Zengeos: I have no difficulty growing blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries with no chemical sprays at all, though the blueberries do take some attention to the soil to keep it acidic. All the berries receive thick applications of stable manure every winter, but other organic mulches can be used to build the soil and keep plants vigorous. A healthy, vigorous berry plant seems better able to ward off insects and diseases. Japanese beetles can attack the raspberries and blackberries, but I have eliminated them by applying milky spore on the entire yard. Tree fruits are more difficult, with both the trees and fruit subject to insects and diseases unless they receive minimum care such as dormant spraying with oil and a fungicide (I use copper) to keep these things from overwintering. Bagging fruit in plastic ziplocks or, in the case of peaches, shoe store try-on footies, can protect the fruit from insects without spraying all season long. Occasionally, a sudden infestation of something like aphids can require spraying trees during the growing season, even with dormant spray control. You have to watch for things like this. I am not aware of any "companion" plantings that work with fruit trees to resolve these problems. Unless the trees receive at least some dormant spray care, their companions will be insects, and lots of them. If you want trees that are easier to care for, avoid planting trees with standard rootstocks that can become very large. Go for the semi-dwarf or full dwarf versions. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

Did you have frost which killed the flower.I have the Blackberry with the thorn. It is tardy it takes its time to flower. I am not complaining by doing that they avoid the frost. The only complaint is my kids and grand kids injure their fingers with the thorns. All my family are saying you should remove these thorny trees but remember I am the tree-hugger I never saw a tree I did not fall in love with. So I constructed a cage of chicken wire around the trees now the kids are unable to reach the trees. They are complaining "We will not be able to get to sweet berries" I told them no worry I harvest, you eat.

It's even worse here. At least in NC you have humidity in the air (which is not good for cherries in another way) but in S. CA it's even harder because of the dry air. The cherry leaves tend to get baked, scorched, and desiccated. Shade cloth can really be helpful for young cherry trees in hot climates. That being said, it's still possible. I've seen a cherry tree growing out in the desert. It didn't look good but it looked like it had been surviving there for several years. Planting it in a spot with just a little partial shade will really help in the first few years, especially if that shade is in the latter half of the day. Make sure the soil is kept moist. I think one reason cherries are not more popular in many regions is because people tried planting a young tree and it did not seem to do well and finally died a year or two later. In hot climates cherry trees can need a lot of care the first few years of their life, they need adequate watering to prevent drying out in the heat and sun. Later on it will become easier when the trees are more mature. First two years are the hardest. Something else I've noticed, and it's true for many tropical plants as well, is that in this climate certain plants seem to thrive better when in close proximity to lots of other plants. They provide mutual protection to each other from too much direct exposure to sun and hot/cold wind. Just like in nature where the forest canopy creates its own microclimate. I think it also helps increase localized humidity levels a little bit to help prevent the plants from drying out. (obviously this may not be such a good thing in other parts of the country where the humidity levels are already really high, since cherries are prone to disease there)

Thank you, skibby! Sure, I'd be happy to post it. I sort of winged it after looking at several recipes online and my measurements are not precise. Put one pint of berries or other fruit in food processor or blender and process until smooth. Strain through cheesecloth to remove seeds if desired. Add one tspn lemon juice and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes stirring occasionally. If your fruit is tart like my blackberries were add sugar in small amounts to taste. I ended up adding about 1/4 cup of sugar. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and pour mixture onto baking sheet. Spread to about 1/8 inch thick. The thicker the layer, the longer it takes to try. Put in 170 degree oven for approximately five hours or until leather is no longer wet or sticky. Remove from oven and let cool. Mine was still a bit sticky when I took it out but the edges were beginning to get too dry, so I let it sit overnight and it was perfect the next morning. Cut into two inch strips and roll with parchment paper left on. Secure with twine, ribbon or rubber bands. Store in airtight container (I used a ziplock freezer bag). Keeps for up to one month. Enjoy! Your raspberries would work great and I'll bet the resulting fruit leather would be such a pretty color too!