Fruit Care Guide

Bringing Plants Home

Transport Tips: Keep upright and protected from direct sun, windburn, or frost. Avoid leaving plants in a hot car.

 

Timing: Plant as soon as possible. If delayed, store them in a shady, sheltered spot and keep soil moist.

Choosing the Right Location

Light Requirements:

Most fruit bushes prefer full sun (6+ hrs/day) for maximum yield. Some, like currants and gooseberries, tolerate part shade.

 

Space Considerations:

Check mature width (often 3–6 ft) for airflow and ease of harvest. Avoid planting too close to fences, buildings, or other shrubs.

Soil Preparation

Soil Type:

Blueberries: Require acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) – amend heavily with peat moss.

Others prefer loamy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.

 

Amending Tips:

Mix in compost and peat (especially for blueberries).

Use elemental sulfur to acidify soil for blueberries.

For poor drainage, consider raised beds or mounds.

Drainage: Avoid areas where water pools after rain.

Digging the Hole

Depth & Width: Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot and the same depth as the root ball.

 

Special Notes: Don’t bury the crown. Ensure the top of the root mass is level with the ground.

Planting the Plant

Handling Tips: Tease roots gently if rootbound.

Keep root ball intact for container-grown plants.

 

Backfilling: Use original soil unless severe amendment is needed (blueberries may need blended acidic mix).

 

Mulching: Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (wood chips, bark, or straw), keeping it a few inches away from stems.

Watering

Initial Watering: Deeply soak the root zone after planting.

 

Ongoing Care: Water 1–2 times per week during dry spells. Avoid shallow watering. Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep roots.

 

Tools: Soaker hoses or drip systems are ideal.

Feeding & Fertilizing

When to Start: Wait until new growth appears or after root establishment (typically a few weeks after planting).

 

Fertilizer Type:

Blueberries: Use acidic fertilizers (e.g., for rhododendrons or azaleas).

 

Others: Use a balanced (10-10-10) or fruit-specific blend.

 

Frequency: Once in early spring, again in late spring (follow label directions).

Staking & Support

Not usually needed for most bushes.

 

Elderberries and vigorous haskaps may benefit from light staking if exposed to wind or heavy with fruit.

Pest & Disease Monitoring

Common Issues: Aphids, powdery mildew, leaf spot, sawflies, birds eating berries.

 

Prevention Tips: Space well for airflow. Use netting to protect fruit. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap early if pests appear. Clean up fallen leaves and fruit to prevent disease spread.

Deadheading & Pruning

When & How: Prune in late winter or early spring when dormant. Remove weak, dead, or old canes to stimulate new growth.

 

Purpose: Maintains plant shape, increases yield, reduces disease risk.

Seasonal Care

Summer: Ensure consistent watering, especially during fruit set. Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

 

Fall: Light pruning of deadwood. Remove fallen fruit and leaves.

 

Winter Protection: Most fruit bushes are hardy in Zone 5. Add extra mulch at the base in late fall for insulation. Protect young plants with burlap if exposed.

Overwintering

Mulch around roots in late fall (4–6” deep).

 

Avoid late fertilization in fall to prevent tender new growth.

 

For potted fruit bushes, move to a sheltered unheated garage or bury the pot to the rim in garden soil and mulch.

Container Care

Soil Choice: Use acidic mix for blueberries; high-quality potting mix for others.

 

Drainage: Ensure pots have good drainage holes.

 

Fertilizing: Feed more often than in-ground plants.

 

Winter Storage: Move to sheltered location or bury pot in soil/mulch for insulation.

Helpful Extras

Companion Plant Suggestions:

Blueberries: Rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers (similar pH needs).

Currants/Gooseberries: Chives, yarrow, and other pest-repelling herbs.

 

Pollinator Info: Most fruit bushes benefit from pollinators or cross-pollination. Plant 2+ varieties for best yield (especially haskaps and blueberries).

Lifespan: Many fruit bushes produce for 10–20+ years.

 

Harvest Timeline:

Haskaps: May–June

Strawberries: June

Currants/Gooseberries: July

Blueberries: July–August

Elderberries: August–September