Basic questions on fruit trees...

[Vegetarian Fox]

I am just in the process of planning a small orchard (sounds grander than it is!) in a part of an existing paddock. I have read a bit on the subject, but am still struggling with the basics, hence some fairly simple questions

- What is the best type of site - I have some choice exactly where I put them, in particular how close to a small stream, versus dryer but windier site?
- I would like to plant traditional varieties, but is there any major downside to this?
- Is there any problem in mixing various type togther (I am thinking of a couple of varieties of apple, pear, plum, around 6 to 10 trees in total)?
- What varieties have anyone had good experience with?
- I have found a traditional variety supplier (Bernwode Plants near Oxford) but can anyone recommend others?
- Am I mad?

Many thanks, and sorry about the multiple questions

VF

[Snadger]

Just check on what varieties pollinate what, or whether they are self pollinating! A lot of traditional apples for instance require two or three different cultivars for pollination! Flowering times are different also, which can effect pollination!
Loads of information on each variety if you google it!

[Janco]

Hi,
I bought all my fruit trees from Adams Apple trees and fruit trees
I found him extremely helpful when I rang him about which varieties were suitable for my particular conditions. He has a vast range on M25 or MM106 rootstock.

[Palustris]

Main thing to avoid is planting at the bottom of a slope, better planted at the top, so near a stream is usually down slope. The frost sinks to the lowest point.

[Grandpadragon]

Hi VF,
Are you mad? YES but whats that got to do with mini orchards

I planted a small orchard 6 apple, 3 pear, and 3 plum 25years ago when we lived in Wiltshire. It was very successful but the only variety I can remember
is one of the plums was Victoria, and it cropped like mad. As Snadger said you need varieties that cross polinate and any decent suplier will help you with that.

[Vegetarian Fox]

Thanks for the advice, I will let you all know how I get on....