Fertilizing fruit trees

 We moved to a new homestead in Alabama this January. It is in Zone 8. I’ve planted peach, plum, apple, and pear trees. All are doing well and are 4-6 feet tall. I water them every other day and wonder if they need to be fertilized before winter. The ground here is sandy but I planted them in $1000 holes with a lot of composted hay/horse manure. I don’t know how to label the horse manure; what number to give it. Thanks for your pictures and advice, I look forward to your emails and articles.

Alecia Lee
Salem, Alabama

No, don’t fertilize this fall. You’ve already given those trees a good start. Just keep ’em watered and they’ll be fine. In the spring, mulch well with rotted manure right out to the drip line or more. That will fertilize them, keep the grass/weeds down, and help hold moisture in the soil around the roots. Be sure to wrap your tree trunks with screen or hardware cloth to prevent voles or rabbits from eating the tender bark of the trunk. — Jackie

Canning peach juice

Have you ever canned peach juice? If so, could you pass on the recipe/guidelines?
 
Lynda King
Bolton, Massachusetts

Not lately, as we don’t have enough peaches available; they are $37 a lug here! But back when I was a newer homesteader in Michigan, I did. And it’s easier today as we have steam juicers, such as my Mehu Liisa. With a steam juicer, just cut the peaches in quarters, removing the pit. Then fill the fruit container and add water to the lower unit. Turn on the heat and extract the juice. If you don’t have or can’t borrow a juicer, pit the peaches and dice them. Put in a large pot with minimal water and mash them with a potato masher. Heat under medium heat, stirring frequently so they don’t stick and scorch. When the fruit is very soft, dump into a jelly bag and let drip until finished.

To can the juice, place in a kettle and slowly heat, adding sugar or other sweetener if desired to taste (optional). Ladle out into hot jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Process in a boiling water bath for 20 minutes (pints) or 25 minutes (quarts). — Jackie

Growing Bill Bean tomatoes

Do you think that Bill Bean tomato will grow in south Carolina? A very impressive tomato!

Sam Stevens
Aiken, South Carolina

Heck yes! And they taste SO good, too! — Jackie

Using Aronia berries

Regular reader of your blog and always look forward to it. Would like to know if you have any suggestions for using Aronia Berries other than juice and jelly. Have an overabundance of them this year and hate to see them go to waste.

Craig Lough
Hawks, Michigan

Our motto here is “Waste Not, Want Not.” So here are a few suggestions for using your berries. Can them up in half pints using the same directions as for blueberries. Then you can use them in recipes calling for blueberries or any other fruit, such as muffins, quick breads, pancakes, etc. Or dry them as they re-hydrate nicely and you can save room by dehydrating and storing many in a very small container. Just lay them out on a dehydrator tray and dehydrate until small and hard. — Jackie