Episode 173: Growing a Food Community: Insights from Susan Poizner on Fruit Tree Care and Community Orchards

In this episode, Susan Poizner shares her journey into urban orchards, emphasizing the importance of understanding and caring for fruit trees. Her insights are especially valuable for community groups, schools, and individuals committed to food resilience and ecological harmony. Key Topics The crucial minimums needed to keep fruit trees healthy and productive How to select climate-appropriate fruit trees and the importance of native and disease-resistant cultivars The role of community orchards in building sustainable food systems Community-driven strategies for orchard maintenance, pest management, and soil health Practical tips for planting, spacing, and protecting young trees The emotional and ecological bonding with trees as living beings How to integrate food growing into small spaces, urban environments, and large properties The legacy aspect of perennial trees and their role in family and community traditions The influence of rootstocks—dwarf vs. full-size and their implications for care Strategies for pest and disease control using organic methods like dormant sprays Susan Poizner’s Resources & Links Susan Poizner’s Website Growing Urban Orchards Book Designing a Fruit Tree Garden Fruit Tree Grafting Book Organic Dormant Sprays Orchard Nurseries & Resources Connect with Susan Poizner LinkedIn Twitter Podcast: Orchard Conversations Kody Hanner’s Resources & Links Homestead Education Curriculum: https://thehomesteadeducation.com Shop Books & Resources: https://thehomesteadeducation.com/shop Join the Email List for Resources & Updates: https://www.thehomesteadeducation.com/subscribe Follow Along Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homestead_education Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehomesteadeducation TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/thehomesteadeducation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@homesteadeducation Final thoughts: This episode underscores that caring for fruit trees is not just about harvesting—it's about building relationships with nature, nurturing community, and fostering resilience for future generations. Whether you have a backyard or a large farm, adopting a thoughtful approach rooted in ecological mindfulness can transform your space into a thriving food forest.