About the Heirloom Orchardist

     The Heirloom Orchardist is designed to provide information about heirloom fruit varieties and their methods of culture, as presented by those who cultivated fruit over 100 years ago.  We glean first-hand accounts on the methods of fruit culture from old books and papers, and present the information here.  Eventually, we intend to organize all this great stuff into a searchable database.

     The Heirloom Orchardist grew from my love of gardening, old books, and pre-20th century rural American life.  Over 15 years ago, I purchased a bound collection of the 1835 issues of Yankee Farmer, and became fascinated with the first-hand knowledge of farm and garden techniques shared amid the pages.  Of course, my small library of old books and periodicals grew.  These old volumes are a valuable source of information on the nature of agriculture and society in early America.  They relay the trials and tribulations of the average 18th and 19th century farmer, in his own words.  Here, I hope to share that knowledge in a fun, engaging format.

     Is the Heirloom Orchardist about organic fruit culture and gardening?  Sure!  Our North American ancestors produced organic fruit and vegetables for their families and the market, long before petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers became available.  They grew these products organically because that was the only way to grow things, not to reach a specific upscale health conscious market niche.  Back then farming was hard, risky, and not particularly successful by today’s standards.  But the good farmer strived always to be (what we call today) a “steward of the land.”

    Please feel free to contact us and ask questions or comment on this material, at your convenience.

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