I have a little orchard of around 50 fruit trees, and thought I would post here too for anyone planning their orchard/ food forest type setup, as it is kind of relevant. Just a bit of advice. I also have a big garden which I really enjoy. :)

Firstly, don’t grow things you don’t like to eat. Unless you want to swap or gift to neighbors.

Make sure you plant early and late season varieties of the same crop. Take apples for example, some crops will be ready early summer, and some will last well into Autumn. This means you won’t get a glut of apples all at once, also if you have a freak early or late storm, at least you will get some apples for the year. Also if it is a wet spring, or humid summer, you have a chance of one of the crops being just fine in regards to disease.

Check what varieties are growing well at the local farmers market in your area. Talk to growers, and see what they have success with. Understand what varieties have been fruiting well for a long time in the local area and plant that.

Put the things you use all the time, or that need constant attention close to your house. I have herbs and salad greens etc right by the back door, but also a lemon tree, and chickens not too far away either.

Sometimes things die. It’s ok. Plant something else.

If the weather permits, try and and plant things that fruit in winter too. I have new fruit varieties coming on every month. It keeps things interesting.

Just plant what you can manage. If you do too much it can be overwhelming. Slowly build up your property, it’s ok to do so. Please yourself 😊.

Happy growing!