I am looking for property so I can have more of a home orchard. I have seen some interesting possibilities in the Pleasant Home area, which is between Gresham and Sandy. But I notice that what is growing there commercially is nursery stock, berries, cabbages which makes me wonder if the microclimate there (perhaps late frosts?) is problematic for the home orchard. I would like to plant apples, pears, plums and (for fun) a couple of figs. Do any of you have a home orchard in that area? I am thinking of the area near Dodge Park Road and SE Altman. Diane Drum

Before committing to such a large expenditure to grow fruit, make any offer to buy subject to your approval of the well drillers report, and a water volume test. Maybe even contingent of your approval of the soil type.

Soil and water can make alot of difference. These kinds of observations prevented me from buying a pretty nice place in Washington. Water quality test determined that it was saline, and coming from an ancient aquafer that hadn't seen fresh inflow for 10,001 years! Fortunately it was all contingent on my approval of water quality.

Thank you, yes I have put language about the water quality and quantity, well condition and water rights in the offer. I wasn't too worried about the soil because it has been a nursery and a CSA, but a soil test would certainly be easy. I am also worried about the season as it is so much closer to Mt Hood than we are here in Portland. Diane Drum

Diane,

What’s the elevation? And if you’d be surrounded by higher mountains and hills - consider the cold air drainage from them. I’m a native Portlander, we had a cabin at the base of Mt. Hood and picked a lot of berries and fruit between Portland and there. I also have an uncle outside of Redland, at over 700 feet elevation, he can ripen everything I can at 350 in the Coast Range.

“Micro climate” generally refers to nooks and crannies around a property and not the entire property. I’m sitting in a nice one, blocked by harsh east winds (consider those out there!) inside a ‘bowl’ catching summer sun. Nursery’s are generally located in mild areas and most consider the Willamette Valley mild.

Having experienced both, the east side of the valley (you’re considering) is cooler and moister than the west side. Clouds pile up against the Cascades, backing into Portland, while west of the West Hills bake in near constant summer sun. Thus, Blueberries do great around Gresham and Sandy and wine grapes do great nearer Hillsboro & McMinnville. My Uncle near Redland has an ugly time with grapes, powdery mildew all over them … whereas mine (from his starts) in Yamhill County are mildew free (with no spary); thus all the vineyards!

Unless you’re over a thousand feet or up a sun-starved canyon you should be able to grow everything on your list. Uncle gets fine figs, persimmons and large fuzzy kiwi, too! I’d pick the brains of the prior nursery owner or neighbors. In fact, neighbors are an excellent source of info. My uncle has folks stopping by all summer & fall to check out his orchard and garden – they’re likely drawn in by his banana plants!

Hi; I have a small orchard very close to where you are considering and my microclimate is suitable only for apples on a consistent basis. My bloom times are early, but the temperatures are too cool, even for mason bees most springs, for nectarines, peaches, cherries and pears. Last year was the first time in five years when I had any nectarines and a decent amount of sweet cherries. Email me direct @ greenthumb@poetworld. net, if you would like to see my orchard and talk about the problems.

The best micoclimate in Western Washington is Milton, WA.
Just happens to be my home town.

A whole town is sort of a macroclimate, compared to, say, the patch under the oak at the SE corner of my property. Which isn't so hot, so I'm jealous.

mh