Planting an "Orchard"

When we first bought our property (in 2003), we decided we should plant some fruit trees. So we picked out a location and began planting. Of the 10 trees we planted, ONE apple tree is left. Deer seemed to be our biggest problem. If they didn't defoliate the tree, the bucks would rub their horns on the tree, stripping the bark off. Big problem for young trees!

We wanted to re-plant some more trees, so we decided fencing the area was the best solution. The fence will not be very tall, but the area inside the fence is fairly narrow,which seems to deter them from entering (at least it works for our garden). Thursday and Friday we began fencing and planting more bare root fruit trees.

We dug holes about a foot across and about 18 inches deep. Made a mound in the center of the hole and placed the roots over the mound.

Mixed some composted horse manure with the native soil and back-filled the planting hole. Making sure not to bury the trunk any deeper than where the roots emerge from the trunk.

With the toe of my boot, I GENTLY tamped in the soil around the base of the tree. This firms the soil around the roots and makes an indented area around the tree to hold water when watering.



We finished planting the trees on Thursday just before it began raining (AGAIN). So, we didn't water them in that day. Although normally we would.

I also decided we needed Rhubarb in our "orchard". Also, as a girl, I remebered picking asparagus in the pear orchards behind our house. I've always wondered if there was a reason they planted asparagus around the trees. Maybe some kind of companion planting? Anyway, I thought we should plant asparagus, too.

We won't be able to harvest either the asparagus or rhubarb for a couple of years. The roots need to gain energy before harvesting. We now have 2 more apple trees and 3 cherries, 2 rhubarb and 8 aspargus in our little "orchard". Now the watering, fertilizing, mulching and pruning begin!