The document provides guidelines for growing various types of berries, including raspberries, currants, blueberries, and strawberries, with details on planting, fertilizing, spacing, and pruning. It emphasizes the importance of sunlight, soil conditions, and managing pests and diseases for successful berry production. Additionally, it discusses harvesting techniques and the benefits of maintaining organic practices for optimal yield.

1. ‘BACKYARD BERRIES
& PRESERVING THE
BOUNTY’
with Carolyn Herriot

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Raspberries
Plant in early spring 2 feet apart in the row.
Support on a wired framework. Canes will spread, so dig up those c
Need full sun 6 hours a day.
pH 6.0
Fertilizer:
Woodash (uncontaminated) in winter
Seaweed in summer
Manure/compost in late winter after fruiting.

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Currants and Gooseberries
Genus Ribes
Excellent for jams, jellies, and wine making
Full sun to partial shade. Avoid low lying frost pockets.
Space 5 feet apart.
Mulch to retain moisture with straw, compost or manure
twice a year. Feeds and helps prevent weed growth.
Feeding with mulches keeps fruit production high.

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Blackcurrants produce fruit on one-year old wood
In spring remove old wood and weak canes leaving 6 to 9 strong on
Redcurrants and gooseberries produce on spurs on 2 and 3 year- o
Allow only 8 or 9 strong canes to remain on bush after pruning Shor
Pests: The currant fruit fly (small white maggots in fruit)
Prevent by spraying bushes after flowering with bacillus thuriengens
Powdery mildew - wettable sulphur sprays at 14 day intervals.

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Plant blueberries in spring, in soil rich in organic matter and well- dr
Six bushes will provide for a family once matured, which takes seve
Choose early, mid-season and late varieties to extend the season o
Need an acid soil pH 5.0. Sawdust mulch, 5” thick, lowers pH.
Feed in June with granular seaweed.

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Pruning:
Prune to encourage thick branches to develop.
Best berries are from 2 to 3-year old wood.
They produce for several years then peter out.
When fully established remove 20% oldest wood every year,
and cut declining branches off at ground level.

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Watch for birds as berries become ripe. Use netting to cover bushe
Wait 2 to 3 weeks after they turn rich blue for truly ripe berries.
Test before harvesting.
Freeze berries laid out on baking trays in a single layer .
When frozen, bag up and use individual berries as needed.
Enjoy year round interest from red leaves in fall and red stems in w

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Strawberries
Prefer well-drained sandy loams, rich in organic matter.
Slightly acidic soil - pH 6.0
Southern exposure for full sun best.
Keep weed free, unable to compete with grass and weeds.
Spring planting - with crown just above soil surface
When first planted add organic fertilizer to help get established. Th
June bearing - once a year large crop (jams etc.)
Everbearing - crop in June and another in late summer
Day neutral - constant production of fruit once established

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