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Backyard Fruit Trees and Bushes

Posted 4/12/2009 9:51pm by Lyndon Hartz.

Planning your backyard fruit garden

 

This time of year I get inundated with questions from friends and family who, through the observance of the perpetual crescent of dirt beneath my fingernails and the “wild-woman” hairdo (the result of styling with wind), believe I know a thing or two about backyard gardening.  Thanks to a friend and mentor who taught me everything I know about growing fruits without chemicals, I can now pass along some advice for those of you getting ready to expand your backyard small fruits garden or orchard.

 

  • Choose varieties that are appropriate for your hardiness zone.  Here in central Illinois, we’re in zone 5 which means that plants typically grown in zones 6-8 will suffer during cruel Illinois winters and may not survive.
  • After purchasing the plants, trees, or bushes, store them in a cool environment and make sure the roots don’t dry out.  A garage or basement is best.
  • A hour or two before planting, soak the roots in water.
  • Water as much as the plant will take at the time of planting.  Creating a circular dam around the plant will allow more water to reach the root system.
  • Mulching will help retain water but may prevent the soil from warming up adequately in early spring.  Depending on the type of spring weather, decide whether to mulch at planting time or to wait until the soil warms.

My husband, three kids and I planted 24 blueberry bushes today.  Everyone was joking and throwing dirt at each other when we were on the 2nd or 3rd bush but, by number 21, the air was filled more with groans and complaints than jokes.  Just a reminder:  planting can be hard physical labor so make sure your back can handle as much as your pocketbook can dish out.  Let there be no doubt, however, that the end product is every bit worth the trouble! 

 

 

 

 

On the Good Earth Food Alliance website:

  • Farmer Night at JUNE restaurant will feature GEFA director, Anne Patterson.
  • Learn how your business can become a Friend of the Alliance
  • Coming soon:  full product offerings and descriptions from Basil's Harvest.