[Sundew]

Would love to plant a mini orchard on a coastal site in the West! We do have a South facing slope which I would imagine would be a good spot!

Would love to grow a few varieties and perhaps some older ones which I have seen on SeedSavers. Has anybody got any tips for a complete novice to growing apple trees?

[Geranimojess]

Hope you can bring your Avatar with you...we dont get much of that here..though when you eventually get your Orchard up and running there wont be any shortage of water...good luck with your Venture...it wont be long before a few Members will be on to you with advice...thats not my Forte...

[Good guy]

Yes, good luck with the venture. I'm looking forward to seeing what the orchard experts have to say. The only advice I will offer is to provide your coastal site with a good, deep shelter bed to filter the wind and protect your fruit trees from the salt. Salt spray can carry for miles inland and scorch foliage. Wind will cause physical damage and deter pollinating insects.
But see what can be done in exposed sites like Glenveagh National Park in Donegal, or Illanacullin in Bantry Bay.

[The Garden Shop]

Shelter would be the big worry alright

Apple trees don't do well on the coast. If you have a well sheltered area that get south east facing then you could plan your orchard there.
Look into creating additional shelter with wind block netting, or shelter planting

When choosing your trees:
1st consider rootstock - this will determine the final height of your trees. Go for Semi dwarf M26/ G935/G202/ G3
as these don't get too tall - and won't be exposed to the harsh salty winds

2nd consideration: variety
When choosing these you will need to pick apples that pollinate at the same time.
Apples are divided into 5 pollination groups

Positioning orchard:
align your orchard along a North - south axis
the spacing between the trees = the final height of the trees.
for semi-dwarf space 3M apart

Some varieties to try:
Cavan Sugarcane
Ard Cairn Russet
Also choose a Bramley to ensure a good pollination

Good luck with your endeavors

[Sundew]