Orchard

The word orchard stems from the Anglo-Saxon word wortyard which means a garden for growing herbs. Today, an orchard is typically a piece of acreage devoted to the growing and harvesting of fruits and nuts from trees. In the U.S., orchards can be found in virtually every state - from Maine apple orchards to macadamia nut farms in Hawaii to olive groves in California.

 Most of the orchard fruits grown in the U.S. are apples and oranges. Citrus orchards are usually called groves. The most extensive apple growing area is in eastern Washington, while there are extensive orange groves in Florida and southern California. In eastern North America, many orchards are found along the shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario.

Most temperate zone orchards are laid out in a regular grid, with grazed or mown grass or bare soil between trees to make maintenance and harvest easier. Orchards are often concentrated near bodies of fresh water, where weather is moderated.

One key growth trend in the business of fruit and nut cultivation is the growth of organic farming. Organic orchards that are not treated with pesticides, growth chemicals or sprays, for which the soil remains untreated and natural, are becoming more popular with farmers. Consumers appear willing to pay extra for organic produce.

When looking for suitable land to establish an orchard, more than just climate must be considered. The performance of many fruit trees can be greatly influenced by soil type. In fact, some fruit trees such as pawpaws and avocados require a certain soil type. Other fruits, such as apples, are more tolerant. Other considerations in choosing a site are drainage, slope, and aspect, the direction the slope faces.

 Orchard Links:

Fruit and Nut Orchard Network for Commercial Growers

National Fruit and Nut Explorers

University of California Fruit and Nut Information Center

The UVM Apple Orchard