Have levelled out the end of the garden here.
Plan is to plant an auchard.
A mix of Apple. Pear and Plum trees.
Allong with mountain ash and Hazel as a wind break round the sides.
Any advice?
What time of year is best to plant?
Do I need to be thinking about doing things to the soil now for planting backend?
@Big Vern I know will have some knowledge given the fondness of cider and pruning!
Now then we're do we start ,
Sounds like you've a plan of a sound mix of fruit, you defiantly want a couple of Bramleys in the also, ,
Don't "just go and buy your trees,,," speak to a professional and get an opinion on what root stock will be best for your soil type, growing area, your only going to plant them once,,
Each tree will want staking, and tying, and will want a wire mesh guard, put the guard on about a minute after you plant it else the wild life will be barking it ,,,
How many trees will be I. Your orchard,
You want about 18" between your rows and 9 " between your trees, ideally plant them in straight lines,, it makes topping, and generally moving up n down the rows easier,,
We buy 2 year old trees and tend to plant late January earl Feb, you can plant up till April any later than that and the tree will miss blossoming etc, , "normal soil prep will suffice, if you've only a few dig each hole with a spade any more than 10-15 you
L want a hole maker the shine will soon wear off,, firm them in well,
Just leave the first year, then next year prune the tips so you have one leader, any thing below guard height cut off, and shake off any apples for the first 2-3 years, you want the tree growing "tree" not fruit, they shake of easiest about mid July early August, plus it stops the weight of fruit breaking the small growing branches,