Planting a fruit tree

November, before the first frost, is the best time to plant your fruit trees. (see also the tips on Planting in autumn)

At this time of year you guarantee the tree a solid root development and you will gain a year's harvest compared to if you plant in spring.

Here are some tips to help you:

choose species well adapted to the soil, climate and altitude
buy the trees just before planting them, and protect their roots from the light and heat
dig a hole 50cm deep (avoid soil that is too wet and spots subject to late frosts)
space the trees about 5 to 10 apart
using secateurs cut off any dried up parts of the roots
place the tree in the hole and cover with earth
attach the tree to a stake and protect it with some wire mesh at the beginning

Did you know?

Orchards had their heyday in the 1930s when almost every French family had one (on its own land or on a plot rented from the village).