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Orchard Planing Compatibility 

PLANNING YOUR FREE, YEAR ROUND, SUSTAINABLE FRUIT/HERBS 

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CONSIDERATIONS:Factors such as soil type and depth,soil fertility, susceptibility to frost, susceptibility to flooding, grazing animals, irrigation quality and availability, rootstock and variety selection and soil enrichment will all affect plant growth. In additional residents will have specific priority areas which are equally important. provides a free service to assist with the planning and growing process.

 

KEY CONSIDERATIONS:To assist with the critical planning process the following points are relevant:

  1. Soils– most soil types are suitable for fruit and herb growing. Where surface drainage is restricted during prolonged wet periods, any opportunity to assist surface water to flow away from trees/herbs will be beneficial. Fruit vary in their ability to withstand soil water-logging so this understanding is important.

  2. Frosts– frosts occur in most areas but the frost height is the Critical Factor where susceptible species are grown. In general, low lying areas will experience more frost than hills. As most frosts in NE NSW and SE Queensland will be very mild (i.e. affect the 10-20 cm above ground level), protection of frost susceptible young trees in the first year after planting overcomes most frost challenges. Deciduous and other frost tolerant trees can be given priority for establishment on lower slopes where frosts are more likely.

  3.    Irrigation – Young trees can not be allowed to suffer moisture stress (wilting of leaves) for at least the first 4-6 weeks after planting. 

  4. Plant Nutrition– orchard areas generally require additional fertiliser to boost early tree establishment and promote quality fruit production. Young trees often delay fruit production until 1-2m high so early growth stimulation results in early fruit production. One way to stimulate rapid growth is to dig a hole approximately twice the depth of the tree bag. Place a closed handful of complete fertiliser (with trace and major elements) in the bottom of the hole and fill the hole to the depth of the tree bag. Pry apart the roots slightly to stimulate rapid growth prior to planting the tree. Apply another closed handful of the complete fertiliser mix around the tree. Wet thoroughly and tread around the tree to ensure roots are in contact with the soil. Continue to apply a closed handful of the fertiliser mix every 3-4 months until tree is well established. Water young trees regularly. For general use apply a closed handful of fertiliser/sq m.

For larger trees purchase lime and a complete fertilizes containing trace elements eg Rustica Plus. Mix 30% lime and 70% complete fertilizer and apply a handful /sq m of tree drip area every 3-4 months.

  1. Insect Pests– can be a problem in young trees. Control will vary so contact a neighbour or specialist. Only minimal control is necessary in mature trees. Fruit fly may need to be controlled as stone fruit ripen e.g. Rogor or Pheromone traps. Specimens for identification at no cost are welcome.

  2. Weed Control- is essential for young trees. A chip hoe coupled with hand pulling is the best method. Chemicals such as Roundup can be dangerous as any spray drift onto leaves or green stems will result in tree death. Ensure new planting areas are treated effectively for nuisance weeds before planting commences.

  3. Mulching– improves soil fertility, drainage and moisture/nutrient holding capacity. While most trees will not need mulching, straw or farm manures will benefit shallow soils or very sandy soils. Be careful to keep mulch at least 10cm from tree stems to prevent stem rot. Cane top mulch is ideal and often readily available.

  4. Tree Space Requirementsin approximately 6- 8 meter rows – are shown below:-

7m Diameter – Avocado, mulberry, pecan, mango, jack fruit, sour sop, tamarind 

6m Diameter – Macadamia nut, custard apple, pear, loquat, olive

4-5m Diameter – All citrus, all stone fruit, apple, pear, Lychee, kumquat, Grumi Chama

3-4m Diameter – Jaboticaba, Kiwi fruit, dragon fruit, passionfruit, guava, dwarf mulberry

1-2m Diameter– Papaw, papaya, rosemary, chilli, raspberry, grape, dwarf citrus

  1. Tree Pruning – is not required for most trees. No shoots should be allowed to develop below the graft in grafted trees. Most other trees will need to be trimmed if fruiting branches drag on the ground. Deciduous trees should be pruned in winter to produce a “Hollow Vase” shape with the centre of the vase being kept free of twigs and main outer branches being kept at a uniform height (by winter pruning). 

  2. Tree Variety/Rootstock Selection – is a critical process where assistance is usually required. 

  3. Vine Selection – requires a fence, stake or trellis.

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