Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous
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Soil
Average, well drained soil. Match your choice of bush fruits to local climate and soil conditions.
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Position
Sun or partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
All are hardy deciduous plants, but cold tolerance varies widely with species. Choose regionally-adapted bush fruits, for example juneberries (saskatoons) in the far north and rabbiteye blueberries in the far south.
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Feeding
In early spring, mulch over root zone with 1 to 2 inches of good compost. Mulch with grass clippings or straw.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Purchase dormant plants and set them out in early spring. Plants grown in containers can be transplanted through early summer. Mulch after planting new fruits.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Numerous bush fruits are descended from native plants, and they are easier to grow organically compared to other fruits. You can add a variety of this plant to label what it is and specify spacing or planting times.
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Harvesting
Let experience be your teacher -- taste fruits often as they approach ripeness. Bumper crops can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and jellies.
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Troubleshooting
Native birds often gorge themselves on native fruits. Protect ripening berries with lightweight cloth or bird netting.
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