Planting Our Orchard! No Project is Too Big When We Work Together!

[@colinstace1758]

Remember safety when working around PTO's, my neighbor was caught in an auger like that and lost his leg, it happens in the blink of an eye. The chickens and ducks need to be in the orchard section to eat bugs and grubs, put a few sheep in the moat 👍😊 Had to laugh at Sarah getting the trees straight, if you look around at the farm trees you will notice they grow towards the sun, trees behind my house lean south. I bury a length of PVC pipe alongside the rootball for deep watering in the first few years, then pull it out and fill with pea gravel, gets water way down where it's needed so you don't just get surface roots, remember to water and feed around the "drip line" for the same reason. 👍😊

[@mamiebobb4173]

They not only eat the bugs and grubs, but they then fertilize the field. Put them in the garden area and they'll also pick and scratch at the ground to work that fertilizer in.

[@deecooper1567]

Another Great idea👍👍. Might work best as I have 3 large dogs.. 2 of which are mischievous puppies 🤪🥴 Do you drill holes in the side of the pipes ? Thanks for sharing!!

[@colinstace1758]

@@deecooper1567 you can drill holes in the bottom 1/3rd, pipe is buried vertically and filled with gravel so small critters don't get caught, being smooth it should pull out easily

[@deecooper1567]

@@colinstace1758 thank you. I have 3 sides of an acre planted in native trees & it takes me 2 hrs to water then🤪 ... good sun tan tho😉. Ok, another question.... how deep do you put the pipe in ground? My son is going to set something similar up for me & we live on sand!!!! When I first plant I condition the soil with compost, peat moss etc & they are doing very good. But I’m 74 & dragging those hoses are getting to be a chore🥴 Thanks for the quick reply👍😻

[@colinstace1758]

@@deecooper1567 just to the bottom of the planting hole 👍😊

[@herbhouston5378]

The way you plan your projects is incredible. I've known farmers for years and it seemed like it was usually a "hit or miss" type of deal. Your efforts to plan on every contingency is admirable. I hope everything goes as smoothly as possible and the pigs/hogs get settled in quickly. That tool you have for pulling T-posts is the slickest I've ever seen! So many times I could have used that thing! I pray for you all and hope for your success in the growing season to come. It's a beautiful home you're building💜.

[@juliemcgugan1244]

An old Chinese proverb says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”

[@KingOsama420]

i'm wondering, what can i take away from this, maybe it's kinda like saying better late than never

[@matlowjaster1416]

@@KingOsama420 I'm thinking it's akin to the proverb of make hay, while the sun is shining, or the little know one of dig, don't type.

[@jackdotzman2908]

Sure it’s just 20 years, how about our grandparents should have planted them.

[@matlowjaster1416]

@@jackdotzman2908 Sure, as they say, that's water under the bridge.

[@coopie624]

So excited! Thanks for taking us orchard planting!

[@thegreatcatsby409]

My husband and I work really well together also 👨‍🌾👩‍🌾 Been together so long we can anticipate what the other is thinking. Team work makes the dream work 😉

[@darlenechaney6989]

Your lucky, I can get a husband but can't keep one.🥴 maybe it's something I did. Have a Great day

[@ubetchya78]

at around 2:45 you can see what I meant the other day (my comment on your video building the moat). The gates both open from the same side (left as you're facing in). Now if you had chickens in the "moat" area they'd be able to get out and run all over the place. IF one gate opened from the left side, the other from the right side, you could then be blocking off the "moat" from both sides, thus able to leave the gates open while you drive in, mow or do whatever you need to do, and chickens are contained within their area. Also handy if you want to run your cow (or other livestock) in the moat to mow it down, etc.

[@Cheylan8803]

Great strategy!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

They can probably unhook and reverse a gate to do that. Good idea!

[@jimcampbell47]

My son has a saying he got from an older man we used to work with. For all of you that have no end to the "what ifs" he would say "what if monkey s flew out my butt." Kevin would never say that to anyone. But just realize how it sounds to have a never ending list of "what ifs".

[@ubetchya78]

@@jimcampbell47 Not sure how your comment pertains to mine... Some ifs can happen, some far more frequently than others, while your "if monkeys flew out your butt" is something that would never happen. Even if you're the sort who might insert monkeys into your butt, they certainly would not "fly" out of there. I get so sick of commenting with helpful hints, from a person who actually grew up farming and KNOWS much, getting hate comments from trolls who've never seen a farm outside of the show Green Acres...

[@jimcampbell47]

my comment was inappropriate. I removed it and I apologize

[@kandaceschloesser2423]

Passing along my favorite tip for watering. We get icing buckets, that the store throws out, and drill one small hole on the side at the bottom, then fill it with water. We have one at the base of each tree. I am am impatient waterer. This way I water and walk away and I know exactly how much water each tree is getting.

