Planting & Caring for Orchards

Watering Frequency

• Daily, light mist

• Weekly, deep soak

• Bi-weekly, moderate soak

• Monthly, light sprinkle

Spacing Between Trees

• 5-10 feet apart

• 10-20 feet apart

• 15-25 feet apart

• 20-30 feet apart

Harvesting Indicators

• Color change, firmness

• Size increase, softness

• Dehydration, discoloration

• Brittleness, weight loss

Pollination Needs

• Bees, wind, cross-pollination

• Butterflies, rain, self-pollination

• Birds, humidity, self-pollination

• Insects, temperature, wind-pollination

Sunlight Requirement

• 4-5 hours daily

• 6-8 hours daily

• 8-10 hours daily

• 2-3 hours daily

Mulching Benefits

• Retains moisture, suppresses weeds

• Increases soil temperature

• Enhances soil erosion

• Promotes pest infestation

Winter Protection

• Mulch, burlap wraps

• Plastic sheeting

• Wood chips

• Straw bales

Grafting Purpose

• To enhance flavor and aroma

• To combine traits, improve yield

• To reduce plant size

• To increase flowering time

Pruning Time

• Late winter, early spring

• Mid-summer

• Early fall

• Late spring

Planting Depth

• Root ball level with soil

• Root ball buried 2 inches below soil

• Root ball 4 inches above soil

• Root ball at soil surface