Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 71

Grow your own orchard If you have the space <strong>and</strong> the time, planting an orchard can bring you a lifetime of mellow fruitfulness Why grow an orchard? If you've got the room to do it, growing your own orchard offers numerous benefits that extend beyond simply enjoying fresh fruit. It promotes sustainability by reducing reliance on storebought produce, reducing transportation emissions. Homegrown fruits are also fresher <strong>and</strong> more flavourful, bringing vitality to your home cooking. Tending to an orchard can also be a therapeutic activity; it encourages biodiversity, attracting beneficial wildlife <strong>and</strong> pollinators to your garden. As a long-term project, growing an orchard has an abundance of benefits. 32 Prepare a scaled plan Planning is a crucial aspect of creating your orchard. A solid plan will bring you years, if not decades of pleasure. The configuration of trees in an orchard is largely influenced by the site's unique characteristics <strong>and</strong> topography. When planting near established trees, factor in their potential mature size. A young oak may require significantly more space than its current size suggests. Decide what to grow It's important to choose varieties that are well-suited to your local climate <strong>and</strong> growing conditions. Popular orchard fruits include apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, <strong>and</strong> citrus. Careful consideration of chill hours, frost tolerance, <strong>and</strong> soil preferences will help ensure a bountiful <strong>and</strong> diverse orchard harvest.

Consider the hours of sunlight gardens Sunlight is crucial for the success of an orchard, as it directly influences tree growth <strong>and</strong> fruit production. Most fruit trees need 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive, promoting photosynthesis <strong>and</strong> energy production essential for healthy development. Adequate sunlight enhances fruit quality, size, <strong>and</strong> yield by ensuring that leaves can effectively capture light. Careful planning of tree placement to avoid shading from taller structures or trees maximises sunlight exposure, contributing to a productive orchard environment Plan water access Fruit trees have high water dem<strong>and</strong>s, especially during the hot, dry summer months when they are actively growing <strong>and</strong> producing fruit. Ensuring a consistent water supply is essential for tree health, fruit quality, <strong>and</strong> overall orchard productivity. This may involve installing an irrigation system, such as a drip or sprinkler, <strong>and</strong> securing a reliable water source, whether from a well, municipal supply, or nearby surface water. Get advice from experts Planning, planting, <strong>and</strong> maintaining an orchard is no easy task so don't be afraid to ask for help. If you know of anyone local who is familiar with the soil types, they may be able to provide you with invaluable advice or even equipment to help you. If you aren't able to find any local experts, you can always look online to contact established farmers. Use tech to manage your project Modern technology offers a wealth of tools to help orchardists efficiently manage their crops. Sensors can monitor soil moisture, nutrient levels, <strong>and</strong> environmental conditions, allowing growers to precisely time irrigation, fertilisation, <strong>and</strong> pest control. Drones equipped with highresolution cameras can survey orchards, identifying problem areas before they become severe. Of course, you may not have the budget or facilities for all the fancy tools. A simple spreadsheet can help you keep track of most aspects of your orchard <strong>and</strong> if that's even too much, there's still a pen <strong>and</strong> paper. Prepare the soil The ideal soil for an orchard is a welldrained, nutrient-rich, <strong>and</strong> slightly acidic loamy soil. It should have a pH between 6.0 <strong>and</strong> 6.5 to allow for optimal nutrient availability. Soils that are too alkaline or too acidic can hinder the trees' ability to absorb essential nutrients, leading to nutrient deficiencies <strong>and</strong> stunted growth. The soil depth should be at least 3 feet (1 meter) to support the trees' root systems, with deeper soils up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) being even better. Avoiding waterlogged or poorly draining conditions is crucial, as fruit trees cannot tolerate excess moisture <strong>and</strong> too much water can lead to root rot. Get planting The planting season for bare rooted trees is November to March but the best planting is before Christmas - before the ground gets really cold. The trees should then be well watered <strong>and</strong> left to become established before spring arrives. An orchard is a long-term project, so you have time to plant everything you can in your area. It's often best to begin small though, <strong>and</strong> to add a few new trees or bushes each year. This will give you the opportunity to see what works <strong>and</strong> what doesn't <strong>and</strong> not be too overwhelmed before you even begin. Within a few years, you will have a full-blooming orchard that you can call your own. 33