[@florencekirk9021]

That is a fantastic idea, thank you for sharing.

[@deecooper1567]

@Forrest Gump Ahh, we have sand & that is something I’ll be trying!! I think I’ll need to put a rock in the bottom so the wind don’t blow them all over lol. Yep, it’s pretty bad here🤪

[@lesleyharris525]

Stake it at an angle with the stake facing against the prevailing wind.

[@deecooper1567]

@@lesleyharris525 Lol, we get wind from the west, north & sometimes south. Rarely from east. It’s blown so bad I saw a bale of straw go end over end across the road when we first moved here... learned to latch Everything down . Been here almost 16 yrs. in the high dry, windy, hot upper Northern Nevada . Love it but it’s truly a challenge 👍😂 I will keep all inputs in mind tho. Might be able to use them for something else. Oh, more recently the wind picked up a trampoline that was Anchored secure with what comes with it AND railroad ties💨 and it also blew over my gsons play area... swing, tunnel slide, climbing wall... yeah , one of those. Sand & 💨 🤪

[@cyhomer]

I think that’s exactly what they were doing.

[@vger9942]

Can’t wait to see the 🐓 running around the moat!

[@glendavertner8906]

When we moved here in 1974 my elderly neighbor had a beautiful fruit tree orchard of every kind of fruit you wanted except citrus trees between our houses. Our farms were narrow but deep. The properties were originally a large farm which was subdivided in the late 1940's. The hangs had several apple trees. My favorite was a Winesap which had apples in the fall., the best fried apples in the world. My favorite pear was a Seckel Pear Tree. These pears were small pears, but so heavenly to eat raw. The tree is a small tree is a beautiful ornamental tree as well. Can easily be used in a suburban yard. We always helped Mrs Hangs harvest her fruits and I would run over in the evenings to help her prepare the fruits for canning or freezing. She gave me plenty of fruits for me to preserve. This beautiful German lady tought me so much about gardening and preserving my food. She is the one that introduced my mom and me to the Steam Juicer. It's still just as important of a my canning equipment as my water bath and pressure canners. I miss that tough but sweet lady. Our pigs would not eat the apples that fell on the ground but another farmers pigs loved them. By picking them up it kept the stinging and aggressive insects away. Any leftovers went into her compost pile. The Hangs both passed away many years ago and only one Seckel Pear tree is still standing but no longer bears fruit. Good luck with your orchard and watch out for Raccoons in the fruit trees. They also will devour the fruit overnight. Have a blessed day, stay safe and healthy🙏🥰👍👌🙏🦅🔔🗽🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏

[@cindyjohnson5242]

I wonder if you can prune the tree and get it to bear again.

[@glendavertner8906]

@@cindyjohnson5242 The tree is on my neighbor's property so I can't prune it. I think it needs another pear tree for cross pollination. There was another Seckel Pear tree which was blown over in a storm. Plus 2 other large pear trees on the property in 1974. All or these trees are gone now.

[@cindyjohnson5242]

@@glendavertner8906 so sad 😞 I wonder if you can offer to purchase it and dig it while it's still dormant and transplant it to your place, then plant the needed companion. To me it would be worth it for the memory of your friends. I've had good success transplanting mature trees while they are dormant as long as you dig a large enough root ball. 😊

[@glendavertner8906]

@@cindyjohnson5242 The tree is too big to be transplanted. I'm 79 years old with physical disabilities. Maybe a landscaper with one of those huge machine for transplanting larger trees could. But, that would be very expensive. When the Hangs lived there, they had two Concord Grapevines, they wanted out of the fenced in yard for their dog. I dug a huge hole and the tap root was still huge .I finally took an axe and chopped it into. I then dug 2 holes in my yard which I had to get down in it to get it deep enough. The neighbor on that side of our property came out and ask me if I was digging a hole to China or two wells😂. I really didn't expect them to live, they did!! Later I took two cuttings, stuck them into a potato and put them in the ground, put a quart canning jar over them, just like I had seen my Grandmother do with roses. To my surprise they made it. Have no idea how old those grapevines were. The Hangs had dug them up from a friend's farm in Chillicothe, Ohio when they bought the property here in Loveland, Ohio in 1948-1950. I got them about 1975-1976. In the late 1990's they developed a disease as well as the neighbor that now owns the Hang's property grapevines were infected. The County Extension Office said it was very difficult to get rid of it. Have no idea how this happened to our vines. When I built the new house these vines were in the way of the construction, I had the contractor to use the bulldozer to push them over and put them on the burn pile. The neighbor burned his right were they were.

