In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into the N factor - how nitrogen shapes tree growth, fruit quality and orchard health, tackling two grower questions:

1. What is the nitrogen demand in an orchard?
2. How can urea be used as a disease management tool?

First, we explore orchard floor management and supporting sanitation strategies to breakdown overwintering apple scab. We walk through how urea works, when to use it, and how it fits alongside your regular fertility program. Then we shift gears to how trees actually use nitrogen, and what happens when they get too much... or not quite enough. Whether you're planning nutrient budgets, thinking about fruit set, or looking for tools to reduce disease pressure, this episode connects the dots between nutrition, disease management, and timing - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Archibald's Estate Winery (Hard Ginger), Bowmanville ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca.

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

In this Halloween episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy get spooky and dig into two grower-submitted questions:

1. Why do I like bugs... especially the creepy, crawly ones?
2. What is a chimera - a magical mutation or an orchard trick?

First, we explore why some bugs are downright fascinating - from parasitoids that hijack their hosts to fungi that turn insects into 'zombies'. Then we switch gears to the orchard to uncover the mystery of apple chimeras - nature's very own Frankenstein fruits. Tune in for science with a spooky twist, all between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Wellesley (Sweet Apple Cider), Wellesley ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca.

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.

Sound Effect by DRAGON-STUDIO from Pixabay.

In this episode of Between Two Rows, Erika and Kristy dig into two grower-submitted questions:

1. What is calcium's role in bitter pit?
2. Is there an ideal time to manage fire blight?

First, we explore the calcium pathway - how calcium moves through the tree, why fruit is often the last to receive it, and the role this plays in the development of bitter pit. Then we shift gears to fire blight, tackling the question of whether there really is an "ideal" time to manage this devastating disease, or if timing depends on orchard conditions and seasonal risk. Join us as we break down the science and share practical insights - all in one conversation between two rows.

Featured cider this episode: Loch Mor Cider Co. (Untamed Dry Cider), Hillier ON

Looking to enter the 2026 Ontario Cider Competition? Registration now open for the Ontario Craft Cider Competition (February 17) and Ontario Sweet Cider Competition (February 18).

Have a question for another episode? Leave it in the comments, or message us @fruitwithespurs or @appleofmyipm.

For timely apple pest and production updates, check out onfruit.ca.

Additional pest management information can be found at Ontario Crop IPM and the Ontario Crop Protection Hub.