Breaking News:

THE KSL GREENHOUSE SHOW

What is the little fruit tree method?

Feb 24, 2023, 2:00 PM | Updated: Sep 5, 2023, 2:27 pm

M'li Nielson Hoki joined the KSL Greenhouse show to explain the little fruit tree method. (Canva)...

M'li Nielson Hoki joined the KSL Greenhouse show to explain the little fruit tree method. (Canva)

(Canva)

SALT LAKE CITY – Now that it’s time to start pruning fruit trees, Taun and Maria introduced the little fruit tree method on the latest KSL Greenhouse show.

M’li Nielson Hoki is the founder and owner of Water Wise Designs. She joined the show to explain what exactly the little fruit tree method is.

This method was invented to help people keep their fruit trees at a manageable level and give them enough space to plant more in their backyard. It was mainly created for homeowners who want to grow more fruit trees.

“One of the methods that you use is to plant more than one fruit tree in a hole. You can plant them for pollinators, but more often you plant them for season extending,” M’li said.

Another method to keep those fruit trees small is to prune at three specific times a year. M’li recommends pruning the first time in the spring. As soon as you plant the tree, you should cut it to knee height.

In order to spark a lot of lower growth, you need to make sure that there aren’t any side branches on the tree.

The next time you prune the tree in June, when you shear off half of the new growth. Then you do the exact same thing in August.

On the second year, you choose three to five of your scaffolding branches and group your fruit trees to make them look like a multi-trunk tree. Then you do the same summer pruning like you do in June and August the first year.

On the third year, you start with your regular proper pruning practices in the spring.

“Prune it so it’s open, has good air flow, is the height that you want it, and then in June and August, you just keep it at the height that you want it,” M’li said.

Listen to the full segment on our podcast below!

The KSL Greenhouse is on every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. You can follow the show on FacebookInstagram, and YouTube.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

The KSL Greenhouse Show

Container gardening...

Michelle Lee

Container gardening: A space-efficient way to grow

Container gardening is simply a method of growing plants and vegetables in pots instead of from the ground.

3 days ago

starting seeds...

Mariah Maynes

Planning on starting seeds this spring? You’ll need these 3 things

Are you interested in starting seeds this planting season? A horticulturist joined the KSL Greenhouse Show to discuss what you'll need.

6 days ago

High tunnels...

Michelle Lee

Extending your gardening season with high tunnels

Setting up a high tunnel takes time and devotion, and it’s a completely different form of gardening. Here's what to know before getting started.

10 days ago

Cut flowers...

Michelle Lee

Beginner’s guide to growing cut flowers

A Utah horticulturist shared some beginner-friendly tips for those who want to try growing cut flowers at home.

17 days ago

Forcing bulbs...

Michelle Lee

Winter gardening technique: Forcing bulbs to bloom indoors

Forcing bulbs is a technique that can trick spring bulbs into blooming even in the winter.

24 days ago

Amaryllis...

Michelle Lee

How to successfully care for an amaryllis

Do you have an amaryllis but have no idea how to care for it? Here are some tips from KSL Greenhouse Host Taun Beddes.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

Filing taxes online using a computer...

The Law Offices of Jordan F. Wilcox

Tax time is approaching. What to do if you have debilitating IRS debt

Is the IRS threatening you with wage garnishment, asset seizure or business closure? Here are some ideas to resolve your tax dilemma.

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

What is the little fruit tree method?