An apple orchard in allotment format can be planted on any sunny green space. Instead of monotonous rows of trees stretching to the horizon, handpicked apple trees gather in the middle of a blooming meadow to form a source of life. Important questions about the worthwhile nature project receive compact, well-founded answers here.
Fresh, pesticide-free apples from our own plantation are a special treat
Where can I start my apple orchard?
In order for apple trees to thrive and bear lots of fruit, it depends on the right location. The following locations are perfectly suited for an apple orchard:
- Premium location: sunny garden on a hillside
- Humus rich, deep soil
- Wind-protected location
A fallow green area with a slight incline and fresh, damp clay soil calls for a picturesque meadow orchard.
Which apple varieties are suitable?
When amateur gardeners create an apple orchard, thousands of historical and modern apple varieties compete for the privilege of planting. The following criteria make it easier for you to choose:
- Ripening time: summer, autumn or winter apples (ideally a combination)
- Usage: Eating fresh (table apple), storage apple or cider apple
- Origin: regional, old varieties or national, proven varieties
If space permits, add some wild fruit trees to your favorites for the apple orchard. Service trees (Sorbus domestica) or crab apples (Malus sylvestris) magically attract insects and make little birds' hearts beat faster.
What steps do I follow?
The best time to plant an apple orchard is in autumn. First mark and measure the planned planting sites at the correct distance. The minimum distance to the street or neighboring property is 3 to 5 meters in most federal states. Please measure 10 to 12 meters as a planting distance. Here are some things to keep in mind when planting:
- Planting pit: twice the size of the root ball
- Planting depth: grafting point a hand's breadth above the ground
- Potting soil: Enrich excavation to a third with compost and horn shavings
- Support rod: drive in at a distance of 50-60 cm next to the trunk, fasten with hose ties
On the day of planting, two important care measures are on the agenda. Water the trees in your apple orchard with 10 liters of water each. Then subject the young trees to a pruning, if this has not already been done in the tree nursery.
tips
Its blossoming apple orchard is a popular destination for busy bees, fluttering butterflies and songbirds belting out their songs. Hungry hedgehogs arrive in autumn in the hope of delicious fallen fruit. Think of a cozy insect hotel,(11.33€) inviting nesting boxes and a cat-proof hedgehog house, so that your winged and prickly guests feel at home.