Meadow orchards are an ancient form of cultivation of agricultural land. At the same time, they provide a home for numerous rare animals and plants, which is why these near-natural cultural areas are often funded by the federal states, the federal government or even the EU.
Location, size and planting
Before you start planting the meadow orchard, some planning is required. It is important to select a suitable piece of land and the types of fruit to be planted. As a rule, these will be old varieties, which should, however, be as little susceptible to infestation by pests or fungi as possible. The optimal meadow orchard is located away from major roads or intensively cultivated fields. The area should be in a sunny and sheltered location and have loose, humus-rich to loamy soil. On the other hand, very sandy or damp locations are less suitable.
Choosing the right fruit trees
An ecologically valuable meadow orchard contains as many different types of fruit as possible, because monocultures are extremely susceptible to pests and diseases. At least half of the stock should consist of different apple varieties. Apple trees are very frugal and thrive almost anywhere. The same goes for plums. Other typical types of fruit for traditional meadow orchards are
- plums and plums
- cherries and sour cherries
- Wild fruit trees such as crab apple, crab pear, service tree and service tree
- pears
- Quinces (only in warmer areas)
- Walnuts (also mainly in warmer areas).
You should prefer old, endangered fruit varieties that bloom and ripen at different times if possible.
Create an orchard
The fruit trees are planted in autumn, but not when the temperature falls below 0 °C and, if possible, when the weather is dry. Before digging the planting holes, dig out the sods - these will be laid out again around the tree trunk with the grass side down after planting. With this measure, you curb the growth of grass, because the tree pit (= the root area) should remain free of any growth, especially with young trees. Secure the young tree with a support stake, which will remain in place for the first five years. You should also plant a hedge (possibly with berry-bearing shrubs) that will house birds. These are extremely useful, as they simply eat away harmful insects.
tips and tricks
Litter meadows are susceptible to voles and field mice. Mice populations can be curbed by building perches for birds of prey. In the case of a heavy vole infestation, it also helps to plant the trees in wire baskets - these protect the roots.