skip to main content

Fruit & Orchards

what should i add

15 years ago

Currently I have 13 dwarf fruit trees (lots of apples, two pear, peaches, nectarines and one apricot) plus raspberries (red & gold), blueberries, strawberries and grapes. I want to add more fruit to the yard but I'm running out of space. I live on almost 1/2 acre in town. I prefer to use as little (preferably none) chemicals as possible. I'm trying to remember (and I'm not sure I remember correctly) but for some reason I was thinking blackberries couldn't be near raspberries - I couldn't plant them on the other side of the yard because it's other covered with flowers (mainly roses, columbines, and lilies), near a Walnut, or shaded. I was thinking maybe a dwarf sweet cherry or native, lesser known, fruit. I want the kids to be able to go out into the yard and eat them straight from the tree, bush, or plant. So given my dwindling space, what would you suggest? I'm in zone 5/Nebraska.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

denninmi
15 years ago
Absolutely no reason you can't plant blackberries next to raspberries. I suppose viruses could be a problem in theory, but in many years of growing both right next to each other, I've never had any problems with either one.

What about currants or gooseberries? They don't take up much room, and are both edible "off the bush" when well-ripened? Some of the other things you might consider would be serviceberry/shadbush, an 'Illinois Everbearing' mulberry kept pruned to maintain a small size, or a hardy kiwi vine trellised and also kept pruned.
0
chills71
15 years ago
I've got raspberries and blackberries next to each other without problems as well (5+ years together too).

I know I've read that black raspberries and raspberries should not be planted next to eachother due to virus problems, but I can't recall seeing warnings about blackberries and raspberries.

I garden on 1/8th of an acre and most people are shocked when they see the list of things I have in my yard. I think at last count I had 38 trees (mostly grown around the perimeter) almost all of which are fruit bearing (1 silver maple and 1 blue spruce both here when I bought the house being large exceptions).

IE mulberry would be my choice were I down to adding just one more tree and didn't already have one. I will warn you that the fruit can stain and trying to keep it small has been described as being akin to wrestling a fire-hose. (but after you and the kids try the fruit, which should start the year after planting, you will agree its was worth it).

I'd personally avoid the serviceberries if you have a number of apples as apples and serviceberries can cross infect each other with certain diseases (cedar-apple rust being one). Although I will admit I have 3 kinds of Serviceberries myself and have had almost no problems with either them or fungal problems on my apples....But then again my apples are still quite young and not yet bearing....

~Chills
0
Related Discussions
My best roses this year, what should I add next?
Q
Comments (14)
What an interesting idea! Years ago- maybe 30- I visited a cousin in Ohio who had an impressive medicinal herb garden that included, I think, the apothecary rose and a rugosa or two. I wish I knew more about cooking and medicinal roses but I don't have much to offer. What might help a little is that if you visit the Antique Rose Emporium's website, they tell you which of the roses they offer have hips and which of those may grow for you. You might be able to call or email someone there (or any other antique rose nursery, I suppose) and get more information and advice. You might also get some information from the HelpMeFind roses website. I don't know if there is a lot there on roses useful for cooking but they will be helpful in letting you know whether that rose fits your specific growing conditions. Please let us know what you finally decide and how well the roses you choose accomplish their purpose.
...See More
What should I add to new raised bed?
Q
Comments (2)
It would help to know the size of the raised bed.
...See More
What should i add here? More flowers on the way! (BEFORE AND AFTER)
Q
Comments (5)
Oh dear. I thought the top pic was the desirable 'after'. I was thinking the same as GG. It looks as if you had some interesting mature plantings there which just needed some maintenance. What are these new yellow and purple flowers? And what will you have to look at when they're not in bloom? You'll be seeing far fewer birds now the greenery is all stripped away. But the new walkway is smart.
...See More
What should I add by the hanging chair. Going for a modern/conte look
Q
Comments (2)
Hi, Are you looking for something functional to work with the chair or simply something to complete the space against the wall that may or may not be function i.e. low console table or shelves, drapes? Just a suggestion, the clock looks a little lonely up there. Can it come down and be placed someplace else? Lots of drapes in Conte rooms. You could even drape the entire wall.
...See More
kandaceshirley
Original Author
15 years ago
I really love mulberries and have been considering it - especially since I have a couple of self-planted mulberries in my yard that I keep trying to get rid of and I really don't want to live in a purple house and drive a purple car.

I also remember eating gooseberries straight off the bush while at girlscout camp when I was younger. Delicious.

How do serviceberries taste?
0

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Rub-a-Dub-Dub, Add Color to Your Tub

By Jennifer Ott Design

Perk up that old claw-foot with a hit of paint that’s as bold or subtle as you please

COLOR How to Add Bold Color without Commitment

By Becky Harris

KITCHEN STORAGE How to Add a Pullout Spice Rack

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Keep spices neat and free of kitchen grime by giving them a well-organized home in your cabinets

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Autumn Fern Adds Color All Year

Use this evergreen, easy-care fern for soft texture and coppery tints in container gardens and the landscape at large

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Taking Over a Hallway to Add Needed Space

By Becky Harris

A renovated kitchen’s functional new design is light, bright and full of industrial elements the homeowners love

COLOR How to Add Color if You’re Color Shy

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Here’s how to break into the world of color without breaking a sweat

10 Ways to Add Water to Your Home's Design

INSIDE HOUZZ Pro Corner: Add Keywords to Your Photos

By Professionals on Houzz

Make your photos searchable by Houzz users by adding keywords for style, product descriptions and more

TASTEMAKERS A Designer Edits — and Adds — for Dramatic Effect

By Becky Harris

Interior designer Nancy Braithwaite’s new book shows how it’s possible to edit rooms of all styles to create their best look

How to Add Touches of Chinoiserie

By Becky Harris

Chinoiserie design ideas: wallpaper, furniture and fabrics

Sponsored

More Discussions

Whats wrong with my apple tree?

18

beginning fruit or new leaves

6

No flowers on my apricot tree?

6

Beginner apple tree initial care

0

Peach Tree Leaf Curl

10