Growing fruit trees in soil with bad drainage (forum)

Dee starts with ...
We are wanting to grow a small orchard on our Brisbane acreage. Our soil is rocky and has a lot of clay. We are thinking of doing raised beds to assist with drainage. Is this a good idea? Also what would be the best fruit trees to grow? We are beginner gardeners so no idea really.

Time: 6th May 2017 10:26am

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About the Author Dee9
Greenbank qld
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Brandon says...
Hi Dee, southeast Queensland soil always difficult to grow exotic fruit trees but nothing is impossible. Where we live (Gaven) is the same rocky shalley and lots of clay. To have a successful orchard you must work with the soil by raising beds. Bring loads and loads of topsoil, manure ,composting and work it all together. You're welling to spend the money if you want a productive orchard. Otherwise don't waste your time.

Time: 2nd June 2017 8:19am

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About the Author Brandon
Gaven
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allybanana says...
If you have a slope you can make the clay work for you cut deep trenches that go down the hill at 45 degrees from both directions making a net pattern,with the intersects where you plant trees. Fill the trenches with free draining mulch and make sure there is enough trench below the bottom trees to drain away water. This way the clay catches the water and funnels it to the trees but also the water can drain away.

Time: 7th June 2017 9:26pm

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About the Author allybanana
EDEN, NSW
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