A Homestead Orchard

Why Grow Your Own FruitConvenience and self-sufficiencyPesticide ManagementHigh yields from one plant; lots of fruit for selling, donating, processing, storing and fresh-eating ClassificationsSpace considerations: Note the required space for espaliered (pronounced es-pal-yay-ed), dwarf, semi-dwarf and full/standard-sized tree varietiesEspaliered: Not as much total yield but produces more fruit per square foot, great for small-space growers, flat 2-dimensional shapes, fruit in 3-5 yearsDwarf: 8’ in diameter, full-size fruit, smaller yield, yield fruit in 3-5 yearsSemi-Dwarf: 12-15’ tall and wide, can produce up to 500 apples/season, produce reliably for 15-20 years, produce fruit in roughly 5 yearsFull/Standard Size: Produce anywhere from 4 to 8 bushels per season (400-800 pounds) depending on species, on average 20-30 in diameterResource: https://www.starkbros.com/growing-guide/article/estimated-yield-for-fruit-treesPollinator GroupsPollinator groups have to do with timing of blossom-set. Trees requiring a cross pollinator will need a partner tree of the same species, within the same pollinator group, but of a different varietyPollinator GroupsGroup A or 1: earlyGroup B or 2: early-midGroup C or 3: midGroup D or 4: mid-lateGroup E or 5: lateSelf-Fertile or Self-Pollinating trees do not require a pollination partner but will still benefit and increase yield if provided with a second treeResourceshttps://www.orangepippintrees.com/articles/planting-growing/pollination-of-fruit-treeshttps://www.cumminsnursery.com/learn-trees/fruit-tree-bloom-dates/Zone Requirements / Chill HoursA chill hour is equal to one hour that a tree spends within the temperature range of 32-45 degrees Fahrenheit. Trees will be marked accordingly.If sufficient chill hours are not reached, trees will leaf out later and have a prolonged blossom period. This longer lasting bloom time will open the tree up to disease.Figs, olives, and quince have the lowest natural chill requirementsFollowed by persimmons, pomegranates, almonds, and chestnuts.Cherries, apples, peaches, and plums required breeding to develop low-chill varieties for areas with minimal chillCherries, apples, peaches, and plums require more chill hoursResources:https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16468Low Chill: https://homeorchard.ucanr.edu/Fruits_&_Nuts/Planting BasicsFull sun, plenty of water, large canopy expansion so plan for mature size when plantingPlanting depth is determined by fruit species and size variety - note plant tagSoil pH: On average fruit trees love soil at pH 6.3-6.6 To raise pH add crushed limestoneTo lower pH add nitrogen or elemental sulphurWhen to PlantBest planted in late fall, winter (if ground isn’t frozen) or early spring when tree has gone dormant. Roots will esta