If you grow tree crops, you’re betting on a future you won’t fully see. You might spend years planting, pruning, and protecting young trees before they hit their middle age, all while hearing that the climate in 2050 may look nothing like the climate you grew up with. It’s natural to wonder: “Am I pouring … Read more
In the Growing From Seed articles, I mentioned growing seedlings the first growing season in an air pruning bed. I’ve had pretty good success in developing a strong, fibrous root structure the first year by growing seedlings with this method. This material list is if you wish to build a 2’x8’x 10” deep bed. There’s … Read more
Hicans represent an intriguing option for agroforestry practitioners seeking to expand nut production into regions where traditional pecans struggle. These naturally occurring hybrids between hickories and pecans combine the cold hardiness and adaptability of hickories with the thinner-shelled nuts more typical of pecans. While less well-known than their parent species, hicans offer unique advantages for … Read more
In researching some of the chestnut cultivars in the UMCA “Descriptions of Chestnut Cultivars for Nut Production in the Eastern and Midwestern United States”, I saw that someone named ‘E.A. Riehl’ was listed in these. Imagine my surprise that his farm was in Godfrey, Illinois, just up the bluff from Piasa Harbor. Our family had … Read more
There are some plants that were popularized based on good intentions, and some that genuinely have almost all good qualities, and no serious negatives. Some are ecological disasters wrapped in good intentions, and autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) is exhibit A. When we bought our property, autumn olive was already here—hundreds of stems colonizing every wooded … Read more
January 2, 2026 Recently, I spent a day at the farm. It was mild for mid-December, with the temperature reaching 40*F. The first sign of an off day was that I was stopped at a train crossing, an uncommon occurrence. (The passing train was uncommon, not me stopping at a train crossing) But it was … Read more
December 12, 2025 Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I use or would use on my own farm. Read my full disclosure policy. When I tell people I planted 4 grafted chestnut … Read more