A chestnut in your own garden is certainly a dream for some, which can also be implemented relatively easily. However, before you make it come true, you should check the space available in your garden. Chestnuts need a lot of space.

Chestnuts can be planted in the garden at any time

Is there a difference between edible chestnuts and horse chestnuts?

Even if the fruits of the chestnut and the horse chestnut look similar, these are completely different genera from different plant families. Nevertheless, they have quite similar needs. However, the sweet chestnut is more sensitive to frost. It prefers a rather mild climate.

The best planting time

You can almost always plant a chestnut from the container. The ground just needs to be frost-free and the chestnut tree used to the outside temperature. However, you will find the best conditions for good growth in spring.

Choose the right location

Both types of chestnut prefer a sunny location. The soil should not be too wet, but not too dry either. Wetness at the roots encourages various diseases, most notably what is known as ink sickness. Trees affected die after just a few years.

When looking for a location, also consider the size of the mature chestnut. A common horse chestnut grows up to 30 meters high, while a red horse chestnut only about 10 meters. Even the sweet chestnut with an average height of approx. 20 to 25 meters is not a small plant.

Dig the planting hole

Ideally, plant a fairly young chestnut, which causes the least work. The planting hole should be at least twice the size of the root ball of your tree. This refers to the diameter of the hole. The depth is about the root ball plus a little extra for well-rotted compost that you incorporate as fertilizer.

Plant the chestnut

As you dig, find that the soil is very firm, then loosen it up a bit with a liberal addition of sand or gravel. Then place the chestnut in the planting hole. It should be about as deep in the ground as it was before transplanting.

Before transplanting, water the chestnut thoroughly. So the earth closes properly around the roots when you plant the chestnut tree. Then water the plant a little. You should keep a close eye on young chestnuts over the next few weeks and water them a little if necessary so that they don't dry out. This is especially true in particularly hot and/or dry weather.

The essentials in brief:

  • sunny location
  • needs lots of space
  • fresh, not too moist soil
  • Sweet chestnut less frost hardy
  • dig a large planting hole
  • Work in compost and possibly sand
  • Check and water young chestnuts regularly

tips

If you are looking for a "small" chestnut, then take a look at the red horse chestnut.

Category:

Trees