by Lorraine Altrichter, Delco Master Gardener
About four or five years ago, at one of our plant swaps, some wonderful person brought a few blackberry plants and I was lucky enough to get one. That plant flourished and from its trailing canes, I rooted four more plants. My blackberry crops have gotten heavier and heavier. The 2008 crop yield was so large I am just now finishing the last of the berries.
Ironically, the Morrison Black Raspberries (that my husband planted in the 70’s and were struggling in the encroaching shade of my neighbor’s wild maple forest) are now making a comeback. When my neighbor moved, I got his permission to take down five huge Norway Maples that had killed my vegetable garden and stunted lots of other plants, including my Lilacs. With the trees gone since spring of 2008, I once again had a small but hopeful raspberry crop.
Encouraged by all the health benefits attributed to eating berries and riding on my luck with the berry plants, I decided to try blueberries. Last Spring I planted a blueberry bush. That summer, I actually harvested enough blueberries to sprinkle over my cereal for three breakfasts. I planted another blueberry bush in the Fall.
So far, I have not had problems with birds eating my crops. The squirrels seem to ignore them. I wish they ignored the pears and the apples, but these they take before they even ripen. I haven’t had any diseases or insect problems. Occasionally there is the beetle or two that I snatch away, but nothing major. I’m sure that 2009 will bring birds, bugs and pestilence but really, up to now, the berry bushes ask for very little. Take away the old canes of the raspberries and they’re happy. The blackberries have to be pruned back to keep them in check, but that’s all.
Keeping the fruit, if you get too much at one time, is easy too. I wash them off, pat dry, spread them out on a cookie sheet and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, I pack them in small zip top freezer bags. Then I just take out what ever I want to eat at a time. They stay separate and don’t clump. If you enjoy berries, I highly recommend having some in the garden. Think of all the money you’d save! That thought always makes me smile.
Do you have a gardening question? In Delaware County, call our Master Gardeners hortline at 610-690-2671 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 AM-12 NOON.
UPCOMING MASTER GARDENERS EVENTS
February 14, 2009
Seed Starting
Step by step procedures for growing seeds with great success. Cost: $10
March 14, 2009
Hostas
Learn about these shade-loving plants from hosta expert Walter Cullerton, who grows hundreds of varieties on his property. Cost: $10
The Garden Series at Haverford Township Adult School
A collection of one night classes for both the indoor and outdoor garden. Classes taught by Delaware County Master Gardeners. Take one, two or all five– and save. For more information, go to Haverford Adult School or call 610-446-8022.
Registration required for all events. Please call 610-690-2655 for more information or visit our web site for a registration form.
