Planning and Planting a Small Orchard

learn how to select, space, and care for fruit trees in gardens or community spaces

Learn the basics of fruit tree selection and planting techniques for gardens and small orchards. This course is designed to complement the Care of fruit trees course.

What will the Planning and planting a small orchard course cover?

The course will cover the basics of how to design a fruit garden or small orchard: soil types, shade, spacing, rootstocks, pollination groups, apple and pear varieties, etc. We will mainly discuss growing fruit trees in gardens and more conventional orchard settings. We only touch on growing fruit trees in smaller spaces against which is covered in more depth on our Growing fruit in small spaces course. Companion planting as well as how fruit trees can be integrated into forest gardens will be discussed. We will plant some fruit trees together using techniques and materials which will ensure the best possible start for your trees in a variety of conditions. We will also discuss how children and community members can be involved.

Who is the course for?

The course is open to anyone over the age of 16, and no prior knowledge is necessary. It is relevant to anyone planning on planting a few fruit trees in a garden or a small orchard. It is particularly suitable for those interested in engaging children, young people and other community group members in planting fruit trees, perhaps as part of a broader approach to encouraging sustainable food production and healthy eating.

The practical element of the course involves some digging and moderately heavy work, but participants are welcome to join in or not as they see fit. Do dress appropriately, however, as we will not be deterred by poor weather conditions!

Brighton Permaculture Trust aims to meet the needs of participants with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. If you have any issues which you feel may affect your ability to attend or participate in this course, please contact us to discuss them prior to booking.

Learning methods and outcomes

These will include presentations with Q&A, a practical planting session, and also a guided walk looking at newly planted trees, fence trained trees, established orchards and our apple nursery. By the end of the course, you should have grasped the essentials of how to plan a small orchard for your particular circumstances and feel confident to plant fruit trees.

About Brighton Permaculture:

Brighton Permaculture Trust is a charity that promotes greener lifestyles and sustainable development through design. We run courses and events and apply permaculture principles to our projects.

They are run by an experienced team of volunteers and permaculturists, supported by a management group and trustees, and resourced through course/event fees, grants and donations.

Booking:

Booking is essential, as most of these courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.

Fees:

Brighton Permaculture Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.

• £175 – Sponsored/organisation rate
• £175 – Individual income more than 25k/yr
• £140 – Individual income 18-25k/yr
• £105 – Individual income less than 18k/yr
• £56 – Individual, concessionary rate (check your eligibility)*

* Concessionary places are limited. If places are not available check back two weeks before the course/event as more may be available then.

Brighton Permaculture endeavour to make our courses and events affordable to all. Unfortunately, they do not receive any external funding for most of these and rely on large amounts of voluntary input.