We planted an Orchard

We knew well before Farmstead that one of the first things we'd do when we found our land would be to plant trees, including an orchard.  We loved the idea of growing our own fruits and sharing them with others, not to mention the enjoying the beauty of the trees themselves.

So we started planting.  Our goal was 20 trees this first year.  I dug and planted the first 4 trees by myself.  The second 4, my dear mother-in-law helped.  Just when I thought I couldn't do more, Justin decided that we needed to, so we purchased 12 more on sale, and rented an auger.  The auger attached to the skid-steer was a lot more efficient.  What had taken 4 hours to plant 4 trees turned into 12 trees in 3 hours.

Digging a hole by hand.

 

Mixing in a "complete" potting soil. 

 

 The first few trees.

Finally rented the auger.

 

 The girls said they were "taking a bath".

 

We had a truckload of salvaged mulch from the 2012 Husker Harvest days delivered.  This is how we roll... lovin' the panties and muck boots!

 

20 trees...done for the year!  They are so little, you can barely see them.

 

Overall we have 17 apple trees, 2 plum trees and one pear tree.  I can't wait till these babies start producing some fruit.  I have visions of future road-side stands and farmer's markets in my head!

 

 

Happy planting!