[@glendavertner8906]

@@cindyjohnson5242 See the above message I just sent on your previous comment. Sorry I hit the wrong reply

[@dianashelton1371]

I was taught years (decades 😞) ago, put a water route to where you want you roots to go. When I plant new trees, I put old wrapping paper roll tubes in the hole at an angle with the bottom where i want the tree roots to grow toward and slant to the top. I plant the tree on top and back fill. In the tube I put gravel I water the trees through the the tube and eventually the cardboard deteriorates but the gravel allows water to move down toward the roots. During the beginning, I simply put my hose or barrel with water at an angle that waters the tube. In very few years they are self sufficient

[@lowriedeeharrison4168]

I had some beautiful fruit trees planted. They were thriving. Going into winter they had wonderful growth and looked very promising. When the snow flew the rabbits came along and girdled the base of the trees feasting on the tender bark. The damage was done! I would recommend that you protect the trees from rabbits thru the winter. This is not a problem with older trees.

[@marktoldgardengnome4110]

I doubt you have a problem with standing snow, long term, but if only for a few days the protection needs to be up the tree, the height an average sized rabbit can reach, plus the depth of the snow, at it's deepest. An ounce of prevention can offer years of protection. Also, in years to come, when you feed/fertilize, it has to be out as far from the base of the tree, as the drip line of the tree's. Best of luck...... looking good.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

@@marktoldgardengnome4110 i agree I had rabbits during a very snowy winter get over the top of the wrapped trunk and girdled my 10 year old apple tree and killed it. The 3 foot high snow gave them access higher than normal and ugh I was so bummed

[@billd9266]

My heart is pumping a mile a second from joy. I can smell those pies now. You are going to start to get fruit quicker than you think, About three years you will start to get a little. Just a little help, I will ask the lord to bless that orchard.

[@crazytruestories]

I tell my wife that no project is too big when we work together. Amazing seeing all the progress you are making!

[@sowsweet7568]

I can vouch! I’m his wife🥰 and he isn’t wrong😊

[@ygrittesnow1701]

May I suggest that you keep periodic images of your orchard over the next 5 years. Would make a nice time lapse collage. Seeing them grow and change with each season.

[@sroberts605]

Great idea!

[@rwjingo4955]

Leave the auger running when you raise it out of the hole and it will clean the dirt off itself. Just idle down so it doesn't throw it wild.

[@natashaalfred2645]

That hole-boring attachment is really very useful and time and energy-saving! It's true that it is not something you will use regularly but thank God you have it to use!

[@marthapackard8649]

Coming from someone who's concerns are horses I say thank goodness for post hole augers. Smaller livestock do fine with metal stakes but horses...not so much.

[@WinsomeWinslet]

Bravo and well done. Your homestead is being blessed by the Most High and you will get fruit much sooner than you expect. God bless.

[@dianamattson1195]

Back in my high school days, I worked weekends at an apple orchard right outside of Sedalia (east). They grew red and golden delicious and Jonathans. I worked in the sorting shed early in the day right after the harvest came in. I will never forget the smell of fresh apples. Then in the afternoon, we would work the front sale area selling those wonderful apples, apple cider and honey to the city folk. I'll bet I ate my weight in apples that season and brought home a bushel or two so my boyfriend's grandmother could cook and can apple butter.

[@miosebreny2922]

Now. I do not like to comment under videos. But this one I have to. You guys did a fantastic, awesome, wonderful job in the fancing and the planting of the trees. These videos have been so helpful to me. I am proud of your hard works.

[@melodymccrary]

I sincerely appreciate you teaching younger (and older) folks how we all CAN and SHOULD be with our spouse and family members as we make our homes a place to help the family and others Choosing to serve the Father means you serve each other. Great videos!

[@dianapollex3266]

15-20 minutes to cut and acre!! Wow!! Toro has blessed you. So happy for your family.💖 Sarah, your nerdy planning has served you well 😁

[@deejayg1632]

My hubby has a Ferris zero turn, we have a lot of grass to mow. He loves the thing. It is so much faster!

[@michaelwaddeington5307]

Diana, doesn't really matter what brand zero turn mower you get, they are the bee's knees if you have a large area to mow. I worked for a 763 acre city park and had vast areas to mow weekly. What used to take 4 days on a tractor with a pull behind mower I could, after becoming familiar with the zero turn, do it in a day and that included stopping for lunch. Mike

[@MaryBornforHealth]

This is the year of cicadas. You might want to put fabric around the trees when you hear them come. They love landing on small fruit trees and sucking the juice out of the tender branches. Only happens every 17 years so you can the use the fabric for row covers.

[@traceyosterlind14]

Excellent point!

[@oblio2255]

They hurt nothing except your ears

[@trishanderson1819]

This isn't a cicada year where they live.

[@mimiso2522]

@@trishanderson1819 I had to look it up. There are always cicada hatchings every year, but you are right. According to the hatch map they are not in the 17 year cicada hatch this year. BUT WE ARE. Indiana.

