Nashua Orchard Journal

[jcguarneri]

@JohnnyRoger, there’s some good discussion of your questions here:

Orchard orientation

I’m getting ready to start measuring and flagging spots for my new trees coming in March. I’m trying not to overthink things, but realize I better do things right the first time since it will likely be this way for a very long time. I am going to plant 6 rows of 6 trees with all the rows going east and west and each row offset. I will be planting 2 rows of pear (semi dwarf rootstock), 2 rows of peach (standard rootstock), 1 row of jujube, and 1 row of hybrid persimmons. What order would you plan…

Bench graft growout bed

When I approach a project 30’x100’, I want to eliminate as much down the road work and heartache as possible. Deer, rabbits, and weeds will all combine to make that a money pit and a time eater. May I suggest a 20 rod roll of Redtop field fence, 48" chicken wire hog ringed to the bottom 36" of the field fence rolled outwards at the bottom, and weed barrier like Fruitnut has pictured in his greenhouse? For me this has kept chickens in, predators at bay, deer and rabbits out and my precious apples…

Also, see #9 here: https://shop.cumminsnursery.com/pages/help-advice/grafting-instructions

What kinds of cider apples are you growing? I’m starting with Harrison, but I may add more in the future.