Hand holding a bushel of blueberries on a blueberry bush
Updated: September 28, 2023

The research has been done for you.  Below is a list of the best beginning fruit producer resources from around the state and beyond.

Grapes - University of Maryland Extension

This webpage is designed for the commercial grape producer but is also appropriate for the beginner.  Topics include starting a vineyard, viticulture education, pest and weed management, equipment, and business planning.  Many publications and workshop presentations are also provided.

Spring Vineyard Pruning - Beginning Farm Success

Ben Beale, University of Maryland Extension educator, shares tips and techniques for spring vineyard pruning.

Aronia Research Website - University of Maryland Extension

Containing more antioxidants than blueberries, aronia (aka black chokeberry) is an old fruit crop that is making its way to Maryland farms.  This alternative crop is being studied for organic fruit production at the University of Maryland Extension.   The fruit grows in clusters of 10 to 20 berries and each is the size of a large blueberry.  However, the fruit is more closely related to an apple.  The University of Maryland Extension’s aronia research website provides good information for the aronia grower.  Topics covered include:  establishment, management, pest monitoring, phenology, production timeline, and more. 

Tree Fruits: Organic Production Overview - ATTRA National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service

ATTRA’s Master Publication List - includes many guides for the organic production of tree and small fruit (There is a cost for some publications):

Fruit Production Webpages - Penn State Extension 

Each webpage contains information about fruit production including marketing, site selection, land preparation, acquiring trees, planting, production considerations, pollination, thinning, fertilization, pruning, harvesting & storage.  Also included are sample budget sheets.  Fruit production pages include:

Virginia Cooperative Extension 

These publications are written for Virginia, but much of the information applies to Maryland. Each publication contains a great wealth of information including topics such as site & variety selection; pollination; rootstocks; tree acquisition; planting; spacing; tree care for the first, second & third years; harvesting, fruit storage, wildlife problems, and pest control.

Tree Fruit Production Guide - Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences

Revised every two years, this guide covers topics for tree fruit growers including culture, nutrition, spraying, pesticides, storage, weeds, insects, diseases and more.

Ben Beale, University of Maryland Extension educator, shares tips and techniques for spring vineyard pruning.