CRAFT Fruit Crops at Wheeler’s Orchard

On February 8th, 2026, we gathered for a CRAFT workshop at Wheeler's Orchard in Dunlap, TN to learn about the family-operated, diversified fruit farm and winter fruit crop care. Jane, Ansley, and the Wheeler's Orchard crew shared about the history of the Fredonia Mountain orchard and the growth and changes to the operation since the Wheeler family planted the first of their apples and grapes on the land roughly 50 years ago. Jane discussed the challenges of growing apples a grapes organically in Southeast TN due to fungus and other pathogens. 

Through the years, they have developed sustainable practices that protect the local ecology and produce abundant, clean, healthy produce that sustains the farm financially. Jane and her team do this through an emphasis on cultural practices, including pruning to allow access to sunlight and airflow, focusing on overall soil and plant health, and limited application of fungicides. We had the opportunity to watch Jane prune grape vines, blueberries, and an apple tree. As she cut away branches she shared the observations that help guide her decision making as she prunes their vines, bushes, and trees. This differs from one plant to the next, but generally she aims to create space between branches to promote good airflow, clear out dead or diseased branches, and encourage the growth of branches and vines better suited to fruit bearing and harvesting, like getting rid of branches that are growing straight up in the air. For more information on pruning and other fruit care, Jane suggested the many fruit care resources available through UT Extension.