125 Farming Tips

Celebrate the 125th issue of Hobby Farms with 125 handy farming tips.

- By Daniel Johnson, J. Keeler Johnson & Samantha Johnson

Whether you've just bought your first acreage or have plenty of experience, we hope you'll find some useful ideas that will make your farm life productive, safe, efficient and even fun. While not all tips will apply to your own situation, we hope there are a few that really hit home and make you think, "Hmm, that's interesting; I'll try it!"

ORCHARDING TIPS

1. When planting fruit trees, consider the expected mature size of each tree, and space them so they won't crowd each other or nearby buildings when they're fully grown.

2. For the most part, fruit and nut trees require at least 6 to 8 hours of full sun to produce to their full potential.

3. Rows of windbreak trees can shelter an orchard from cold or drying winds and protect blossoms during the spring, increasing pollinator activity and fruit/nut yields.

4. In the United States, prevailing winds come from the west and northwest, so windbreaks should be planted along the west and north borders of areas you aim to protect.

5. Don't plant windbreaks too close to protected areas; back them up by at least 50 if not 100 feet, and make sure each windbreak line extends 50 feet farther than the protected area at each end.

6. When planting trees, dig a hole two to three times wider than the roots and a few inches deeper. Backfill those few extra inches with some loose soil so the roots have an easier time growing.

7. Plastic trunk guards help protect young tree trunks from girdling (by hungry critters) and injury (from a careless slip with a string trimmer mower).