Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
|
|
Soil
Light, well-drained soil.
|
Position
Full sun.
|
Frost tolerant
Yes.
|
Feeding
Not normally required.
|
Companions
These are large, spreading trees that cast dense shade. The area beneath sweet chestnuts makes a good summer sitting area.
|
Spacing
Single Plants: 32' 9" (10.00m) each way (minimum)
Rows: 32' 9" (10.00m) with 32' 9" (10.00m) row gap (minimum)
|
Sow and Plant
Prepare a large hole by breaking up the soil and adding plenty of well-rotted organic matter. A wide hole is better than a very deep one. Mulch after planting, and encircle the trunk with a wire cage or protective pipe to protect the young tree from animal and insect pests. For a large spread, chestnuts can be grown at 65ft (20m) apart.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
|
Notes
Some varieties are not self-fertile, so more than one will need to be planted for successful pollination. Healthy sweet chestnut trees will bear for decades.
|
Harvesting
When ripe nuts fall from the trees, remove the husks (wearing gloves) and dry.
|
Troubleshooting
Squirrels, rodents and birds will steal the nuts.
|