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No question about it home grown fruit, nuts and berries just taste better! Whether you have a small section or a larger area you will find it rewarding and relatively easy to grow an orchard.   

Planning and preparation – First up, consider the area that you propose to plant. You can create any layout that suits your space – a conventional kind of layout being trees in rows which allows for wind flow, or diamond shape for mutual tree protection, or as the area allows considering existing plants/buildings.  Some fruit trees can be espaliered, cordoned or some other fancy, the moral really is ... keep the bigger trees together and then have a different layout for the smaller selection.  Next consideration is maintaining the area – do you need to allow for paths or mowing or a seating area?  

What to plant – planting one of everything can be a bit tricky as plants grow differently. Look at the selection available – consider mature dimensions and requirements – for example, do they require a pollinator?  Some varieties are available as dwarf trees; ideal for the small garden, apartment or container growing – Check root-stocks.

It is also worth thinking about whether the trees fruit on fruiting spurs or previous seasons wood. A spur is basically a short fat branch that bears flower buds and, therefore, fruit.

Plums, Peaches, Nectarines and Cherries, for example, fruit on previous seasons wood and can be more challenging to keep small and will probably mature out after 3 to 4 years to around 3 to 4 metres.

Apples and Pears fruit on fruiting spurs so they could be kept smaller or allowed to grow bigger to match stone fruit. 

Citrus are different again with different types having height variations... grapefruit, oranges, Lisbon lemons and some mandarins grow 3 to 4 metres while Satsuma mandarins, Meyer lemons and limes are much smaller.

Blueberries, raspberries, grapes and boysenberries have either shrub or climber habits and the like, whilst they may be part of your orchard, they have different needs and structure than, the likes of, the tree like specimens, again the layout should be part of your design with consideration on how you are going keep it weed free.  

Nut trees - almond, avocado, hazelnut, etc – generally grow into large trees from 4 to 10 meters, therefore require much more room.

Situation – Most fruit, nut and berries will require -

§        Reasonably fertile soil – a few weeks before planting dig compost in so it is well decomposed and blended.

·         Full sun = photosynthesis, to grow the best crops.

·         Access to adequate moisture 

·         A good open position with adequate air movement, though some shelter from excessive winds is important for pest and disease control.

Plant care - well-fed plants are more healthy; mulch circles around the trees will help condition the soil by encouraging soil organisms, help with water retention and provide space to feed with fertilisers, more organic matter and watering. 

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HL Nurseries Limited t/a Wairere Nursery
826 Gordonton Road, R D 1, Hamilton 3281 Ph: (07) 824 3430 Email: