We are looking at land now to purchase in northern Virginia. I am hoping to grow fruit and nut trees there. I can't seem to find a url for Virginia's Agriculture dept.'s. I want to find out what grows best here. I don't know much about this kind of thing and want to do my homework first. If you could select land with an orchard in mind, what would you be looking for?

How much land would you want? (I was hoping to get at least 5 acres.) How small would you start.....6-8 trees? Oh, please help! I have been reading up on this for all of my life and only now can we really afford it. I don't want to make any mistakes. Thanks.

-- Molly (kmcosta@dimensione.com), January 13, 2000

Answers

Molly,

I recommend that you call the Rappahannock County Extension Agent, Kenner Love at 540/675-3619. Our county is a major producer of orchard products.

If you get serious about looking for land in my county, call me at 540/675-3679. I've lived here for quite a few years and would be glad to help you.

Walt Longyear

-- walt (longyear@shentel.net), January 15, 2000.

Hi Molly,

I have the web addrwesses to the VA. Dept of AG and the VA. coop ext websites. they are: VA. dept AG: http://www.vvac.org Coop ext: http://www.ext.vt.edu We live in south central VA. I can tell you that if you really want to have an orchard the best place would be in Northern VA., near winchester or the Front Royal areas. You would do best in any area near to the Shanadoah (sp). Burt contact an extension agent and they could best assist you. Good luck in your pursuit.

Bernice

-- Bernice raymond (geminigoats@yahoo.com), January 15, 2000.