We all want to grow fruit as a wonderful addition to the garden, but it seems like only once every couple years we get our trees to produce. The climate up here in Navajo and Apache counties is quite unkind to fruit trees from January-April with a faux spring tricking buds into prematurely blossoming and then all it takes is one frigid frost and strong wind to take them out.

But local Vernon orchardist (yes, that’s a word) Don Bawden (pictured above) has unlocked some of the secrets of successful fruit tree growing in this area.

Don will be conducting a free, three-hour workshop on how to create an orchard in Apache County this Thursday, Jan. 26, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lodestar Gardens. Join us as we discuss the do’s and don’ts of orchard making with Don!

ADVISORY: Portions of the road to Lodestar Gardens, especially the final straightaway up to the gate, are very muddy and snowy. Low-clearance vehicles may have difficulty with the conditions. If you are in need of assistance or would like a ride to the property from the turnoff on County Road 8220, please call (928) 587-1660.

If you’re in need of a map and directions to Lodestar Gardens, please contact Barbara Hockabout (bhockabout@gmail.com; (928) 587-1660).

Bring your questions and your notebook. Don is a wealth of first-hand information including specific recommendations for varieties of trees conducive to our climate, as well as how to begin preparing your turf to receive trees. He will elaborate on the first steps to planting an orchard: assessing our food producing needs, assessing our locations (direction of wind, soil sample), creating our orchard plans (pulling out competing trees), working the soil, purchasing bags of fertilizer (N-P-K), preparing to dig holes (shovels or backhoes), and planning irrigation.