Turning acreage into an apple orchard

by Marilyn
(Manitoba)

In 1996 we bought an acreage. We have had cows, goats, pheasants, ducks, geese, rabbits and chickens.

We retired (@ age 55)and 18 years later do not regret our country home. Without a pension we'd not have done well. My husband started an apple orchard in 1999 to prove one can grow large apples in Manitoba. We planted c400 root stock, took a bud grafting course, budded the root stock and waited a year.

Not all of the buds took, so we re-budded again the next August. Now, in 2014, we have an orchard of c350 dwarf trees and 18 years older.

We have had a wonderful time but will be looking to sell in a few years. It is a lot of work but if you like what you are doing, what the heck!

****************************************************************************************************
Getting up everyday, and looking forward to the day because of what you have chosen to do, makes a huge difference to life's happiness. It sounds as if you have had a lot of fun, along with a lot of hard work, but it has paid off in the end.

Thank you so much for sharing, and we hope that the next couple of years will be just as enjoyable before you sell up.

Wishing you both all the very best from all of us at Countryfarm Lifestyles.