A traditional cider orchard is planted with 10 metres between rows and 8 metres between trees.
A commercial cider orchard is planted with 4 metres between rows and 2 1/2 metres between trees.
Modern dessert fruit planting is now done on wire systems, and we can be as close as
2 1/2 metres between rows and 1 metre between trees.
Once you have decided what kind of orchard you want you then have to source your trees. This is an absolutely vital step because you want to ensure that they come from a good supplier. The future of your crop relies heavily on the quality of the tree that you put in.
Always put in the smallest tree you possibly can. The proportion of roots to tree are always far greater the smaller the tree you put in, which means that the uptake and growth will be much quicker. The tree will get away faster and it will ultimately produce more yield and cost you less money in the first place.
We are looking at maidens and feather maidens generally; the difference between them is that a maiden is simply a whip and a feather maiden is a whip with some feathery twigs on it.
Most commercial plants come from The Netherlands, but that’s big scale stuff. There are some excellent producers in this country. If you contact us we’ll be delighted to offer recommendations.
When it comes to planting a tree remember that this tree has got to survive in whatever ground you put it in. The time you plant it, December, sometimes as late as May depending on the weather, is much less important than the soil condition.
The last thing you want to do is plant in wet conditions where you dig a hole and the wet soil smears around the edges, which for the fine root hairs of the tree is like a brick wall. So make sure the soil is easily friable.
Don’t be tempted to dig a hole and put lots of manure or compost in it, because this tree has got to learn to survive in whatever soil it has. If you give it a lot of feed it won’t go outside that and it won’t grow a proper root system.
Plant the tree to the correct depth. This is critical. Too shallow and it starves; too deep and it can drown.
Don’t allow grass and weeds to grow around the base of the tree; use a mulch or something to keep them down.
Stakes and guards, straps and ties.
These go in at planting. You must keep vermin and rabbits away from the base, likewise grazing animals. You can contact us for details and advice on 01963 240581
