Pecans

Growing

Establishing a pecan orchard requires careful planning, as these trees thrive best in long, hot, and humid summers. Because they are wind-pollinated, you must plant at least two different cultivars together to ensure successful pollination and nut development. When selecting a site, ensure the soil is well-drained but capable of holding moisture, as these trees demand significant amounts of water throughout the growing season. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5 to optimize nutrient uptake.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward, as you generally only need to prune to remove limbs that are dead, broken, or diseased. However, you must stay vigilant against pecan scab, a fungal disease that can devastate production in humid environments. Monitoring for pests like hickory shuckworm or ambrosia beetles is also essential for protecting your developing nuts.

Once the nuts are ready, harvest them when they are fully mature; unlike many fruits, pecans do not continue to ripen once they are picked from the tree. For the best quality, keep your harvest unwashed. To maintain that rich, buttery flavor, store your pecans in a cool, dark cellar or the refrigerator to prevent rancidity.