Starting a new orchard — a planning guide

Starting an orchard is a long-term investment. Careful planning, done before buying the first seedlings, can decisively shape how productive and easy to maintain the orchard is for years to come.

1. Assess your land

Look at soil type, drainage, sun exposure and any low-lying spots where water or cold air collects. These factors determine which species suit your land best — see also our guide to species suited to Moldova.

2. Choose species and varieties

Depending on your goal — own consumption, sale, diversity — choose a combination from apple, plum, apricot, cherry, sour cherry, peach, nectarine and pear, suited to your soil and local climate. Rootstock choice matters as much as variety choice — see our rootstocks guide.

3. Plan spacing

Spacing between trees depends on species, rootstock and training system. Getting spacing right up front makes later maintenance and harvesting easier.

4. Phase the planting

For larger orchards, planting can be phased across areas or species, depending on available resources and the optimal planting window for each species.

5. Plan for long-term care

An orchard needs consistent care from year one — see our maintenance services for tailored recommendations.