Orchard Optimisation, Ant Antics and Cincture Control

Your questions answered

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Precise planning produces an optimised orchard

I’m hoping to plan and plant an orchard as soon as possible. My friend told me that autumn is the best time to establish fruit trees. Are they correct?

Lisa V., Ballarat, Vic

I’m receiving a large volume of new enquiries from folks who are itching to plant an orchard. It seems that for some, a small drop of rain is the only inspiration required to kick-start such a project. So if you are inspired to get planting fruit trees this year, here’s what you need to consider.

The optimum time to establish an orchard is in winter (particularly July and August in the southern hemisphere), when deciduous trees are dormant and will have a chance to develop a strong root system during spring, before the onset of summer. Winter is also when there’s the greatest availability of bare-rooted fruit trees. I’m noticing some online retailers are already taking orders. Don’t buy just any old tree from the bargain bin. Make sure it is on the correct rootstock so that it doesn’t grow too big and that it is going to fruit at a time of year that suits you.

What’s stopping the ’roos, rabbits and deer from having a nibble? In a few years’ time, how are you going to protect your tree from cockatoos? If your budget can extend to it, a netted enclosure is a perfect way to protect your crops. Otherwise, there’s the option of ‘white ghosts’ of poly pipe and insect netting. If the purse strings are tight, then you don’t need to implement permanent crop protection now, but you do need to consider and plan for it.

Layout and placement of individual trees is important for tree health and productivity. Some need morning sun; other types of trees are less fussy. Some trees need a specific microclimate, as my citrus grove does.

I’ve already written a lot of posts about backyard orchards (you can see them all here). But I’m planning a few new posts, including: How many fruit trees is enough? And can you have too many? (The short answer is yes!).

Getting everything just right takes a lot of consideration but that effort will repay you with increased yields for less work. My Introduction to Backyard Orchards workshop on Saturday June 14 gives a great overview of all these topics. If you need advice tailored to your individual site, then you can arrange a site consult. Together we can explore your property and discuss your vision.

Ants in your plants

I followed your very helpful guide to growing carrots and for the first time ever I’ve grown a great crop. However, in the last fortnight I‘ve noticed ants all over the carrot bed. What’s going on? What should I do?

John O., Euroa, Vic