What Growing a Community Orchard Really Teaches Us

Send us Fan MailIn this heartfelt and deeply educational episode, I sit down with fruit tree expert, author, educator, and podcaster Susan Poizner to explore the surprising realities behind growing fruit trees — and why planting an orchard is far more than simply putting a tree in the ground. From launching a community orchard in Toronto with almost no horticultural experience, to becoming a leading voice in urban orchard education, Susan shares the honest mistakes, hard-earned lessons, and beautiful community moments that shaped her journey.Together, we dive into everything from grafting, pollination, disease-resistant cultivars, and organic growing practices, to the public perception of sprays, sustainability, and what it truly takes to grow healthy fruit in challenging climates. Susan also shares moving stories about community harvests, cultural connections to food, and how one small orchard ultimately educated thousands of people and transformed neighborhoods in unexpected ways. This conversation is both grounding and inspiring — especially for anyone dreaming of planting fruit trees, building community through agriculture, or reconnecting with where our food truly comes fromOrchard PeopleBooksBlog PostThank you for taking the time to listen to The Agri-Tourist Podcast, for supporting our inspirational guests, and for sharing my personal journey back to agriculture.  Agri-Tourist.comHeartBeet FarmsInstagramAbout Jen Ross, The Agri-Tourist Podcast HostGlobal Agritourism Network