[@trishanderson1819]

@@mimiso2522 yes, we do have annual cicadas here too (I'm also in MO, like Kevin and Sarah, although a different part of the state. That's why I knew we weren't due for another emergence for I think 3 more years!) but they don't do near the damage that the periodical ones do

[@FosterFamilyFun]

I plan on checking out Starke Brothers for fruit trees to plant on our land. Thanks for sharing.

[@alicedoucet5413]

This is a very old co.U can't go wrong with them.when I was a child my dad planted their paper shell pecan tree and it's huge now and productive..and I'm 73..lol

[@stacymessier2266]

They have the best guarantee and the trees are shipped very well!!

[@canoemissouri]

@@stacymessier2266 in my experience Stark Brothers guarantee was worthless! They kept promising me they would send replacements in the next shipping cycle and to date 3 years later I have never received the replacements. Buyer beware.

[@healthyhomestead]

@@canoemissouri same. I purchased 26 dwarf fruit / nut trees. Thankfully, I only had six die, but the replacements died as well. Purchased replacements from Home Depot and have had no issues.

[@wishiwuzahomestead6338]

I love the orchard and the deer moat! Great idea! I'm so happy that you mentioned planting depth! People often plant them too deep. Howard Garrett (a well known tree expert in Texas) says it's better to plant a tree too shallow than too deep. The tree will be much more healthy in the years to come and that in turn helps it resist pests and disease much better! I'm off to check out the Stark Brothers website!

[@Mrsmuffin1958]

My husband and I loved watching your videos together. We waited excitedly to see what was next, and wouldn't watch without the other. Sadly, on March 31st, my husband went to heaven, rather unexpectedly, as the result of a surgery for cancer. The surgery was successful, but the recovery didn't go to plan. He would've been 75 in May. I'm American, he was British, and we lived together in England where I will remain. I'm still enjoying your videos, but it's bittersweet. I bought up lots of gardening stuff this year so I can grow tomatoes (just a few) on my patio, nurture my fig trees, raspberries, and rhubarb. I never got to tell him about poor Hope!! Well, it's okay. He's in heaven and will watch you full-time from there.

[@yvonnejones6234]

You both are such a frugal hardworking couple. I'm inspired by your journey.

[@krickette5569]

In June of 2020 I ordered two Pawpaw trees from Stark Brother's with a first arrival date of July 2020. Then I got an email that they would be delayed. After several emails back and forth I was told that my first tree would arrive at the end of October After our first frost date. I had to store it in my garage over winter and hope it lived. My second pawpaw tree STILL hasn't arrived and we are coming up on a Year after I ordered. I feel like they probably fill their really large orders first and those of us who order one or two will just get them whenever they happen to get them back in stock. I'm happy that you got such good service from them and hope that your orchard is successful.

[@keyphabenyisrael3219]

Ah, so I'm not the only one who had issues with them and Paw Paw trees. We ordered three last summer, specifically because they had an immediate ship date listed, and it took them 4 months to actually ship them out after repeatedly pushing the ship date out so many times they stopped sending email notifications. One arrived looking OK, the other, dying, and the last one dead. I am going to wait until the end of May before I demand replacements, they look like they may have actually survived. I did notice they're charging twice as much for Paw Paw trees this year SMH

[@krickette5569]

@@keyphabenyisrael3219 Their website says a scratch test and photos are required to get a replacement. I will be doing a scratch test on mine and taking photos today. If they actually replace the tree it will help me feel somewhat better about them, but when will I see it? In a week we will be one month away from when I ordered them last year and their website says out of stock on every one of their pawpaw trees.

[@midei]

It's always exciting and it makes me very happy to see all your projects and how much your homestead has grown in these five years. I really appreciate your generosity in sharing all that with us viewers. I don't have a farm, ( I don't even have a balcony! ), and watching your channel makes me dream ;-D

[@carricowherd3826]

That's awesome! Gooseberry bushes would be amazing along the fence line. Or maybe some huckleberries. I wish that I had that kind of room. Love it!

[@georgiagardengirlshomestea1560]

Can't wait to see what Stark Brother's have to offer!!! Wow great zero turn!!

[@mahmoudabdalla3130]

How lovely cupels you are, Really your husband is very lucky to have a soulmate like you doing everything together hand by hand,

[@zelmanewell5486]

I planted 8 fruit trees about 3 years ago. And they were dwarf and semi dwarf trees. Which means those trees are grafted with another tree to grow into one. But the problem is you will have things branches grow from at the base of your tree from both plants. For example my Elberta Peach it's a dwarf tree but the tree that is it is drafted to is not as disease-resistant as my Alberta is so now I am fighting peach tree borers in the one tree that is not disease-resistant. I hope you know all of this already. I didn't and now I'm paying the price. But the layout of your orchard looks beautiful mine I just did in a postage stamp Style layout. Congrats on your new Orchard.

[@chaparra71]

Most fruit trees are grafted, I’m sure they are aware.

