An allotment-sized apple orchard can be planted in any sunny green space. Instead of monotonous rows of trees stretching to the horizon, hand-picked apple trees gather in the middle of a blooming meadow to form a source of life. Important questions about this worthwhile nature project receive compact, well-founded answers here.
How do I start an apple orchard?
To create an apple orchard, choose a sunny, wind-protected location with humus-rich soil. Plant different apple varieties 10-12 meters apart and water them when planting. Provide insect hotels and nesting boxes for animal visitors.
Where can I start my apple orchard?
In order for apple trees to thrive and bear lots of fruit, the right location is important. The following locations are perfect for an apple orchard:
- Premium location: sunny garden on a hillside
- Humus-rich, deep soil
- Protected from the wind
A fallow green area with a slight slope and fresh, moist clay soil is just begging to be presented as a picturesque orchard.
Which apple varieties are suitable?
When hobby gardeners plant an apple orchard, thousands of historical and modern apple varieties compete for the privilege of planting. The following criteria will make your choice easier:
- Ripening time: summer, autumn or winter apples (ideally a combination)
- Use: fresh consumption (table apple), storage or cider apple
- Origin: regional, old varieties or national, proven varieties
If space allows, place some wild fruit trees alongside your favorites for the apple orchard. Sparrow (Sorbus domestica) or crabapple (Malus sylvestris) magically attract insects and make little bird's hearts beat faster.
What steps should I take?
The best time to plant an apple orchard is in autumn. First mark and measure the intended planting sites at the correct distance. In most federal states, the minimum distance to the street or neighboring property is 3 to 5 meters. Please measure 10 to 12 meters as a planting distance. You should pay attention to this when planting:
- Planting pit: twice as big as the root ball
- Planting depth: grafting point one hand's breadth above the ground
- Planting soil: enrich the excavation by a third with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings
- Support rod: drive in at a distance of 50-60 cm next to the trunk, fasten with a hose tie
On the day of planting, two important care measures are on the program. Water the trees in your apple orchard with 10 liters of water each. Then subject the young trees to a planting cut, if this has not already been done in the tree nursery.
Tip
Your blooming apple orchard is a popular destination for busy bees, fluttering butterflies and songbirds belting out their songs. In autumn, hungry hedgehogs arrive hoping for delicious fallen fruit. When it comes to the facility, think about a cozy insect hotel, inviting nesting boxes and a cat-proof hedgehog house so that your winged and prickly guests feel at home.
