Hello,

I am a novice and only learning about orchards in my area and hoping to get some advice from people who know more than I do about this subject. I own some land in East Central Illinois and plan to plant a small orchard close to my house. I know absolutely nothing about this and would like some advice on selecting varieties as well as types. Any input would be apreciated.

Thank you in advance

What kind of fruit do you like to eat?
John S
PDX OR

Building off what John said.

Definitely start with what you like to eat. Take that list and then just check on how temperamental your weather is and how it will affect what you are planting.

Always start off with what you know you'll actually use and then branch (heh) out from there once you get the feel for the climate and soil and your surroundings.

Any kind is fine. I have planted plum, dwarf cherry and dwarf peach.
My plan is to plant 6 apple trees with a crabapple in the middle and two persimon. I also want to plant one sour cherry for pies.
I would like to know of any other options for this area that I am not aware of as well as the spacing between the trees.

Thank you for your help.

Your land is in a very "normal" temperate gardening area. You may have problems with plum curculio. All those trees should be fine. If you want to find out about exotic fruit trees, look at Raintree, One Green World, or Burnt Ridge Nursery.
John S
PDX OR

Which of the trees are self polinating. I have read that a crabapple tree will polinate most types of apple trees therefore, I plan to plant a crabapple in the middle of a ring of apple trees of different varieties. Is this a good idea.
Also are there trees that work well for companion planting?

Thank you all for your input.