Steve Renquist

Retired

Content by Steve Renquist

Why don't my pears get ripe?

Q: I have lived in Roseburg for 30 years, where this used to be all pear orchard years prior. I have one large pear tree from that period that bears over 2000 pears annually. Besides many being worm infested, as a whole, ...

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Why are my blackberries variegated?

Q: For more than ten years, we have raised a thornless blackberry cultivar with large, succulent berries. They don't have as much sweet flavor as wild blackberries, but are sure a lot easier to pick! The problem is some of ...

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Fruit thinning

There are several reasons to thin tree fruits: to increase fruit size, ensure a good crop each year, and protect limbs from breakage. Learn how to thin various types of fruit trees.

Steve Renquist | Jul 2018 | Article

Fertilizing fruit trees

Fruit trees like apples, pears and prunes generally need fertilizer. Learn how to match your orchard's needs with the macronutrients the soil can provide.

Steve Renquist | May 2018 | Article

I have droopy asparagus, what can I do?

Q: We have had a wonderful patch of Jersey Giant asparagus for the past twenty five years. This year, we have something "infecting" a few of the clumps of our asparagus and we can't identify it. It appears to be some kind of wilt or virus?

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Do madrone trees harm my garden?

Q: I have a small grove of Madrones behind my house. I have put a couple of annual beds under them but nothing seems to grow under them. I have looked all over the net to no avail on this issue. I did amend the ...

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What exotic fruits do well in Oregon?

Q: What kind of exotic fruit trees can I grow in Oregon? I want to give it a shot, but not if there isn't a chance that I'll get any fruit.

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Recognize the Symptoms and Causes of Stunted Growth in Vineyards

Spring frost, herbicide drift, water or nutrient stress, diseases, and insect and mite pests can cause similar symptoms of stunting or distorted growth in grapevines. Recognizing the symptoms and distinguishing their causes is the ...

Patricia A. Skinkis, Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Clive Kaiser, Steve Renquist, Steve Castagnoli, Rick Hilton, Linda Brewer | Jan 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Planting and caring for a fruit tree

Planting a new fruit tree? Dig a big hole, wait to apply fertilizer and keep an eye on pests. Here are more quick tips for taking care of your transplanted tree.

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Fruit tree integrated pest management

A look at integrated pest management in "Concepts from Start to Finish".

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Home Orchard Concepts from Start to Finish

The philosophy for this online source is to provide the home gardener with OSU publications, research, and news items that are related to the home orchard and garden.

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Collection

Why have an orchard?

A look at the benefits of growing an orchard at home.

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Fruit tree pest management

Homeowners often consider pest management the most difficult part of raising fruit. Most people either lack the knowledge to identify and control insect pests and diseases, or they dread having to spray chemicals to protect their...

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Fruit tree selection

How to choose the right fruit trees for your property.

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Fruit tree site considerations

Climate, soil, water and chilling all effect which fruit trees will do best on your property. Here's what to consider.

Steve Renquist | May 2015 | Article

Cherry tree grafting, how and when?

Q: The top (grafted part) of our dwarf cherry tree died. We have other cherry trees and would like to graft a new top on it. What is the best type of graft to make?

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Should I plant fruit trees now or wait?

Q: We want (and in some ways must) plant an orchard this fall, but I'm having a hard time figuring out where to get trees at that time of year. Also, there is a lot of information about early spring planting time, but ...

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Will ladybugs ruin my garden?

Q: Can ladybugs kill plants in my vegetable garden?

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Restore those old fruit trees

You have been looking at that large, old, unkempt fruit tree in your yard for some time, wondering what to do with it. Should you save the tree, or remove it and start over? Let's look at what's involved in restoring a neglected fruit tree to health.

Steve Renquist | Jun 2014 | Article

My Apple Trees need Help!

Q: I have 5 apple trees and last year the growth was stunted with only 3-4 inches/year and also infested with apple maggots. I don't like the fly traps as one time a small bird was caught, probably following the moth. Is ...

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Prevention and Management of Grapevine Leafroll Virus and Mealybugs in Oregon Vineyards

This document suggests practices believed to mitigate the spread of disease and virus.

Spanish: Prevención y manejo del virus del enrollamiento de la hoja y de los piojos harinosos en viñedos del estado de Oregon

Vaughn Walton, Amy J. Dreves, Patricia A. Skinkis, Clive Kaiser, Rick Hilton, Steve Castagnoli, Steve Renquist | Oct 2009 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How much does it cost to grow and raise a fruit tree?

What a pleasure it is biting into a crisp, sweet apple you grew yourself! But when you start adding up the labor and expenses involved in growing your own fruit, the prospect becomes less appetizing. Take a realistic look at all that it takes to grow just two apple trees in your backyard.

Steve Renquist | Jun 2006 | Article

Don’t be fooled, figs grow fine in western Oregon

Drought-tolerant plants need yearly pruning

Kym Pokorny | Aug 5, 2016 | News story

Many water-wise trees are available for home gardens

Need help finding a drought tolerant tree?

May 4, 2007 | News story

Get a leg up on fruit tree problems with dormant oils

Applying dormant sprays – Superior oil, copper and sulfur – helps control nasty pests and diseases like codling moths and apple scab.

Kym Pokorny | Dec 24, 2020 | News story

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