Plant blueberries in early spring and choose a location that gets lots of sunlight and well-draining soil.  They like their soil acidic, so surround them with organic matter that will decompose and nourish the roots.  Proper air circulation will help your plant thrive.  Blueberries aren’t bothered by a lot of pests or diseases, however birds like them and will go after the fruit as soon as it turns sweet.  Drape netting over the bushes to protect the fruit.  Be patient as it takes about two years for the bush to produce fruit, but in the meantime enjoy the beautiful pink/white blossoms.

Although they may not be as pretty as blueberry bushes, raspberries are very popular and easy to grow.  They also thrive in full sun with good drainage.  Summer-fruiting raspberries develop their fruit on last year’s growth.  They bear one crop per season in late June or early July.  They require pruning as their branches (or canes) that bear the fruit, live for only two summers.  During the first year, the new green cane (primocane) grows vegetatively.  The cane develops a brown bark, is dormant in the winter and during the second growing season is called a floricane.  This cane produces fruit in the summer and then dies.  New primocanes are produced each year so fruit production continues year after year.  It’s your job to prune out those dead canes each year.

Visit our on-line store at www.rumarfarm.ca to purchase certified organic and biodynamic blueberry bushes (Bonus variety) or raspberry canes (Boyne variety).

Don’t wait as this is the perfect time of year to plant your very own berry garden.