Hello! My name is Michael Smit. I am passionate about growing fruit and want to help you with any fruit-growing needs.

I can give you advice on the best varieties of fruit trees to grow here in Canterbury, as well as planting, pruning, irrigating, and applying organic (kelp/fish oil) foliar sprays for strong tree growth, etc.

In the last four years, I have planted over 40 fruit trees and bushes - 10 apples, 10 peaches, 5 pears, 6 plums, 4 apricots, 3 nectarines, 3 cherries, 2 quinces, 8 citrus (lemons, mandarins, and a lime) 9 nuts (almonds, hazelnuts and Chilean macadamias) 20 olives, 40 fejoas, 3 figs, 40 raspberries, 8 boysenberries, 17 blackcurrants and 3 table grapes.

I have worked for well-known Christchurch apple grower Peter Sisson (Breeder of the Lord Worsley apple variety) and also for a berry fruit grower. I have experience in commercial glasshouse growing of tomatoes, freesias, carnations, and roses. Also, I’ve spent 3 months working in glasshouses in Aalsmeer (Holland).

I have a Diploma in Horticulture from Lincoln University. I am also a qualified Craftsman Plumber and am currently still involved in Plumbing, however my real love is in fruit growing.

I live in Rangiora with my wife and children and have ½ an acre of land.