[@shelleykienel2454]

A new homestead very close to you is called Alder Farms Homestead. Brad and his two small sons are just starting a farm and have alot of questions. You two could help him so much. Give him a looksie.

[@lorriehall7243]

So funny you say that..look back in the videos..maybe to where Gary got his protective glasses!

[@heatherk8931]

I said the same to him. I think he is Chad, Adler farms.

[@debraneilands1118]

Over here in England we have an allotment (land we can grow on rented near home)We planted an orchard 6 years ago when we started..and just added 3 nut trees hazelnut, wallnut, and chestnut. I thought this would be something else you would consider planting.

[@susanpettett1211]

The both of you never ceases to amaze me on how awesome you are with your homestead. Have you ever had any of the fruits from the trees you planted in today's video? If not, perhaps find some of the fruit that each tree will produce and do a taste test of them to see what you will have to look forward to in the future? Maybe that's a idea for a future video? Love all you do and so looking forward to your next adventure!

[@bowtielife]

LoL... As soon as I saw your 'dust storm' I knew that was our controlled burn. It was near Tea Kettle Falls in the Madison/McIlroy Wildlife Management Area south of Eureka and Berryville! I knew y'all were close, never quite sure how close. I have always followed you because of interesting content but always enjoyed the benefit of seeing the weather back at the cabin when we are at our place in Florida! Thank you for everything! The variety of your videos are great! I have learned so much. I really liked the tip with the board to make sure the crown of the tree is at the right height! Also, if I had a hole digger for my tractor even on our small property I would be THRILLED! Hah hah hah!! ;)

[@cherrydowns7745]

It's a pleasure watching you two building your Homestead!

[@rmm3150]

Spring has sprung. That lawnmower did a fantastic job. Cool music during mowing. Wow, how in the world are just the two of you going to process all that fruit plus everything in your garden and your animals? Very informative video! You guys are great!

[@teresamurray250]

Glad you choose the Arkansas Black Apple tree they are so delicious.

[@cajunlane3191]

Good morning and have a wonderful day. "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 I am so happy that you share your blessings with us. You help us to start out our day on a very positive outlook. When you were talking about the crabapple tree I remembered when I used to make apple jelly. I would process it to the juice stage and then strain it and freeze that in ice cream buckets. Then in the winter I would take it out and make my jelly when I really wanted the warmth in the house and had more time to spend on a tedious job. With my tomatoes, when they were in generous numbers, I would just peel them and throw into Ziploc bags and freeze. It's so much more pleasant to do the jobs that you can in the winter time when you have more free time. Just thought I'd share the idea with you. Blessings on your Springtime and especially for Resurrection Day. It is so nice to communicate with other true believers in the death, burial, and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This FAITH, with our heart, is our only requirement in our salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The Son of God took on the form of man and completed everything else that was required and that is why He said on the cross "It is finished." Only Christ is qualified to purchase our salvation. 🌄🌈✝️📖🙏💒🏔️🌟🐜🐿️🐦🔥🐕🍀🍽️🇱🇷🎼

[@littlevalleyhomestead]

Wonderful. Digging a hole for a new tree is one of my favorite things to do. We have around 20 fruit and nut trees now. But more exciting news! My bunny had her babies!!! I watched all your videos on raising rabbits and last night my girl had 6 , all alive with full bellies today. Thanks for all your knowledge and inspiration! (Don't mind the 15 ducks and 40 chickens we also somehow acquired). It's a great start to the season.

[@jackiekitchennowordsneeded587]

I love the way you guys plan. It’s better in the long run. You both are amazing. You can tell you love the homestead life. Me too. Blessings. Happy Easter my KZbin friends!

[@judyabernathy80]

Great video! So excited to see the trees grow as time goes on. You two are doing wonderful things on your homestead. I can’t say enough good about such a sweet, hard working, couple. Blessings always. ♥️❣️🙏🏼❣️♥️

[@renamaemcdonald2075]

Wow! I must admit that I'm jealous of all that you can grow in that area. It will be great to follow along to see how well your beautiful orchard does. My husband and I also work well together. We have been married 37 years & have been friends since we were 10 years old in school. 🙂

[@pattymiles2688]

My grandfather had a huge huge apple orchard and the same size peach orchard in Georgia. People from far away would come to his farm during their seasons and buy apples and peaches. Back in those early days when the city of Barnesville Ga.was being settled, that’s how many farmers supported their families - by planting peach and apple orchards.

[@judydiedrich9937]

Love what you're accomplishing in your new orchard. Now to watch it thrive will be your treasure.

[@hazelbrungard1623]

Good morning to all. I was excited to see your daffodils. They are a rare type known by heritage daffodils and we have a 20' edged along the back sidewalk of them. No one I've spoken to knew what they were and so a foot doc told us she has a clump of them.

