Date: Autumn 2012 TBA
Venue: Brogdale Farm, Faversham, Kent
This 1-day training course is intended for anyone thinking of establishing an orchard or becoming involved in a community orchard project. You will learn about the various aspects of designing a new orchard, including how to assess your orchard site, different planting patterns, and how to determine the number and choice of fruit tree varieties. At the end of the course you should be confident about starting your own orchard project.
The course is being held at Brogdale Farm, which is 5 minutes off the M2 motorway near Faversham in Kent. Brogdale Farm is the home of the UK National Fruit Collections and there will be an opportunity to visit the Collections during the day.
Dates to be advised in due course.
Orchard objectives, kinds of fruit, uses
Site survey and evaluation
Choice of rootstock and planting distance
Planting pattern
Number and choice of varieties
Orchard layout
Projected yield
A site survey and appraisal exercise and a planting pattern exercise.
Discussion of sites of particular interest to you.
Warm outdoor clothes including boots, a clipboard, writing materials and calculator. You are encouraged to bring photos of your own site and/or trees for the case study discussion.
Knowledge of the basics of fruit growing, and preferably some experience, will be helpful.
The capacity to be active outdoors.
Please bring a packed lunch and refreshments.
Dr Philip Wilson has worked in various aspects of top fruit culture and plant propagation and has an orchard containing over 120 varieties.
Philip will be supported by Richard Borrie, the Editor of www.orangepippin.com.
£95.
There is a 15% discount per person for groups of 4 or more.
6-10
To reserve your place, please click the 'Add to Basket' button below, and then follow the instructions to complete the checkout process. You will not be asked to pay at this time but your place will be reserved. We will request payment nearer the time.
You can cancel your place at any time until you have paid. If you wish to cancel after you have paid, we will refund your payment less a 10% booking charge.
General background can be found in any popular text, such as:
Baker, H. Growing Fruit. 1999. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopedia of Practical Gardening Series. Mitchell Beazley, London. ISBN 1 84000153 4.
Hessayon, D.G. 1995. The Fruit Expert. Expert Books, Transworld Publishers, London.
If you have any other questions about the content of this course, you can get in touch with us here. Full joining instructions will be sent nearer the time.
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