Organic Fruit Trees in Tennessee

Organic Apple Trees

• One way to help ensure a healthy harvest without the use of chemical pesticides is to select disease-resistant cultivars. For the home orchard grower, Ohio State University Extension recommends Pristine, William's Pride, Redfree, Liberty and Goldrush apple trees. Kaolin clay can be sprayed on organic apple trees and will protect against mites, moths and other infestations. Kaolin is an edible mineral used for years in the food industry. Mixtures of manure, compost and hay make for effective fertilizer on any organic fruit tree.

Organic Pear Trees

• According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website, pears are likely the easiest fruit tree to grow organically in the United States. Because these fruit trees' fertility requirements are low, they fare well in a wide range of soil types and climates. One of the most dangerous pests of the pear tree is the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, or fireblight. There are a number of fireblight-resistant cultivars of the pear tree that are suitable for Tennessee's climate, including Ayers, Moon Glow, Honeysweet and Blake's Pride. Asian pear trees, less tolerant of cold than European varieties, tend to thrive in areas such as Tennessee. One advantage of the Asian variety of pear tree is that the fruit ripens on the tree, whereas European pears must be picked and cured before eating.

Organic Peach Trees

• Because of its more arid climate, Tennessee's organic peach trees can be grown without as much concern for fungal infections that eastern states experience. Again, selecting pest- and disease-resistant cultivars will make it much easier to produce peaches organically. The University of Missouri Extension recommends Harbelle, Harken, Topaz and Loring as disease-resistant peach tree cultivars. Keeping organic peach trees healthy can go a long way in preventing an infestation. Compost, manure, limestone, kelp and gypsum can be added to the soil and strengthen the trees' natural resistance.

Organic Plum Trees

• Japanese plum trees are considered more hardy and disease-resistant and will yield larger crops as compared to most of the European varieties. For home orchard growers, the Japanese varieties may be the easiest to manage in an organic garden. Plums are susceptible to a number of damaging pests, including the fungal disease known as black knot. Black knot is identified by the distorted gall-like growths on the plum tree's branches. Pruning off the knots by cutting several inches below them is an organic method of treating an infection. Pruning equipment should be sterilized after use with a 10 percent bleach solution.