Knowledgebase

Backyard Orchard Questions #924246

Asked February 04, 2026, 10:16 PM EST

Good evening MN Extension, I hope you are all doing well. Last year I planted a small backyard orchard at my home and had a couple of questions I was hoping you could help with. First, I was wondering if you are familiar with the book Grow a Little Fruit Tree by Ann Ralph and her approach to keeping apple trees small through pruning. Have you seen this method used successfully in Minnesota conditions? All of my trees are University of Minnesota varieties including Honeycrisp, Sweet 16, SnowSweet, and Frostbite, so I like to joke that I have my own little University of Minnesota orchard. Second, this past fall I visited Afton Apple Orchard and really enjoyed a variety called River Belle. I have been trying to find a place to purchase this tree, but I have not had any luck online. I have also asked a few orchards around the Twin Cities, but they do not sell trees to the public. Do you know if this variety is available for purchase anywhere, or if it may be under a licensing or patent restriction? Any information you have on this variety would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

Good Morning Dan, 

Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service. 

I did a google search for the apple tree variety you are looking for and found it at this nursery: https://firesideorchard.com/riverbelle/ The nursery is in Northfield, not far from Dakota County! You might call them first, about the tree. 

I had just read some information about apple tree pruning workshops being held late winter. I found the link here: https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/apple-pruning-workshops There is a $20 fee to attend the workshops. They are taught by Extension Educators. The closest one to you would be in Faribault on March 5th. I believe you would learn many things about your apple trees if you are able to attend a workshop. The educators are usually excellent teachers!

If you want information from our website, please click on the following links about growing and caring for apple trees: https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-apples

Pruning and training apple trees: https://extension.umn.edu/growing-apples/pruning-and-training-apple-trees

I am not familiar with the book you discussed. All of the information from the U of M Extension is "research based", so you can rely on it to be accurate. 

Good Luck!


Maureen Graber Replied February 05, 2026, 8:43 AM EST

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