In collaboration with Santa Fe County, New Mexico State University's Santa Fe County Cooperative Extension Service will host a new educational series focused on fruit tree and berry orchard production. 

The free series, Holistic Fruit Tree and Berry Orchard Establishment and Management, will take place on select dates this summer and continue into the fall at the Santa Fe County Open Space, Trails and Parks Pojoaque Sports Field, County Road 84 in Jacona, New Mexico. 

Designed for landowners, aspiring orchardists, hobby gardeners and horticulture enthusiasts, the program will guide participants through the process of selecting, planting and managing a small- to medium-sized fruit and berry orchard. The series also emphasizes putting land and water to beneficial use while adhering to traditional and cultural agricultural practices, alongside the adoption of new varieties and modern irrigation technologies. It aims to foster a community of participants who can share knowledge and experiences as they build and manage orchards.

Initial sessions are scheduled for noon May 16, May 30, June 13 and June 17 with additional dates to be announced. Online registration is available. 

"This is a first of its kind program series, taking participants through the site selection, variety selection, planting and all aspects of orchard and berry crop management," said Tom Dominguez, Santa Fe County Extension program director and Extension agent. 

Participants will gain hands-on experience by helping establish a 1.5-acre orchard while learning about site selection, soil preparation, variety selection, planting techniques, irrigation setup, seasonal management and harvesting. The series also will provide research-based guidance from NMSU faculty and staff on topics including pest management, soil health, pruning and grafting, with an emphasis on heirloom and regionally adapted varieties for northern New Mexico.

Local growers will share practical insights to help participants achieve long-term success and productive harvests.

For more information or to register, call the Santa Fe County Extension office at 505-471-4711. 

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-s-santa-fe-county-extension-to-host-fruit-tree-and-berry-orchard-production-series/s/c95b0833-8a17-4bf9-bd1a-c2eb6c432cb1