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How to start an orchard #864960

Asked April 18, 2024, 7:36 AM EDT

I live in rural Clinton County and am interested in starting a small orchard (just for personal use). Wondering if there are resources available on how best to plan, install and maintain fruit trees like apple, peach and cherry. Thanks!

Clinton County Michigan

Expert Response

Hello Suzi,
In your area you'll have the best luck with apples. In the more northern parts and inland parts of the state stone fruit like peaches and cherries don't fare as well.

Our consumer horticulture team put together a self-paced backyard fruit 101 online course, which you can find here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/courses/backyard-fruit-101

I encourage you to get a soil test ahead of planting. https://homesoiltest.msu.edu/

Planning is the key to any successful fruit tree planting, whether it is in a backyard or a commercial operation. Don't rush to plant everything this year: you may have a better growing experience by waiting another year to plant if it means you can source a more suitable cultivar or better trees.

I also suggest choosing varieties that are going to be resistant to
common diseases like apple scab, cedar apple rust, and fire blight. Some of these include Goldrush (not resistant to cedar apple rust), Enterprise, Liberty, Freedom, NovaSpy, and Crimson Crisp. Here is a tool from Cornell extension that allows you to look at disease susceptibility in apple cultivars. Also worth considering is what you want to do with the fruit once you are in production! For example, if you want to bake pies go with a variety that is better for baking.

To be clear, cherries (tart and sweet) and peaches are possible to grow where you are, but you may not get consistent annual cropping due to the climatic conditions where you are.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 19, 2024, 11:57 AM EDT

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