Whether you are starting a small farm, adding fruit-bearing trees to a co-op or community garden, or just planting a backyard orchard, there are a number of things that you need to consider. Growing fruit trees is not as simple as planting your trees and walking away. They will need a fair amount of care and planning in order to get the most out of them. Whether you are trying to maximize your yield for profit or just cutting down on your grocery bill by utilizing the land around your home, here are five things you need to consider when you plant your orchard.
Plan Carefully
Where are you going to plant? What is the soil like in your area? Which trees grow best in your area? Are you going organic? All of these are things you need to consider before you start purchasing orchard supplies. ASk around. What types of trees grow best in your area? Choosing hearty varieties of common crops is a good way for a novice to get started. Most fruit trees come in dwarf, semi-dwarf, and standard varieties. The dwarf varieties will bear fruit more quickly and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner. If your soil is less than ideal for the types of trees you want to grow or growing anything at all, then take this time to prepare your soil. There are a number of methods to improve depleted, rocky, or inhospitable soil. Remember your trees are going to need at least eight hours of sun and the land should have good drainage. You can use existing structures (such as your home or a fence) or other trees to help shield him from the wind and late frosts. Remember that you don’t have to plant everything at once. You can plant several varieties of trees, even next to each other, and over time. Start with the heartier varieties and then add more delicate varieties in a “buddy system” style. You can even plant fruit bushes along with dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties of trees in order to protect the younger, tender plants.
Choose Variety
In order to get your trees to bear fruit, you are going to need to plant enough trees to allow for healthy pollination. Look in seed catalogs to find out which varieties pollinate each other. If you are set on growing one particular type of fruit tree you will need to know if it is self-pollinating or not. Most backyard orchards function well when there is cross-pollination between trees, but those who are hoping to make a living from their orchard will need to be more specific. Be aware that poor crops are often the result of poor pollination. If you are wondering how to grow you orchard, plant several varieties of the same fruit trees together. Nature doesn’t create a monoculture, people do. Your trees will thrive best when there is genetic variation. Consider planting semi-dwarf and standard sized trees next to each other. Also, don’t be afraid to plant other, flowering plants in the area to help attract pollinators. With all of these things, use required orchard products such as trellis clips, these are great for all climbing vegetables and fruits.
Spray Your Trees
I am not recommending that you spray anything harmful on your trees. However, even organic farmers use miscible oil sprays to help preserve their trees from pests. Miscible oil sprays coat the tree and create a barrier that prevents pests from getting in and suffocates anything that is already on or in your tree. The only thing that is left is your tree, which should be dormant at the time of spraying. Don’t worry, miscible oil sprays wear off naturally and shouldn’t hurt your vegetation. That isn’t to say that you don’t need to proceed with caution and common sense. Be sure to read all of the warnings, follow the instructions, and wear protective clothing. Do your research and choose the solution that is best for you.
Fertilize Every Year
Remember that trees need regular care. About a month or so before your trees become active, make sure to prepare the soil. Add high nitrogen fertilizer to the soil. Again, this doesn’t mean that you have to use industrial or petroleum based chemical fertilizer. A high-nitrogen organic fertilizer made from blood meal, manure, or high-nitrogen compost is just fine. Be sure not to build the soils around the roots up too high to avoid rot. Also, keep the area around the base clear to discourage rodents. This is especially true when dealing with dwarf varieties. Put mulch or straw down on top of the soil.
Irrigation
When preparing the soil and choosing a spot to plant, be mindful of irrigation at all times. If your soil tends to become swampy then it is not an ideal spot for your trees. You need a spot that gets lots of sun, and proper irrigation. Generally speaking, a sloping, south facing spot is ideal. But soil conditions can also make irrigation an issue. Soil that is mostly sand or clay will make proper irrigation nearly impossible. When choosing supplies for growing your orchard, consider whether or not you will need to add tree rings and tiles to drain or irrigate your orchard. Remember that as you amend the soil each year the way it responds to water will change. Young trees will need to be watered by you just like other plants, but older, stronger, heartier varieties should be able to get by on whatever the land provides.
Starting an orchard is a labor of love. There is a lot of work that goes into the initial stages of getting your orchard growing. However, trees are not only an investment in your private life but a benefit to the entire ecosystem. They provide protection, shade, food, and habitat for some of the most essential forms of wildlife. Planting an orchard not only provides your family with fresh fruit year after year but helps to prevent soil erosion and improves the quality of the soil as well. With a little planning and dedication you can enjoy your orchard in no time at all.
The above information is from fruitgrowers.com