Tips for planning a Mini Orchard 6/7 trees on coastal site?
|
Author |
Message |
Sundew Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 49 Location: Dublin but planning to move home to the whest!
|
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 11:49 am Post subject: Tips for planning a Mini Orchard 6/7 trees on coastal site? |
|
|
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? _________________ "Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees" |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Geranimojess Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood

Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 1403 Location: N/W Sligo
|
Posted: Fri Nov 08, 2013 3:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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... |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Good guy Rank attained: Chlorophyll for blood
Joined: 11 Feb 2013 Posts: 2593 Location: Donegal
|
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 12:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
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. |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
The Garden Shop Rank attained: Rowan Tree


Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 133 Location: Laois
|
Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2013 2:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
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 |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
Sundew Rank attained: Hazel Tree


Joined: 22 May 2008 Posts: 49 Location: Dublin but planning to move home to the whest!
|
Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2013 12:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Geranimojess wrote: | 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... |
Ha! Ha! After growing up on the West Coast I've a pretty good idea weatherwise what I might be letting myself in for
@The Garden Shop: Thank you for your tips! Yes I would have a small sheltered area facing South East that may be more suitable. It wouldn't have a huge amount of room so I may have to look at the area closer to see what I can feasibly plant there! _________________ "Don't wear perfume in the garden - unless you want to be pollinated by bees" |
|
Back to top |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum You can attach files in this forum You can download files in this forum
|
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group
Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2006 - present IrishGardeners.com (part of GardenPlansIreland.com)
|