English Walnut

What you'll need:

English walnut seeds (you can get these from a garden center or even from fresh walnuts if they're untreated)

A large pot or space in your yard

Well-draining soil (walnut trees don’t like soggy feet!)

Some compost or organic matter to enrich the soil

When to start:

English walnut trees are best planted in early spring or fall when the weather is cool but not freezing. If you're starting from seeds, you may want to begin germinating them indoors during winter.

Choosing a spot:

Walnut trees grow big! They can reach heights of 40-60 feet (12-18 meters) and spread wide too. So pick a spacious area where the tree will have plenty of room to grow without interfering with buildings, power lines, or other plants. Walnut trees also prefer full sun—so choose a location that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Tip: Walnuts produce a substance called juglone that can harm some plants (like tomatoes and potatoes), so it’s wise to give them their own space away from your vegetable garden.

If you’re planting seeds:

1. Prepare the seed:
   Fresh walnuts usually come with a green husk. Remove this husk by wearing gloves (the juice can stain!) and washing the nut thoroughly. Let it dry for a few days before planting.
2. Cold treatment (stratification):
   Walnut seeds need a cold period to sprout. You can mimic winter by placing the seeds in a plastic bag with moist sand or peat moss and keeping them in the fridge for 3-4 months. Check on them every few weeks to make sure they don’t dry out.
3. Planting the seeds:
   Once stratified, plant the seeds about 2 inches deep in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Place the pot in a sunny spot indoors until the seedling emerges (this can take a few weeks).

If you’re planting a young sapling:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of the sapling.
2. Gently place the sapling in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
3. Fill the hole with soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets.
4. Water generously right after planting.

Spacing:
If you’re planting more than one tree, leave at least 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) between them. This gives each tree enough space to grow strong and healthy.

Watering:

• Young walnut trees need regular watering, especially during their first couple of years. Aim to water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Once established, walnut trees are pretty drought-tolerant, but they still appreciate a good soak during long dry spells.

Fertilizing:

• You don’t need to fertilize your walnut tree much during its first year. After that, you can use a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10 mix) in early spring. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth rather than nut production.

Mulching:

• Spread a layer of mulch (wood chips or straw) around the base of the tree, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture and keeps weeds down.

Pruning:

• Prune your walnut tree in late fall or winter when it's dormant. Remove any dead or crossing branches to encourage an open canopy, which allows sunlight to reach all parts of the tree.

Tip: Walnut trees can take 4-7 years before they start producing nuts, so patience is key!

When to harvest:

• English walnut trees typically start producing nuts after 4-7 years. The nuts are ready to harvest in late summer to early fall when the green husks start splitting open and the nuts fall to the ground.

How to harvest:

1. Collect fallen nuts from the ground regularly to prevent mold or pests from getting to them.
2. Remove the green husks by hand (wear gloves to avoid staining your skin).
3. Wash the nuts thoroughly to remove any remaining husk residue.
4. Allow the nuts to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area for a few weeks before storing.

Storage:

• Once dried, store shelled walnuts in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze them.

Tip: Don’t forget to crack open a few to taste-test! Fresh walnuts have a rich, buttery flavor compared to store-bought ones.

Q: Why are my walnut tree leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could be due to overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. Make sure the soil isn’t too soggy, and consider adding some compost or fertilizer if needed.

Q: Do walnut trees lose their leaves in winter?

A: Yes! English walnut trees are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves in the fall and remain bare through winter. This is normal, and new leaves will sprout again in spring.

Q: Can I grow a walnut tree in a small yard?

A: It’s possible, but keep in mind that walnut trees grow quite large. If you’re tight on space, you might want to look into dwarf varieties or consider planting the tree in a large container, though this will limit its size and productivity.

Q: What is juglone, and why does it matter?

A: Juglone is a natural chemical produced by walnut trees that can be toxic to certain plants (like tomatoes, potatoes, and some berries). To avoid problems, plant your walnut tree away from your vegetable garden or sensitive plants.

Q: How do I protect my walnut tree from pests?

A: Squirrels and birds love walnuts! You can try netting the tree or using noise deterrents to keep them away. For insects, keep an eye out for signs of damage and treat with organic insecticides if necessary.