Orchards are an ancient form of farming agricultural land. At the same time, they provide a home for numerous rare animals and plants, which is why these natural cultural areas are now often supported by the federal states, the federal government or even the EU.
How do I create an orchard?
To create an orchard, choose a sunny location with loose, humus-rich soil and plant various types of fruit such as apples, plums, cherries, pears and walnuts in autumn. Place young trees with support posts and keep the tree disc clear of grass.
Location, size and planting
Before you start planting the orchard, some planning is required. It is important to select a suitable piece of land and the types of fruit to be planted. As a rule, these will be old varieties, which should, however, be as little susceptible to attack by pests or fungi as possible. The optimal orchard is located away from major roads or intensively cultivated fields. The area should be in a sunny and protected location and have loose, humus-rich to loamy soil. Very sandy or damp locations, on the other hand, are less suitable.
Choosing the right fruit trees
An ecologically valuable orchard contains as many different types of fruit as possible, because monocultures are extremely susceptible to pests and diseases. At least half of the stock should consist of different types of apples. Apple trees are very undemanding and thrive almost everywhere. The same applies to plums. Other typical types of fruit for traditional orchards are
- Plums and mirabelle plums
- Cherries and sour cherries
- Wild fruit trees such as crabapple, crabapple, spar and serviceberry
- Pears
- Quinces (only in warmer locations)
- Walnuts (also especially in warmer climates).
You should prefer old, endangered fruit varieties that bloom and ripen at different times if possible.
Create a meadow orchard
The fruit trees are planted in autumn, but not at temperatures below 0 °C and, if possible, in dry weather. Before digging the planting holes, dig out the grass sods - after planting, these will be laid out again around the tree trunk with the grass side down. By taking this measure, you will curb the growth of grass, because especially with young trees, the tree disc (=the root area) should remain free of any growth. Secure the young tree with a support post that will remain standing for the first five years. You should also plant a hedge (preferably with berry-bearing bushes) that is home to birds. These are extremely useful as they simply eat away harmful insects.
Tips & Tricks
Litter meadows are susceptible to voles and field mice. Mouse populations can be controlled by building perches for birds of prey. If there is a heavy vole infestation, it also helps to plant the trees in wire baskets - these protect the roots.
