Obtaining and Planting Your Trees - Growing Organic Orchard Fruits - page 348

Preparing for Planting
In chapter 4 ➔ , we went into detail on how to prepare the field and lay out
planting blocks. Now we need to mark the planting rows within those blocks.
Two methods are commonly used to mark planting rows: you can stake out
rows by hand, or use a tractor. For small orchards, choose one side of the
planting block that will be parallel to the tree rows. Using this line as your
reference, measure along the adjacent ends of the planting blocks and place
stakes at what will be the ends of each row. For example, say you want a
12-foot row spacing. Starting at the corners of the block and following the
marked end lines, place a stake every 12 feet along both end lines. Depend-
ing on your design, you might want to locate the first row 6 feet from the
side of the block and the second and all other rows at 12-foot spacings.
Stretch a measuring tape or marked rope between corresponding stakes and
set stakes or flags to mark where you want the trees within rows (see figure
7.2 ➔ ). Tying knots or flags in a rope as long as the orchard block simplifies
this process ( figure 7.2 ➔ ). Ensure the knots or flags are the same distance
apart as you want your trees.
For larger orchards or where the tree lines follow a curve, obtain a plastic
pipe or metal electrical conduit a few feet longer than the desired distance
between rows and fasten a short pipe at a right angle to one end (see figure
7.3 ➔ ). Fasten the other end of the pipe to the front end of a tractor. The
pipe should extend the length of the desired between-row spacing. Equip the
tractor with a small plow blade, shank, or coulter wheel attached to a tool
bar and centered on the back of the tractor. By centering the outer end of
the pole over the reference line for the block, you create a furrow in the field
marking the first tree row. Repeat the procedure using the furrows you make
as reference lines.