Posted: 11/30/2016 12:43:56 PM EDT
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I've got 4 Dunstan Chestnuts arriving tomorrow to add to my property. Anyone growing these and harvesting them for eating, rather than as part of a feed plot?
What do you recommend to make harvesting easy? |
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Do Dustans grow tall and straight like the American or spreading like the Asians? I grow the Chinese variety which are fairly easy to limb pick or climb. The nuts that hit the ground get picked over by wildlife very quickly. A hard rake, Leatherman and gloves works for me.
Dig your holes deep, add some plant debris (and some sand if tough clay) in the bottom. Fertilize with slow release fertilizer in the fall and water first year and during droughts and you will have nuts starting within 5yrs. Remember that chestnuts pollinate by wind, so orient those 4 so that the late spring wind can best cross pollinate....the fewer the trees, the more important this is. |