Off the Urban Grid

Growing Nuts in a Backyard Orchard

Nuts are a nutritious alternative to traditional sources of protein such as meat. There are so many varieties too—butternuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, etc. Growing nuts or fruit in your backyard can be convenient, but is a home orchard right for you?

Before you delve into the world of nut trees, you need to decide if a backyard orchard is right for you. This project will require your time to spray, prune and harvest. If you do have a large harvest, are you going to have the time to make use of all of those nuts? Then there are landscaping issues to consider too. Do you have enough land for the trees? It’s also important that the soil is suitable and fertile enough to support the plants. If you don’t have enough space, you can always add a few nut trees to your current landscape.

Basic Necessities

In order for your orchard to be a success, you need at least three feet of fertile soil to allow for the tree’s root system. Also, the soil shouldn’t be comprised of too much sand or clay either. However, some trees can tolerate these types of extreme soils.

When it comes to tools, you will need a ladder, sprayer and pruning tools. If you’re hesitant about growing taller trees such as walnut or chestnut, stick to dwarf trees, which can be pruned easily and without a ladder.

When you know more about your soil texture as well as the tools that you have available, you can determine which types of nut trees you want to grow. Some climates are not suitable for certain varieties. For example, you’re not going to have much luck growing pecans, almonds or pistachios in Oregon, because the winter temperatures are too severe and the spring and summers are cooler too.

Once you choose the right type of tree, you will have the ultimate gardening experience caring for your nut orchard.

Tags: growing nuts, nut orchard, nut trees