How to Plant English Walnut Trees

English walnuts are a delicious and nutritious nut that's easy to grow if you have the right conditions. These trees prefer a cool, mild climate with deep, fertile soil. They require a lot of sunlight and moderate watering. If you're interested in growing English walnut trees, here's how to get started.

Choose a Location

The first step in planting English walnut trees is choosing the right location. These trees prefer a cool climate, so choose a spot that has mild summers and cold winters. They also need a lot of sunlight, so choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

The soil should be deep and fertile, with good drainage. If your soil is poor, you may need to amend it with organic matter like compost or aged manure. English walnut trees also prefer slightly alkaline soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5.

Plant the Tree

When you're ready to plant your English walnut tree, dig a hole that's at least twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball. Place the tree in the hole, making sure the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with soil and pack it down gently.

Water the tree thoroughly and add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to help retain moisture. Be sure to keep the area around the tree free of weeds and grass.

Care for Your Tree

English walnut trees require moderate watering, about 1 inch of water per week. They also need regular fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10, applied in early spring and again in midsummer.

Pruning is also important for English walnut trees. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help promote healthy growth and a strong structure.

Harvesting Your English Walnuts

English walnut trees typically start producing nuts when they're 4-5 years old, with full production starting at around 10 years old. Harvesting usually takes place in the fall, when the nuts have fallen to the ground or are easy to shake off the tree.

Once harvested, the nuts should be dried and cured before eating. Store them in a cool, dry place like a cellar or pantry, or in the refrigerator or freezer for longer storage.

Conclusion

Planting and growing English walnut trees can be a rewarding experience. With the right conditions and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious nuts year after year. So why not give it a try?