Creating a Small Orchard: What to Plant and How to Space It

There’s something quite magical about picking fruit straight from your own trees — and the best bit is, you don’t need acres of land to do it. With the right planning, even a modest garden can host a smashing little orchard. Whether you're dreaming of crisp apples, juicy plums, or delicate cherries, this guide will help you plan, plant, and care for a thriving mini orchard.

1. Location, location, location

It’s well known that fruit trees love sunshine. Aim for a spot that gets at least 6 - 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Plus, we’d recommend selecting a location that is:

• Sheltered from strong winds
• Free-draining (avoid areas prone to waterlogging)
• Not a frost pocket - cold air tends to settle in dips and valleys

Good light and air circulation are key for healthy growth and reliable harvests.

2. Plan Your Layout

Before you start digging, it’s well worth drawing out a rough plan of your space on paper. This helps you visualise how many trees you can fit - and where they’ll thrive without overcrowding.

Spacing Guidelines:

• Standard fruit trees: 6–10 metres apart
• Semi-dwarf trees: 4–5 metres apart
• Dwarf trees (on dwarfing rootstocks): 2.5–3.5 metres apart

Whilst it might seem enticing to start planting as many fruit trees as possible, proper spacing ensures trees have enough room to grow and access sunlight and air - essential for good cropping and disease prevention.

3. Choose the Right Trees

Yes, pick fruit you love to eat, but also think about your garden’s size and soil. Dwarf and semi-dwarf varieties are perfect for small spaces and easier to manage when it comes to pruning and harvesting.

Here’s a list of great options:

• Apples (look for varieties that pollinate each other)
• Pears
• Plums
• Cherries
• Quinces
• Medlars
• Even apricots or peaches if you have a warm, sheltered wall

Top Tip: Check if the varieties you’re choosing are self-fertile or need a pollination partner. If in doubt, plant two compatible varieties from the same fruit group.

4. Prepare the Soil

Healthy roots mean healthy trees. Before planting, make sure you:

• Remove weeds and dig over the area.
• Improve poor soils by adding well-rotted manure or garden compost.
• Avoid planting in spots where old fruit trees have been removed - this can lead to “replant disease.”

5. Plant Your Trees (The Right Way)

Bare-root trees are best planted from late autumn through to early spring while they’re dormant.

Planting tips:

• Dig a square hole twice the width of the root spread.
• Break up the bottom of the hole with a fork to aid drainage.
• Position the tree so the graft union sits just above soil level.
• Insert a stake before backfilling to avoid damaging the roots later.
• Secure with soft tree ties that allow room for growth.
• Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water in well.

6. Mulch and Protect

You might plant your trees, sit back and think they’ll be growing fruit like there’s no tomorrow. But, there’s a few key steps to get your orchard growing well.

• Add a thick layer of organic mulch (wood chips, compost or leaf mould) around the base. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
• Tree guards help protect young trunks from rabbits and strimmers.

Mulching keeps the soil moist, suppresses weeds, and feeds the tree as it breaks down.

7. Ongoing Care

Like all good things in life, an orchard needs a little ongoing love.

• Watering: Keep young trees well-watered, especially in dry spells during their first 18 months.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to shape the tree and encourage strong structure and fruiting.
• Feeding: Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.
• Pest & disease monitoring: Keep an eye out for common issues and act early if you spot problems.

Our Final Thoughts

You don’t need a field to enjoy the magic of your own orchard - just a sunny spot, some thoughtful planting, and a little care. With dwarf or semi-dwarf fruit trees, even a small garden can produce generous harvests for years to come.

Thinking of starting your own orchard? Browse our collection of fruit trees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many fruit trees can I plant in a small garden?

It depends on the size of your space and the type of tree. Dwarf fruit trees can be spaced about 2.5 to 3.5 metres apart, so even a small garden can host 2–3 trees comfortably. For really compact spaces, you can also consider trained forms like cordons or espalier trees against fences and walls.

2. What’s the best time of year to plant fruit trees in the UK?

The ideal time to plant bare-root fruit trees is during the dormant season, from late autumn to early spring (typically November to March). Container-grown trees can be planted year-round, but avoid extreme cold, waterlogged soil, or summer heatwaves.

3. Do I need more than one fruit tree for pollination?

Some trees are self-fertile (like many modern apple or plum varieties), but others need a pollination partner. If you're not sure, aim to plant two trees from the same species that flower at the same time. Alternatively, check for nearby trees in neighbouring gardens — bees don’t mind crossing fences!

4. Can I grow fruit trees in containers?

Yes — especially dwarf or patio varieties. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries all have container-friendly options. Just make sure you use a large pot (at least 45cm wide), water regularly, and feed with a high-potash fertiliser during the growing season.

5. How long will it take for my trees to produce fruit?

Most fruit trees will begin to produce a light crop within 2–3 years of planting, with more significant harvests after 4–5 years. Dwarf and semi-dwarf trees tend to fruit earlier than standard-sized ones.