How to Create Your Own or Community Orchard

Join Andy Howard from the Heritage Fruit Tree Co to learn the basics of setting up a community orchard. 

Attendees will gain the knowledge and theory skills and insight necessary to plan and then plant up an orchard whether as an individual or as a start up community orchard group.

This is a hands on event where you'll learn about all the key aspects of creating your own or community orchard. 

This may include:

• Comprehending how and why we have to plan an orchard.
• Distinguishing between different soil types and Orchard locations types. (Topography, Soil analysis, frost pockets and how to plant on more difficult sites)
• Differentiate between different top fruit and the ideal planting conditions.
• Choose root stocks sizes and be aware of trees vigour. What you need and the advantages and disadvantages of different types for sites
• Understand correct planting distances and different planting patterns.
• Be aware of the benefit to wildlife and biodiversity an orchard can bring (+ how to introduce biodiversity in to your  orchard plan)
• Setting a tree to an established size when planted.
• Sourcing trees - when to buy/ reserve.

You will also have to chance to plan and lay out an orchard on paper, as well as a site visit to FarmED's own Heritage Orchard.