Orchard Farming

and
You

Harry S. Dagdag
LUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL
Layout Design of Orchard
The layout of an orchard refers to fixing the
position of trees in an orchard when
planning a plantation. Thus, the layout of an
orchard is very important to ensure proper
growth of trees. Designing the layout of an
orchard garden must have the following
goals:
• to easily carry out orchard
operations like intercultural and irrigation
• to have an equal distribution of areas for
each tree
• to maximize the use of the area according
to different kinds of trees
• to make supervision more easy and
effective
Trees arrangement in an orchard
1. Square method – this is the
simplest and easiest method. Trees
are planted in square-shaped
position, with same distance
measurement.
2. Rectangular method - this method is
formed from four adjacent trees that
are in a rectangular shape. Trees are
planted in the same way as in square
method except the distance between
the rows of trees are more than the
distance of the columns.
3. Triangular method – this planting
arrangement is based in an equilateral
triangle, which has there equal sides.
4. Quincunx or diagonal method – this
follows a diamond pattern of arranging
row-planted trees.
5. Equilateral triangle or hexagonal
method – in this method, trees are
planted at the corners of an equilateral
triangle, where six triangles are joined
forming a hexagon shape with a
seventh tree in the center. Distances
between trees and from the central tree
are equal.
6. Contour or terracing method – in this
method, plating is done in hilly areas by
connecting all points of the same
elevation across the slope from a
baseline, maintaining a space on each
row.
Tools and Equipment Used
in Plant Propagation
Caring for fruit trees is the same as
caring for other trees. Orchard tools
and equipment play a very important
role in the systematic process of plant
propagation. Their availability makes
the work easier and helps in the
proper execution of the different
procedures.
1. Bolo – used for cutting wood, trees,
and grasses.

2. Crowbar – is used for digging soil to

plant.
3. Hoe – a tool used in digging and
loosening hard, dry soil. It has a thin
blade across the end of a long
handle.
4. Rake – a long handled tool having a
bar at one end with teeth in. It is used
for smoothening the soil and
gathering loose leaves, hay, or straw.
5. Shovel – a broad scoop attached to a
handle. It is used to dig, lift, and throw
loose matter.
6. Trowel – a tool with a curved blade
used for loosening the ground and
taking up small plants.
7. Axe – a tool with a flat, sharp blade
fastened to a handle used for cutting trunk
of trees and their branches.
8. Water Sprinkler – a can with a spout to
sprinkle water on the plants. Plants
should be watered everyday to make
them grow healthier.
9. Wheelbarrow – used to transfer soil plants
and other materials from one place to
another.

10. Hose – used for watering seedlings arranged

in mass.
11. Sprayer – used for spraying
chemicals to eliminate plant seeds.

12. Weighing Scale- for weighing plants,

seeds, and fertilizers.
13. Pieces of wood or bamboo – used
as fences of seed boxes and plots to
protect plants from being destroyed by
animals.
14. Pruning Shears – used for cutting
small branches including the
unnecessary branches.
15. Garden gloves – used while working
in the garden, made of strong rubber to
protect from thorns and withstand
punctures.
16. Fork – a tool resembling a table fork
but much bigger in size. It is used in
digging and preparing the soil for the
plants.
References: The Basics of Better Family
Living, pages 67-68 and Home Economics
and Livelihood Education 6, pages 73-74