[@mellyg8872]

Your place is beautiful and you are continuing to beautify it even more on so many levels! Awesome team work 💪🏻

[@thinkingofothers353]

~~~ Very WISE my friends. This video was very interesting and your thinking of what and when an showing us all was a great idea...the auger was well worth the money and even to help others will bring you back good neighbors. The lawnmower is one of a person's best deal. Now I am going to go look up that tree company your using... MAY OUR LORD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND ALL YOUR LOVED ONES......GOD'S JOY.

[@swianecki]

That orchard looks beautiful. Can’t wait to see how the chickens love all that area to run.

[@charleswise5570]

We have the program "This Old House", for home repair and remodeling, and "Living Traditions Homestead", for homesteading, and farming! Absolutely fantastic teachers in this category! I learn so much from watching Kevin and Sarah! Nothing goes better with a cup of hot coffee! Thank you again!

[@joedavenport3263]

You two are creating your homestead into the garden of eden. Can’t wait for your next big project.

[@Stoffmonster467]

Next is a fruit press to make and preserve juice. Just think about it the next 5 years.... great orchard🍎🍏🍐

[@Stoffmonster467]

Your climate sounds similar to ours, but warmer in summer. Sweet cherries work here, we have a harvest every third year. Last year we canned about 16 pounds of cherries in sour cherrie juice.

[@carolynstreet5325]

The timing of this video couldn't be better. We are expecting several fruit trees from Stark today. We bought 2 peach trees from them earlier in the year and they arrived when the high temp for the day was 10° and we had about 8 inches of snow on the ground. We did our best to keep the roots hydrated before we were able to plant them, but the trees aren't looking too good. We love your videos and look forward to them.

[@lorirober2536]

I so enjoy your videos. In addition to learning so much about gardening and homesteading, it is so wonderful to see a couple who work so well together.

[@jaydeemarie]

hopefully helpful tip: if you reverse the side of the hinges on one of your gates it will block off your moat on both sides of the opening. you will be able to block the chickens inside the moat & drive through the gates. that way you don't have to worry about escapes & you don't have to close the gates until you leave the orchard.

[@ymrelang]

I buy from Stark Brothers most of my dwarf fruit trees. I have planted them in my back yard which is 100 x 80 (approximately) I have 2 plums, 3 grapes, 4 cherries, 1 pear, 2 peaches, 3 pawpaws, 3 hazelnut bushes, 6 apples, 2 cherry bushes, 24 blue berry bushes, blackberries, strawberries and 8 different other berry bushes. And 1 tall maple tree that I want to cut! I also have several raised beds for tomatoes, peppers and vegetables. All are doing great!!! It’s possible to plant your trees very close to each other and have a huge amount of fruits!!! Good luck!!! Thanks for your video!!!

[@nctplarry]

LOVE the music bed when Kevin begins mowing! Coming from a very musical family (Grammy nominations), I am drawn to the music chosen to help convey a mood....and you knocked it so far outta the park, it's out of sight! High fives!

[@janicejurgensen2122]

I am always proud of you all! From your delicious recipes to your beautiful girls and so much more! I have learned so much!

[@janicejurgensen2122]

I forgot thank you so much!

[@mimiso2522]

One thing an old farmer used to keep deer out was to string colored plastic soda bottles end to end on a tight rope or twine between fence posts. He cut half circles in multiple places and pulled them out to make wings. when the wind blows it causes the bottles to rotate and scare off deer and predators. My grand mother did the same thing but on poles in the garden. They were some smart cookies back in the day.

[@margaretthompson6391]

What about bird netting for hawks? Over chicken run. Crab apples are full of natural pectin. Can add them to other fruit if you are trying no pectin jams.

[@connieblasingame7996]

Wow! Double fencing, zero turn mower, new farm, new registered cow, new herd of beef cows,.......Who says hard work does not Pay!....Good going You'all ....

[@dianatennant4346]

That nerdy planning and energy will serve you very well in the future. I love the way you folks try to plan and plan ahead so you don't have to redo an undo things. Truly admire your organization

[@CynthiasCraftsandmore]

WOW, you guys did an awesome job! Will be watching them over the years to see how they do. Thank you for sharing! Hugs and love to you and your family. ❤️✝🤗 Have a beautiful and blessed week. God Bless ❤️✝🤗

[@georgiadabinett6312]

Good morning. Love these videos on Wednesday with coffee.

[@micheleolson9914]

