berries

Koyaanisqatsi · Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 8:54 pm Post subject: berries

In my area Oregon Grape, Salal, Black Huckleberry, Saskatoon Berry, Thimbleberry, Blueberries and Salmonberry all seem like viable options. I'd like to plant several of these but don't know which. Can anyone speak to their relative merits? So far we've already planted thornless blackberry, raspberry, red and black currants, and strawberry, which are all doing very well.

Don35 · Heavy Crude Joined: Feb 07, 2006 Posts: 113

I like berries, asparagus, etc. because once it's planted it takes little effort to get a crop each year. No saving seeds, replanting etc. I do have a problem with birds on all my berries. Stock netting!
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hardtootell · Posted: Sat Jun 21, 2008 9:30 pm Post subject: Re: berries

IMHO- Plant them all!

If you have the room and can afford them. With climate change, I expect that we will (have) see a lot more crop failures due to floods, droughts and pests that we would not have imagined. I think it is best to have a wide variety, so something survives the worst of things.
Plus- Berries are yummy and good for you and kids like em and they won't be getting cheaper in the stores.

Tucker · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 29, 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Orygun

Koyaanisqatsi · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 1:08 am Post subject: Re: berries

Thanks, Don, hardtootell, Tucker. Tucker, that's very useful information, thanks. My lot is only .16 acres but I will plant as many berry bushes as I can fit!

seldom_seen · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Apr 12, 2005 Posts: 1945

I'm in the NW too. Most of these berries are so abundant you might consider just identifying local sources, and then planting the stuff you can't find like strawberries and raspberries.

In my neck of the woods, I have to beat back the Himalayan blackberries or they would take over the joint.

Also, salmonberries are just about ripened! Woohoo! I don't know why these berries aren't more popular they are my favorite.

kpeavey · Expert Joined: Oct 04, 2004 Posts: 1039

you might also consider planting berry bushes in alternative locations. Just off the beaten path, empty lots, side of the road, geurilla gardening I think its called. Perennial plants will take care of themselves for the most part. As your bushes need pruning, try growing more plants from the cuttings. Setting some of the cuttings free can offer a source of plants and berries in case your plants at home fail.
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CarlinsDarlin · Moderator Joined: Jul 02, 2004 Posts: 1369

There are small trees (large bushes?) here that always bloom in the early spring, before the dogwoods. They have white flowers. My dad always called them "Sarviceberry." (I admit, I've never taken the time to see if there are actually berries on them... might need to do that.) I googled Serviceberry, thinking they might be the same, but everything I read says this plant only grows in the northern part of the country. We're in Arkansas. Anybody know if they grow this far south?

Polemic · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 9:47 am Post subject: Re: berries

CarlinsDarlin,

Downy Serviceberry

http://www.cnr.vt.edu/DENDRO/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=9

CarlinsDarlin · Moderator Joined: Jul 02, 2004 Posts: 1369

Thanks Polemic!

Looks like we're right on the edge of the growth area. That line north to south in the middle part of AR looks like it would cross right over the top of my house Smile

We're right about the point of the little indention, in the foothills of the Ozarks.

Guess I'll have to see if I can find them again. They're easy enough to identify in the woods when they're blooming. This time of year, though, I'll have to search.

Thanks again,
Kathy

mystiek · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 8:21 pm Post subject: Re: berries

The blackberries are going to be ripe here in about 1-2 weeks, yum. I planted raspberry and blueberry plants, close to our house and my husband hired some guy to mow the yard while our mower was getting fixed and guess what happened last week-completely mowed down, uggghhhhhh!!!! He also ran over part of the butternut squash vines, I was not a "happy camper"!!!

mercurygirl · Light Sweet Crude Joined: Jan 29, 2006 Posts: 1042

Me too, Koy. I agree with seldom, no need to plant blackberries, huckleberries, or salal. The stuff is everywhere, even backyards. Get a regional guide, I have a good one on trees and shrubs and it has a lot of info about edible plants, such as historical food sources for the original native inhabitants.

I'd plant blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and such. I have a goji berry plant that is native to China and suited to growing here. No fruit yet, so I can't report on its success. Elderberries might be good, and have medicinal properties. Of course, tree fruit do well also. Check out Raintree Nursery, they're local and have dwarf varieties. Their website has a lot of growing information.

GL!

catbox · Posted: Sun Jun 22, 2008 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: berries

We're in Eugene and blackberries are everywhere. Thanks to the neighbors behind us we don't even have to go down to the river to get our year supply. I just cut them back after they are done and back they come in the Spring. Our Strawberries are starting to turn and are tasting great! We just planted 4 two year old blueberry bushes and we are already seeing berries. So as far as planting berries, Oregon seems to be berry heaven, and blackberries are so easy to find, pick, and store!

catbox
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Koyaanisqatsi · Posted: Mon Jun 23, 2008 1:52 pm Post subject: Re: berries

Tucker · Tar Sands Joined: Jan 29, 2008 Posts: 55 Location: Orygun

I've planted the uncommon fruit in the front yard - those things that 99.9% of the people wouldn't recognize as edible. That would include Oregon Grape, Salal, Highbush Cranberry, and Serviceberry. I also have non-native edibles out front including Honeyberry, Josta Berry, and Himalyan Huckleberry. All of these are intermingled with common plants put out front by the previous owner, including things like roses and other flowers that I have no clue what they are (not into flowers!).

By planting these uncommon fruits out front, I've saved space in the fenced in backyard for things that are more likely to be stolen.