Soil Qualities to Optimize New Orchard Growth
Mike Basedow, Tree Fruit Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
As a follow up to our soil health session at the 2022 Cornell Tree Fruit Conference, I thought I would briefly discuss what I consider to be some of the key characteristics of a high-quality orchard soil. I think a good way to think about this is by thinking through what some of the key functions of an orchard soil are.
Soil Qualities to Optimize New Orchard Growth (pdf; 303KB)
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
Capital Region Orchard Twilight Meeting
August 11, 2026
Rexford, NY
Join the ENYCHP and Cornell scientists on August 11 for the Capital Region Orchard Twilight meeting in Saratoga! We will be touring Bowman Orchards and reviewing seasonal recommendations for pests and diseases for apples, plums, and berries, as well discussing crop insurance.
NYSDEC Pesticide Applicator Recertification Credits: 1.25 in categories 22, 1A, & 10. Refreshments will be provided.
Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.
Champlain Valley Orchard Storage Meeting
August 26, 2026
Chazy, NY
Join various experts from Cornell and Cooperative Extension at an orchard storage meeting for the Champlain Valley in Chazy from 1 to 4PM on August 26th. Free to attend, however we do ask that you register ahead so we know how many people to expect.