Tips on starting an Orchard

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If you have got much land which is free but fertile, you can plan of starting an orchard there. Orchard is not too easy to establish and maintain so if you are experienced in the world of tree growing you are perfect to grow an orchard. Many people will tell you that growing orchard is a tedious task but if you can show commitment to your tree it is fairly simple.

If you are first time using a specific land for tree growing, you will of course not want to do lot of trees there as it will take your so much time and money. In the start every one wants to see whether the land is good enough for tree growth or not and that is why one should start off with only one or two trees. You can handle multiple trees easily but only after the very first tree enters its adulthood life successfully as it will let you know that your land and you are good enough to handle trees fruitfully. So in start only plant what you can handle easily.

If you want to grow multiple trees right from the start then choose all the trees of same type as they all will need equal amount of care, nutrients and water. This will save your lot of time! Another major benefit of growing one type of trees together is that you will become familiar with the process of growing that specific tree. I should say you would become the master of that type.

You are lucky if you already have a tree that you have maintained from its childhood on your property because in such case you have already a sure idea that your soil is best for the other trees of same kind. You should test all your soil before planting another tree of same kind just to make sure that rest of soil is similar to the segment in which you have already planted a successful tree. If the tests come out positive you are lucky as now you have only to repeat the same process and you are well familiar with all the problems you have to face during the new trees growth.

Starting an orchard is real fun! In orchard the trees are planted in a row and they are given the fan shape or espalier shape using two dimensional pruning techniques. There is one main branch in the middle that is fully vertical, then numerous branches that go off to the side. The difference between Fan and Espalier is only in shape of the side branches. If they are horizontal it is Espalier and if it is slopped it is Fan. Such shapes are very compact and that is why they are well suited for an orchard. You can grow many trees in specific area. Well if the land area is too much you can rely on standard tree shapes.

Watering the trees regularly is really very important. You can use a sprinkling system or irrigation system effectively for watering purpose. Sprinklers will require your lots of energy and time so irrigation system is best. Simply dig an irrigation ditch and then run the faucet for a few minutes every day and you will be done.

A day will come when you will harvest lots of delicious fruit from your tree. Don’t eat them all your self and of course never throw them away. You can sell them at Farmer’s market to earn good extra cash. Just let the consumers know how delicious your product is. If your fruit proves to be a hit, you can easily make back all the money you invested but of course it is impossible that you earn so much money from Farmer’s market that you become extra rich. You should not invest a lot while starting an orchard, simply start with one single tree and minimum investment. You can of course expand the orchard in future years. Bundle of wishes and happy gardening!!!