Tree Research ⋆ Edible Backyard
This is Project 4 in my Start a Garden Guide, and is the perfect autumn mission for anyone planning on planting trees this winter.
Rule number 1 for an easy garden life, is be sure the fruit/ shelter/ shade trees you plant are well matched to you + your garden.
Take a little time + do a little tree research before shopping, (I have hope). Find trees that:
- suit your soil
- happily cope with all 4 seasons at your place (sunshine, shade, temperature, frost, rainfall)
- are the right size for the available space – yes please!, pay double attention to this one.
- fulfil your wishes: grow your favourite fruits, attract birds, glow with autumn colour, create privacy/ shelter, provide summer shade …
Good matches are my wish for you! When well matched, strong growth comes with next to no effort, and you avoid future tree dramas.
The ultimate tree research list
Grab a big sheet of card and set it up with the headings below. Stick it on the wall/ fridge/ headboard to keep it alive in your mind.
Use these headings:
- Shelter.
Up to 3m is the most useful height – sheltering animals/small fruit trees/berries/vegies/you – find lots of these.
3-5m to shelter house/ larger fruit + nut trees/ for big winds.
Over 6m suits larger tracts of land, for soaking up water, for erosion control. Consider big trees carefully! - Deciduous tree/s for leaf supply, shade and autumn colour
- Shade trees for greenhouse/ animals/ chooks/ humans
- Nitrogen fixing trees and shrubs for orchard and garden companions
- Deciduous fruit + nut trees
- Evergreen fruit (citrus, avocado, olive, feijoa)
- Fruiting vines
- Berries + Currants
Community Research
Your wider community is the very best place for your tree research. Google can give you some up’s but nothing as valuable as what your neighbours/ local pro’s can.
- Scout out the gardeners in your hood. Then turn up with scones and pick their brains!
- Join community gardens.
- Check out your council website for suitable natives.
- Visit local nurseries.
- Go to lots of garden open days/ tours/ workshops.
- Attend Tree Croppers meetings.
Jot down trees as discover them. You’ll appreciate this list bigtime, when you come to buy your trees in.