Awesome project and great planning. Many apple orchards in Minnesota tie sand bags to standard apple trees branches to get the branches to grow downward for easier harvest & so the biggest fruit on top is easier to get to. Wish I'd known that 20 years ago for my own apple tree. 🙄 And so true about NO MULCH next to the tree trunks! Long story alert! My neighbor, for more than a decade, mowed his grass and piled his clippings & leaves around the 60 ft high/ mature, line of maple trees along his back yard. Eventually, building up the soil, or so he thought. Last Fall, one clump of five trees started to come down. The clump was rotted 4 ft up the trunks and a massive hive of carpenter bees was inside. We were lucky no one was killed, the first one came down in a storm, next to the other neighbor's jungle gym swingset. The second tree half fell into our huge maple, stuck there for another half a year, until it fell at 11am one day, not a cloud in the sky and no wind. It took out part of our apple tree and missed my shed & fire pit. It cost 3k to remove the rest of the clump of trees that didn't already fall and for tree removal. Other trees will also need to be removed, sadly, at the new owners expense, because now its a well established liability/safety issue. I feel for them. You are going to love that new mower! My dad has a 6 ft zero turn John Deere mower, I love mowing with it! A few pointers, if you didn't already know: Always start off parked & in low when you engage the blades, increase them gradually. You will save much wear and tear & won't burn through as many belts, which aren't cheap. Always disengage the blades before driving over dirt driveways, gravel, etc., less damage/ won't dull your blades and you won't throw rocks and hurt something or damage siding on your buildings, which I may or may not have done. 😐 Its easy to make divots with the inside wheel on a tight turn, going fast, especially if it's rained recently. Don't mow at really fast drive speeds; the mower bounces less for more even cuts and it mulches better. You will get so good at turning it, that it will be fun to mow around objects. General grass tips: Mow higher than you think. Weeds love to germinate in short grass. The higher your grass, the longer the roots & less likely to dry out if you don't get rain for a while. Less weeds mean less need for weed killer/ herbicides around your orchard, which I'm guessing you want to keep organic? If no rain is in the forecast for awhile, I don't mow at all. My Dad's neighbor's lawn dries out and my dad's lawn is always lush and green. I usually keep the blade height at 4.5 inches, unless its late Fall, I mow shorter to mulch better. I heard Kevin say he just mowed it shorter this time for easier planting, good idea. So many new adventures on your homestead. I bet that double fence will help keep the hawks away from the chickens too. Can't wait to see the progress with each new video. Love your channel. 💜

[@justme-uw6bz]

I can imagine that is going to be a fantastic looking orchard.

[@philstocks7859]

I think you are really going to like the Arkansas black apples. They are a really good pie apple. Crisp, tart and yet sweet. Also a really good keeper. They kind of remind me of Winesap apples. Best of luck with your orchard.

[@markshechter8473]

My wife and I started our orchard project last year. We went with the 8 foot high fence around the 350 x 170 area to keep Deer at bey. We currently have 12 apple trees in along with a grape arbor. More trees in the future. Peaches Cherries and Pears for sure along with a few more varieties of Apples. I've been looking at Stark Bros website for ideas. It's a work in progress for sure.

[@marymarysmarket3508]

Super project and partnership...you guys and Stark (a great company). Perhaps a Part 4 could be making some area of shelter from the wind and sky. On your faces at the closing of video, all I could think about was that old truism...A job well done~is it’s own reward. Congrats on those lifelong wonderful feelings of accomplishment. 💥🇺🇸🌳

[@judithjanes5738]

Our single neighbor told me I could have all the crabapples I wanted from the tree in his yard; made the BEST applesauce, and bonus: it was a lovely rosy color! He got pints of it as his reward for being so generous.

[@amandaforeman2626]

I love stark brothers !!!! Excellent customer service and beautiful trees !!!

[@patriciabash534]

Great tip on gaging the soil level over the top roots!

[@stephenshorb7974]

I am definitely living vicariously through you all.

[@Elizabeth-rp1pi]

Rainier cherries! Wonderful! ❣️

[@mika112112]

Hey Guys, I really enjoy your videos! I was raised up doing farm work with my Dad and Uncle. I am in South Georgia, I know nothing about your part of the country. If I may, I do know one or two things that will save you some grief in time to come if you haven't done it already. Get you some 1/2 by 1/2 welded wire and make a cylinder about 10 or 12 inches in Dia. and about 3 feet tall and protect the bottom of those trees. Rabbits, beavers, and other critters love to eat and bark tender young trees. If they cut the bark all the way around the tree and they will, the tree is dead. We lost 20 acres of pecan trees by not knowing to do this. I hope it helps. Thanks for sharing!

[@micheleleone3872]

How exciting! Can't wait to see the chickens!! It's going to be a beautiful orchard.

[@angeliquemcniff3076]

When I saw the brown sky, being from California I thought, “wildfire!” I was close.

[@deejayg1632]

We have been having controlled burns here in NE Georgia too, I recognized the signs!

[@Yooperbuzz1]

When I get bare-root I soak overnight with some Rootone in the water before planting.

[@stephaniecruz8260]

I love how organized and well planned your projects are, your farm looks prestine

