Where do I find out more about disease resistant fruit trees?
So far, the top supplier near Toronto for disease resistant apple trees that we’ve found is Siloam Orchards. Be sure to order your fruit trees early, as they sell out. Is it expensive to start a community orchard? Nope. One year old trees can cost as little as $25 each. How much care do new orchards need? The most important thing in the first 2 or 3 years is to ensure that your young fruit trees are well watered about twice a week. Once a tree is established, rainwater should be enough except in the case of drought. Ensure you have a source for water in the park and a crew of people who are willing and able to water the trees with buckets or hoses. What ongoing care is there for an orchard? Fruit trees need to be pruned properly to ensure a good harvest. We hope to run fruit tree pruning workshops in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard in the years to come. Volunteers also need to keep an eye out for any sign of insect infestation or disease and report it to Parks, Forestry and Recreat
