How Do You Prepare Land for Orchard?

Ground Preparation for an Orchard

1. Select a sunny spot with well-drained soil and access to water.
2. Plan your design and make plant selections.
3. Prepare the land by testing and amending the soil.
4. Plant and prune the trees.
5. Water and fertilize regularly for good harvests.

Soil Preparation for an Orchard

1. Have your soils tested.
2. Grade your block.
3. Apply lime, gypsum, and phosphorus.
4. Rip and cultivate the soil.
5. Hill up the surface soil.

Orchard Establishment and Maintenance

1. Select a sunny location with well-drained soil and access to water.
2. Design orchard layout and choose tree varieties.
3. Prepare soil by testing pH and nutrient levels.
4. Plant trees, prune them, and water regularly.
5. Fertilize annually for good harvests.

Orcharding FAQs

• How long until harvest from a new orchard?
  • Fruit trees can take 2-7 years to bear fruit depending on variety and rootstock.
• How long does an orchard take to grow?
  • Some orchards can live up to 15-30 years with proper care.

Ground Covers for Orchards

• White clover as a living mulch
• Grass alleys between tree rows
• Deep mulch with straw or low-growing fruits as living mulch