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Instant Orchard

So, you clicked on the “Instant Orchard” link wondering what that means? That “Instant” sounds pretty good and you don’t want to wait 3 to 5 years to see some fruit, you want to see it now, well if you want it right now you’re going to have to go the grocery but if you’re willing to wait for the season of the fruit you picked then we can help you. How many and what shape or size is going to be determined by how much room you have.

We have larger trees suitable for planting a fruiting orchard What size are you looking for?

  • Specimen trees in an in-ground Smart Pot 2” or larger caliper are 6’ to 10’ tall depending on the variety, the tree is already shaped and fruiting.
  • Smart Pot above-ground 11/16” caliper and up are 5’ to 7’ tall depending on variety, this often has some fruit but not much as a specimen tree.
  • Bare Root 5/16” to 1 ¼” caliper, 2’ to 8’ tall depending on variety they are only available January to March, generally not fruiting, takes 2 to 3 years to start seeing fruit.

If you are ready to plant an orchard here are some things to consider;

  • What flavors do I want?
  • Will they grow in my area?

We have 400 or more flavors to choose from Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Peach, Nectarine, Grape, or more exotic flavors like Quince, Medlar, Cider Apples or Gooseberries.

Type or Variety

  • Apples
  • Pears
    • Asian
    • European
  • Cherries
  • Plums
  • Peaches
  • Apricots
  • Nectarines
  • Medlars
  • Grapes
  • Gooseberries
  • Etc.

What spacing are you going to use? This determines how many plants will fit in your planting area. When choosing spacing, there are several factors in determining the proper spacing of trees.

  • A conventional planting might be a simple grid with the same space between each tree keeping in mind the width of the tree so they don’t overlap.
  • What are you going to use to care for the ground between the plants? Are you going to need to be able to drive a tractor or mower between them or you are going have the ground bare or covered in mulch?
  • What pruning or training practices are you going to use?
  • Is it going to be a traditional orchard style, Espalier, Belgian Fence or a Permaculture?
  • Do you need a pollinizer? Some things are self-fertile. Use a pollination chart to find out what things need each other.
  • Espalier or Belgian Fence is more 2 dimensional with the trees planted in a single row on a trellis or interlaced against a fence or building.
  • Permaculture with smaller plants interspersed within the larger.
  • The type of pruning practices you choose also affect the size of the tree changing the spacing you might use.
  • Most of the fruit trees are grown on semi-dwarfing rootstocks which grow canopies that are commonly 10’ to 15’ wide depending on the variety.

The trees irrigation needs are going to depend on your location, the climate and the age of the trees.

  • Newly planted trees need to be watered during whatever dry season you have for the first 2 growing seasons especially if you want to see growth.
  • On older trees it is going to depend on the climate more for what the water needs are, depending on the length of the dry season. A rule of thumb on how much water your trees need is ¼ gal to ½ gallon of water per day depending on temperature and soil type for trees in the ground (ensure moisture is reaching the roots by digging into the root ball or right beside the roots) more for plants in a container.

Now that you have figured all that all out and want to fill up that empty field next to the house or you just want to put them out in the pasture for the livestock to eat you can make an order by variety, type and size by Email, Online Store, FAX or Phone. If you need some help figuring out a plan send us an e-mail or give us a call to help with your questions. Keeping in mind we may not have all varieties in all sizes or types in stock. (For example, currently Peaches, Apricots and Nectarines are Bare root Pre Order only)

*Pricing does not include shipping. Shipping can be arranged but the cost will vary according to location the type and the number of trees.