Thinking of a new orchard

[chickenlittle]

Here is a photo of my columnar apple shotplot. 2 to 3 foot spacing between trees. I am thinking I'll do some more with non-columnar varieties with G11/G41 on 4ft spacing and also some with dwarf interstem on B118 and MM111. I think the small root system and water is the main worry about the dwarf.

 

[aerospacefarmer]

No apple trees here dwarf or b118 but a few banana and coconut trees

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Here is a photo of my columnar apple shotplot. 2 to 3 foot spacing between trees. I am thinking I'll do some more with non-columnar varieties with G11/G41 on 4ft spacing and also some with dwarf interstem on B118 and MM111. I think the small root system and water is the main worry about the dwarf.

I can water easily and I had a problem with too much water this year and some trees floated out of the ground

 

[buckvelvet]

Sure is a great view. :)

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Sure is a great view. :)

Well it doesn't suck but I wish I was back with my trees now. Had enough tropical weather lol Notttttttt

 

[Bowsnbucks]

My wife looked at your island picture and said, " Tell Aero he has to take me along next time. " She's a fan of the tropics and drinks with little umbrellas in them !!

 

[WTNUT]

Aero,

Leaving for St. Thomas next week. Where is that? If anyone has photos of dwarf high density plantings please send I need to focus!

 

[aerospacefarmer]

It's St Lucia and yes high density banana tree planting seeds here. We need the big umbrella today Bows it's raining lol. Guess it will have to be a full day of hydration lol

 

[WTNUT]

Didn't you tell me once you are retired? That photo makes me want to liquidate and retire but I am in my 40's and think I would either lose my mind or end up planting a billion apple trees!

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Didn't you tell me once you are retired? That photo makes me want to liquidate and retire but I am in my 40's and think I would either lose my mind or end up planting a billion apple trees!

Yes I retired 2 1/2 years ago at 56. Haven't missed working a day yet. Lol. You can become an apple farmer

 

[WTNUT]

Ha! Now I don't feel the least bit bad about asking you to get me some extra King David scions!!!!

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Ha! Now I don't feel the least bit bad about asking you to get me some extra King David scions!!!!

No worries mon haha

 

[2ndHand]

I would have preferred a more dwarfing root stock, but for my location, soil type and the fact that I live 2 + hour away, I went with B.118 for drought tolerance and winter hardiness. After next year's planting, I will be in the 200 / 225 range. My plan is to do farmer's market type sales and cider in retirement and have been planting 10 - 30 of each selected variety. Best of luck with your plans!

 

[aerospacefarmer]

I would have preferred a more dwarfing root stock, but for my location, soil type and the fact that I live 2 + hour away, I went with B.118 for drought tolerance and winter hardiness. After next year's planting, I will be in the 200 / 225 range. My plan is to do farmer's market type sales and cider in retirement and have been planting 10 - 30 of each selected variety. Best of luck with your plans!

Good luck to you also.

 

[Bnhpr]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[sandbur]

Does anyone have comments on dolgo rootstock for wildlife?

My dolgo grafts seem to be doing better than those on B118's/

None are producing, so I have no comparison as to years to first apple.

 

[CrazyEd]

That dolgo or Columbia I had didn't survive. That was the one from the nursery up your way, the name is escaping me.

I'll take b118!

 

[aerospacefarmer]

Mine were on b118 and doing fine

 

[sandbur]

That dolgo or Columbia I had didn't survive. That was the one from the nursery up your way, the name is escaping me.

I'll take b118!

Did you get them at Hayward? Baileys's trees?

 

[sandbur]

My dolgo seedlings started by my self are doing fine and are producing unless they were top worked last year.