Twospotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae
The most common spider mite, the twospotted spider mite, is a general feeder that attacks a wide variety of plants. Learn about its biology and management in this article…
Tree Fruits
Many different types of fruit trees can be grown in the home garden, depending on the space and growing conditions available. From apples to plums to peaches sure to be a tree fruit you can successfully grow at home. Read up to make sure you have the right soil, sun and winter conditions for each fruit, then select cultivars for your growing area.
Featured Fruit Articles
Home Fruit Cultivars for Southern Wisconsin
Find out which fruit cultivars are recommended for Southern Wisconsin. This publication describes flavor, ripening date, winter hardiness, and more, and includes tree fruits, stone fruits and small fruits.
Fruit and Frost
Wisconsin always has a risk of spring frosts, which can injure or kill flowers or immature fruit. This factsheet outlines critical temperatures and describes ways to protect against late season frosts.
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Articles
Training and Pruning Apple Trees
Author(s): Amaya Atucha, T.R. Roper Properly pruning apple trees will maximize healthy fruit production. Pruning is also necessary to remove dead, diseased, and damaged wood, to increase light penetration, to heal wounds and reduce disease, to manage fruit load, and to maintain the shape and size of the tree. There are consequences of not pruning, […]
Root Rots in the Garden
Root rot is a general term that describes any disease where the causal organism attacks and leads to the deterioration of a plant’s root system. Learn about root roots and their management in this factsheet.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are often overlooked because they are immobile and look like small bumps that just might be plant parts. Learn more about this group of inconspicuous and atypical insects in this article…
Growing Pears in Wisconsin
Pears are among the easiest tree fruits to grow. This 28-page publication covers everything you need to know for successful fruit production, from planting through harvest.
Fruit Crop Pollination
For fruit to develop, proper pollination must occur. This publication describes which crops require pollen from a different cultivar to set fruit, and which can set fruit on their own.
Hardiness Maps
Maps related to cold hardiness zones so you can choose plants that can survive winter in your area.
Indoor Citrus
Even though we can’t grow oranges and grapefruits outdoors in the Midwest, it is possible to keep a citrus tree as a houseplant. Learn about the history of citrus and growing them as houseplants here.
Reducing Soil pH
Proper soil pH allows plants to efficiently take up nutrients. Learn how to reduce high soil pH in this factsheet.
When Are Apples Ripe?
This factsheet helps you determine when various apple cultivars are ripe and ready to pick, as well as provides tips on harvesting and storing your bounty.
Home Fruit Insecticides
Managing fruit corp insect pests can be very challenging, and should involve an “integrated pest management” approach. This factsheet lists potential pesticides that may be appropriate.
Mulches for Home Gardens and Plantings
Boost your garden’s production with mulches. This publication shows when to use organic mulches, like bark or leaves, and synthetic mulches, like plastic sheets, and teaches how to apply them.
