Growing a walnut tree in your garden can be a rewarding experience, offering a number of benefits, from improved air quality to natural beauty. Plus, to benefit from delicious nuts and the health benefits they have.
Although traditionally associated with large tracts of land, dwarf and Current cultivation techniques allow this tree to be enjoyed even in small spaces.
The walnut tree is a deciduous tree that produces a fruit or drupe containing edible seeds inside called nuts. They are found inside hard shells.
These trees can grow to over 15m and live for approximately 150 years. They grow very slowly and mature trees produce edible nuts after 10 years.
It is important to know that they produce a chemical compound called juglone, which prevents the growth of nearby plants. For this reason, it is very important to take into account the place where you are going to plant it because It can absorb nutrients from other plants, which can make its survival difficult.
In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about growing a walnut tree in a modern garden.
Choosing the variety for walnut cultivation
Some walnut trees require a pollinator to produce nuts. Research the needs of the variety you choose and, if necessary, plant a compatible walnut tree nearby.
First, you need to decide which variety of walnut tree is best suited for your garden. There are several varieties of walnut trees to choose from, each with its own growing requirements and benefits. Some of the most popular varieties are:
Persian walnut: It is native to the Middle East and is known for its large, tasty nuts. This variety of walnut tree needs well-draining soil and plenty of sun. The walnut tree's shells are thin and contain a tasty pulp. When mature, the bark turns from dark brown to silvery grey.
Black Walnut: The black walnut tree is native to North America and has a very dark bark. This variety is known for its fast growth and delicious nuts.
English walnut: The English walnut is perhaps the most popular walnut variety, known for its large, flavorful nuts. This variety requires a temperate climate and well-draining soil.
How to grow walnut
You can plant the tree at any time of the year as long as the ground is not frozen, although in autumn and winter they can establish themselves better.
Prepare the soil
Once you have selected the walnut variety, you will need to prepare the area where you will plant it. Start by examining the soil to make sure it is well drained, as Walnut trees are sensitive to waterlogged roots.
If necessary, add sand or organic matter to improve drainage. Also, walnut trees need full sun, so be sure to choose an area with plenty of sunlight.
Plant the tree
When you are ready to plant your walnut tree, start by digging a hole that is twice the diameter of the roots and the same depth.
This way you will ensure that the tree has enough space to develop healthy roots. Once the hole is ready, carefully place the tree into the hole and fill with soil, making sure the base of the trunk is level with the ground.
Incorporate stakes to prevent it from being moved by the wind. If you are going to plant a tree in a pot, do so at a 45 degree angle to avoid damaging the root ball.
Irrigation
After planting, it is important to establish a consistent watering schedule for your walnut tree. Although they do not need much water, it is very important to keep the soil constantly moist.
Start by watering the tree thoroughly after planting, and then gradually reduce the frequency of watering as the tree becomes established. Generally, one thorough watering per week is sufficient to keep the tree healthy and vigorous.
It is very important to keep the ground clean of weeds and grass in a circle of one meter. to avoid competition for water and nutrients with other plants.
The care you have to provide to the tree is minimal after the first two years when it is already established.
Pruning
In addition to regular watering, there are some maintenance tasks that will help you keep your walnut tree healthy.You have to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches.
A good option is to let it develop a central stem, or also You can remove it to limit the size of the tree and encourage shoot growth. You should never prune it abruptly.
Fertilization
You can stimulate healthy growth adding a good quality mulch or a nitrogen-rich fertilizerYou have to do it at the beginning of spring.
Protection
Protects walnut trees from late frosts and pests such as walnut flies. You should periodically check the leaves for signs of pests and diseases., as well as pruning branches if necessary to maintain an attractive shape.
Steps to harvest and enjoy your walnuts
- If you take proper care of your walnut tree, it should begin producing nuts after 4 or 5 years.
- The best time to harvest them is in September and November..
- To check ripeness, press the green skin on the outside of the nut with your thumb. If it is tender, the nut is ready to harvest.
- You have to taste the nuts from the top of the tree as they ripen last and will indicate the ripeness of all the others.
- You can shake the nuts of the tree to harvest them when they are ripe or use a stick to shake them and pick them up from the ground.
- Remove the green skin with your hands or crush a group of fruits to open them.
- Wash shelled nuts several times to remove any debris or worms.
- Let them dry for a few weeks without the shell in a warm, dry place.
- Use a knife to peel them, a nutcracker or even a pocket knife.
- You have to dry them on a baking sheet for several days and roast them in the oven before eating them.
- Then store the dried, peeled nuts in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to a year.
- Walnuts can also be opened and eaten fresh, or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
El growing a walnut tree In a modern garden it can be a rewarding and fun experience.
Taking into account choosing the right variety, With proper soil preparation and constant care, you can enjoy the beauty and shade of a walnut tree, as well as a large harvest of fresh walnuts. Incorporating them into your diet since it is a food full of nutrients with many benefits for your health.
Follow the advice in this guide and you'll be well on your way to growing a healthy, productive walnut tree in your garden.