RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! While it’s no longer live, you can still watch or listen anytime—and catch the recorded podcast anytime afterward.


    📺 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.


    IS READING YOUR THING?

    🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.

    🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Where to Buy Fruit Trees? Choose a Specialist Fruit Tree Nursery Near You" 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/


    These 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!


    • (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
    • (00:34) - Interview with Steph Dunn James
    • (01:45) - Tour of the Nursery
    • (02:49) - Mother Trees and Propagation
    • (04:37) - New Varieties and Breeding
    • (07:57) - Exploring Crabapples
    • (13:17) - Historic Collections and Creativity
    • (15:55) - Espalier Trees and Maintenance
    • (20:15) - Ensuring Customer Success
    • (23:23) - Conclusion and Future Episodes
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    25 m
  • Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers

    Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers
    Sep 30 2025
    How do you know if your soil is truly thriving?Soil microscopy can give you the answer by actually seeing who's living in your soil.Learn how to identify who's there, encourage the good guys, and build a living soil that feeds your trees naturally with Matt Powers.Matt is a bestselling author, an educator, a citizen scientist, and the creator of the website regenerativesoilscience.com.He’s also a family man who teaches people around the world how to live more regeneratively.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://learn.orchardpeople.com/booksShe is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.comHOW 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.📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET!IS READING YOUR THING?🌐 Transcript: Read the full conversation at your own pace.🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Harnessing the Power of Soil Microscopy for Fruit Trees" 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 premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/. 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/MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:Healthy soil (Bury your briefs test)Homemade foliar sprayRegenerative sprayBiocharWood chipsBeneficial nematodesThese 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!(00:00) - #120 Soil Microscopy for Healthy Fruit Trees with Matt Powers(01:19) - Exploring Soil Microscopy(01:37) - Interview with Matt Powers(03:04) - Understanding Soil Testing and Microscopy(05:05) - The Role of Microbes in Soil Health(11:08) - Practical Soil Testing Techniques(20:23) - Water Quality and Soil Testing(29:45) - Balancing Fungi and Bacteria in Soil(30:37) - Introduction to microBIOMETER and Its Benefits(31:38) - Understanding Fungal and Bacterial Ratios(32:28) - Exploring Nematodes and Their Role(35:16) - Amoeba and Their Interactions(39:24) - The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi(43:26) - Endophytes: Microbes Inside Plants(51:07) - Microscope Technology and Its Applications(53:54) - Conclusion and Resources
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    55 m
  • Fruit Tree Garden Design with Colleen Dieter

    Fruit Tree Garden Design with Colleen Dieter
    Aug 26 2025
    Learn how to design a fruit tree garden that fits your local climate and landscape with Colleen Dieter.Colleen is an ISA Certified Arborist, a landscape consultant and owner of Red Wheelbarrow Landscape, the founder of Central Texas Seed Savers, an organization preventing extinction of valuable Texas plants.Colleen is also a proud graduate of Susan's online courses at orchardpeople.com!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://learn.orchardpeople.com/booksShe is also the creator of five-star rated premium online fruit tree care education at: https://learn.orchardpeople.comHOW 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.📻 Radio: Tune in to RealityRadio101 at 1:00 PM ET! 🌐 Article: Read the article linked to the show "Fruit Tree Garden Design: Cultivating Your Backyard Orchard" 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 premium fruit tree care education visit: https://learn.orchardpeople.com/. 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/MORE PODCASTS TO EXPLORE WITH RELATED TOPICS:Best Apple Trees for Warm Climates with Larry StephensonHow to Choose the Right Fruit Tree with Josh DavisHybrid Persimmons with Darren Bender-BeauregardFig Propagation with Sam HubertIrrigation Systems for Fruit TreesGrowing Fruit Trees in the Desert with Greg Peterson, and Native Edibles with Russ CohenKnow Your Fruit Tree's Name with Jason Adkins, and Brown Turkey Fig Trees in Philly with Erica Smith FichmanThese 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!(00:00) - Introduction and Community Orchard Beginnings(01:03) - Guest Introduction: Colleen Dieter(01:27) - Designing Fruit Tree Gardens(02:32) - Client Consultation and Common Issues(07:42) - Fruit Varieties for Austin's Climate(18:46) - Soil Considerations and Solutions(28:13) - Community Orchards: Challenges and Solutions(33:25) - Urban Orchards and Pruning Techniques(34:30) - Common Mistakes in Fruit Tree Planting(35:37) - Choosing the Right Trees for Urban Orchards(37:19) - The Benefits of Planting Younger Trees(43:16) - Designing and Planting an Orchard(47:34) - Central Texas Seed Savers and Fruit Tree Preservation(52:56) - The Importance of Gardening and Civilization(56:00) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    57 m