A walnut tree is very easy to care for, but takes up a lot of space over decades. Therefore, the cultivation should be well thought out.
Fresh walnuts from our own tree are a real treat. For real nut fans, it makes sense to plant a tree in the garden so that the delicious walnuts can be harvested from September. What actually sounds very simple requires good planning.
You will be surprised what develops from a small walnut seedling after a few years. It is therefore extremely important, especially with walnut trees, that you give sufficient thought to the nature of the space beforehand.
Walnut trees are getting mighty - find a suitable location
If you offer the walnut tree good conditions and enough space, it will grow into a mighty tree. It can serve as a shade provider and since it is sun-hungry, place it in a sunny spot if possible:
| Walnut tree (Juglans regia ) | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 40 - 45 cm a year |
| Growth: | 1,500 - 2,000 cm |
| Growth: | 1,000 - 1,500 cm |
| Root system: | Deep Roots |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | normal garden soil |
In small gardens it is not necessarily easy to find a suitable location. Therefore, consider whether you are making the right choice with the walnut tree. Alternatively, you can of course try to plant the tree close to the edge of the garden - but keep in mind that in a few years your neighbor might be bothered by the shade.
The walnut is one of those trees that grow over a long period of time. The tree only reaches its heyday when it is about thirty years old and can now reach a diameter of up to 15 meters.
Since the walnut needs space, it uses its own trick: the roots and leaves contain a poison that suppresses the growth of other trees. This is also a reason why you should consider whether a location in the small garden- or in the fence border to the neighbor - makes sense. To be on the safe side, ask your neighbors if they agree to planting a walnut tree. Not that your tree is growing but you have to cut it down as not only will you be hit by walnuts but also by your neighbor's anger.
» Attention: The walnut tree develops deep and long roots. If the tree is too close to the house, the roots can attack the foundation.
Planting a walnut tree - That's what matters
Soil conditions for the walnut
Even if the walnut wants enough space - and creates space for itself if necessary - it is relatively undemanding and can get along with different soils. Nevertheless, there are soil conditions that are preferred:
- deep soil interspersed with sand
- wet soils
- neutral to slightly acidic soil
However, it depends on the ratio. The soil must not contain too much sand, and the walnut tree punishes waterlogging by only growing slowly and developing only a few nuts.
If you only have a dry site to choose from, you must take care to keep the soil moist.
Ideal planting time for the walnut tree
Now, is the walnut tree right for you or not? You have enough time to think about it, because you can plant the walnut tree from spring to autumn. Even seedlings will survive the first winter if planted before October.
» Tip: The planting time in autumn is almost ideal. Over the winter, the tree develops a solid root system and can start the new year with strong growth in spring.
Plant walnut tree
If possible, calculate a square area with a size of at least eight meters for the location. There should be no other trees within this square.
Before planting, it is advisable to loosen the soil around the later planting hole. The fresh roots have an easier time in loose soil. The planting hole is already quite large, especially compared to a small seedling. We recommend a hole with a diameter of about one meter. The depth should be half a meter if possible.
In order for the walnut tree to take off well, you should prepare the soil taken from the planting hole: mix compost under the topsoil and add some slow-release fertilizer.
Place the seedling in the center of the excavated planting hole and tie it to a post so that it grows straight.Now fill the hole back up with the prepared soil and water the tree.
» Tip: Water the walnut tree daily after planting. In this phase it needs a lot of water because it cannot yet absorb any water from the ground.