Can I create a real orchard in a small space?

• How to grow your own fruit
• Can I create a real orchard in a small space?
• What should I put in my fruit garden?
• Are there any new fruit varieties to try?
• Where to buy and places to visit
• Learn more about growing your own fruit

MK Lack of space need not be a limiting factor when it comes to creating your own orchard. Most fruit trees will happily grow in containers, which means the size of the plant can be restricted, so it will crop more quickly. Harvesting container-grown plants is also easy as they rarely grow above head height.

KM Our definition of a traditional orchard is no less than five fruit trees, with no more than 20 metres between their crown edges. But technicalities aside, yes, you can make an orchard in a small space. You can buy fruit trees that are grafted on different rootstocks so that the ultimate size of the tree can be selected to suit your garden (above). With some research and advice from specialist nurseries, even the smallest orchard contributes to conserving heritage fruit varieties and will give you generous crops of tasty produce.

BS Old-style orchards need space, but in a small garden just three trees can be an orchard. You can grow more by using specially shaped plants: upright, horizontal and angled cordons as well as espalier and fan-shaped trees grown against walls or on wire and post supports.

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