Orchard Planning & Planting Course - The Accidental Smallholder

There's a revived interest in orchards and growing top fruit, and we're living proof of this, in the middle of establishing a one-acre apple orchard on our smallholding. Join us on this one-day course covering orchard planning, preparation and planting, and witness the birth of an orchard.

Taking place on our smallholding in Barry by Carnoustie, you'll learn the theory of orchard planning, and  get some hands-on experience as we plant and manage our own orchard.

Course overview

On this one-day course we’ll cover the theory of orchard planning and design, including:

• Site selection factors
• Orchard design and pollination
• Selection of trees and sourcing materials
• Protection - individual or fencing?
• Pests and diseases affecting design and selection

In the afternoon we'll head out to our fledgling orchard and cover:

• Methods of planting
• Selection of tools
• Planting demo
• Protection materials
• Initial pruning and planting practise in the field
• Discussion of individual projects

You'll get the opportunity to get hands-on and see how the theory translates into practice. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion.

2018 Course dates

There are currently no dates set in 2018 for the Orchard Planning Course – please contact us to express an interest and we will let you know once a date is set.

The course costs £95 per person including lunch and refreshments.

Course location

The course will be held on our smallholding in Barry, Angus. We are 8 miles north of Dundee, on the east coast of Scotland. There is plenty of car parking. We offer a pick-up service from Carnoustie Railway Station which has regular trains from the north and south.

Please contact us for details of overnight accommodation available nearby.

Booking

To book a place on the course please contact rosemary@accidentalsmallholder.net or call on 07986 451129.

Booking is essential as numbers are limited.