The Home Orchard

by Chuck Ingels

Chuck Ingels is the Sacramento County Farm Advisor and is the acknowledged authority on fruit and nut trees in California. This is our go-to book for any orchard questions. If you can buy only one book on the subject, this should be your choice.

Developed especially for backyard orchardists, rare fruit growers, and small scale producers. Focuses on methods that can be used by the hobbyist. A comprehensive look at standard practices as well as some unique practices developed by enthusiasts. The essential book for anyone growing fruit trees at home.

Softcover. 202 pages. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Publication 3485. 2007

The University of California reference is especially useful for western home orchards, where climate, irrigation, pruning, pests, and harvest timing interact. Use it to build a year-round management calendar, then adapt the details to the species, rootstock, and local extension guidance. Confirm current pesticide labels and quarantine rules separately, since registrations and invasive-pest requirements can change after publication.

Browse more practical references in our Gardening Books collection.