[@9realitycheck9]

"Pears are for Heirs"... they take forever to really mature to be productive. .. you can place multiple bardroot dwarf trees and some Semi-dwarf varieties in the same hole. We do that in Northern California with some plums, pluot, apricot and apple varieties. ...btw while you don't want to take on keeping bees, there are likely some local beekeepers who would gladly place a few colonies on your property in exchange for a couple Pints of Honey per year. Really like your channel!! ..

[@deanlewis1650]

We just ordered our trees from Stark Brothers too. They were very helpful with our order. I can't believe that they are shipping so fast😁

[@ritad.franklin6372]

Love the Chinese proverb. I planted a pear, two pecans, one plum, two apples, and a peach tree. Also two Blueberries. Will be glad to plant a few more.

[@vangiefich]

Beautiful start to your orchard! I'm sure you will enjoy it for years to come! Love you guys!

[@jfreeman5544]

Just a trick I learned about Cherries, if you don't want the birds eating them all, you need to hang a bunch of shinny objects, like old CDs, or those little individual pie tins in the tree . This will keep the birds away.

[@cherokeepurple4480]

I tried that with my blueberry shrubs and it didn’t work. I think netting is my only option.

[@conniec4936]

Sorry, I should have mentioned this earlier when I knew you were going to plant trees... best way to eliminate air pockets around the bare roots is to prefill the hole with water, then backfill! I do this every time I plant or transplant anything! But, I'm sure your trees will do fine if you give them enough water. I also check soil ph first and adjust as needed. That might be more necessary when you plant your grapes and blueberries! Love your videos!

[@nwpioneer2551]

GUILTY, The two of you are always working so hard and I'm just sitting here drinking my coffee and eating my donut.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

Okay now I'm not feeling so bad. Im drinking coffee just watching these two work in the mornings. Our greenhouse is supposed to be here this week so im going to make up for it this weekend lol 😆

[@177Fantasy177]

A job well done! Sarah you're a wonderful teacher!

[@suzanneburns6130]

I have gotten fruit trees from Starm Bros. in the past. They were great trees, from a great company. If I ever get a larger property, I 'd gladly buy from them again.

[@maryreynolds5310]

I’m so excited for you two and for these trees to get growing strong! Well, can’t say you didn’t do your homework..way to go!!

[@bettyecarnahan5274]

Yes yes yes!! Fig trees. Texas A&M and LSU both have a great fig tree that they have developed, if I'm not mistaken. I'm 83 but I hope I live long enough to watch your trees mature. Best of luck. MS. Bettye

[@TheWayWalker]

I also got a Whitney crabapple, Arkansas Black and Honeycrisp from Starks Bros. I'm very excited about the Arkansas Black as they say that after harvest they store extremely well and can store for up to 6months if done properly none have produced fruit yet but, it looks like the crabapple may fruit this year. Stark bro is a really good company!

[@ryantozier6609]

Long time fan, love your videos! Have a small homestead ourselves. One quick tip on the auger...keep the PTO engaged when you are lifting out of the hole. It will spin the dirt off and clean the hole out. Keep up the great work! God Bless!

[@darlenechaney6989]

I have learned so much from you two. Thank You Gobs and Gobs

[@terrireddish2522]

I love watching you guys and I love drawing a plan out of everything I plant or make,show a few more videos of chores with chickens and rest of animals please xxx

[@2ndSprings]

I love seeing you guys working together. Happy Spring! Great Orchard!

[@kennithompson2398]

Your homestead is steadily becoming a beautiful place to live and raise your family! I hope all the trees take root and become very productive for you!

[@annesweeney5552]

I bought a toro power mower it’s wide and self propelled. It’s the best mower I’ve ever bought.. You two work so well together .. Was so glad Kevin said what was going on because I was like , is that a dust storm or smoke?? Love your videos . So excited .. God Bless you all

[@ReclaimingOurRoots]

You two work so well together! Job well done guys!!!! 🌳🌳🌳🌳

[@dbaileyanorchardistsdaught5041]

You both did a wonderful job of explaining the whole process of planting trees. If you fertilize and love those trees they can possibly give you fruit on their third leaf. (3 years) You all planting your trees reminded me of all the great times I’ve been blessed to have planting cherry trees every spring break. 🍒🍒🍒 Will you be starting up some bee boxes? The two go hand in hand. 🐝🍒👏🏼

[@frankgray8830]

Hello Orchardist.. How are you doing today?

[@davidtobias1665]

Hope you have better luck with Stark Bros. than I did.

[@Emeraldwitch30]

I've not been super impressed with stark except for their range of variety. Very small stock and took lots of babying. I've had better luck with a local nursery for my fruit trees. They are bigger for the same buck but there isn't as many varieties to choobaying. For folks in michigan over in Allendale there is a very nice nursery that has beautiful trees (and fruit bushes) and decent pricing.