Protecting berry bushes
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RaspBerry, BlueBerries, Grapes, and Rose Bush problem
Comments (1)Fricanod: Since you are new to gardening, the problems may lie in your basic soil preparation or watering. What kind of soil do you have, and did you add any amendments when planting? Blueberries require an acidic soil rich in organic material, but well drained. Are you mulching your plants, and how much and how often do you water? Excessive watering is a common mistake of new gardeners. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and hold down weeds. So tell us about these things. There is no reason to believe that eggplant would affect your other perennial plants. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA...See Morehas anyone attempted winter-protecting tender trailing berries?
Comments (25)Drew51, My plants are still young and I'm keeping them small. I didn't like the fruit so I ditched the Mulberry and the gooseberries. Of fruiting age I have 1 Cherry, 2 blueberries, and 2 blackberries. This year I harvested nearly a gallon of sweet cherries, 1.25 gallons of blueberries, and a gallon of blackberries. I'm guessing they would be larger and produce more if planted in the ground. Not that I'm an expert, but I've learned much on this forum. Fruitnut grows a ton of stuff in pots. gardenweb's search function seems to limit results to the previous year's posts. However, you can direct google to search a specific site. Check out fruitnut's old posts. Try google searches like this site:gardenweb.com fruitnut blueberries. My quick tips would be, 1) The rule of thumb is that your plants will need to be 1 or 2 zones hardier than your zip code reflects, unless you protect them in the winter. 2) Pot size matters. I think fruitnut grows everything in 5 gallon pots or smaller. I'm using 14 gallon rubber maid rough totes with drain holes drilled in the bottom. 14 gallons is pretty heavy. I can't drag anything larger. 3) Potting soil is a big deal. Most of the commercial stuff isn't up to the task. Making your own is better and cheaper. And it's easy. However that discussion is a little bit longer and the recipe varies a little for acid loving plants. If you decide to try potted plants, circle back around to the topic of potting soil. 4) Your plants will probably need water every day in the summer. 5) Fertilizer is important in pots. I'm still working on that. Check out fruitnut's posts. Good luck....See MoreIs this berry bush/tree nightshade?
Comments (3)Looks like Highbush cranberry Viburnum trilobum to me. Edible? Yes, though usually in things like jams, if I recall rightly. As far as grandbabies and edible or not, take the opportunity to teach them plant safety. You can't protect them from every toxic plant. Teach them how to be safe around plants and to not taste (unlike too many adult posters to the forum!!) what they do not know. You can't be with them always but hopefully your teaching can. FataMorgana...See MoreProtecting berries from birds!
Comments (5)I was just visiting a friend and he had constructed a big tent of netting above his strawberries and blueberries. A cardinal had somehow gotten in and then could not get out. It was flying around and around, exhausting itself! We pulled up a corner and the bird was able to escape. Birds don't bother my blueberries. I actually planted them for the birds (but we eat some too) and the berries stay on the bush forever!...See MoreRelated Professionals
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