What is a cane berry?
Cane berries are blackberries and raspberries.
Does Bushel and Berry® use GMO’s?
Bushel and Berry® does not use GMOs. All our breeding is done through traditional hybridizing—just like bees do it!
What does "self-pollinating" mean?
All of the varieties in the Bushel and Berry® collection are self-pollinating, meaning that they do not require another variety to be planted nearby in order to produce berries. While each of the Bushel and Berry® plants can grow and produce fruit all by itself, planting more than one may further enhance fruit quality and production.
Should I fertilize Bushel and Berry® plants?
Fertilizing Bushel and Berry® plants is not necessary for them to grow and produce tasty berries, but it can help your plant thrive.
For raspberries, blackberries & strawberries, a balanced liquid fertilizer in early and late spring is ideal. Look at the fertilizer container. The labels should include three numbers relating to Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium. You’ll have the best results if you select a product with the same number for all three and follow the product label instructions carefully.
For blueberries, an acidic fertilizer in early and late spring is ideal. Look for fertilizers such as rhododendron or azalea formulations, and either granular or liquid fertilizers. Blueberries also prefer high-nitrogen organic fertilizers such as blood meal and acidic cottonseed meal. Be sure to follow the product label instructions carefully.
Tip: If your plants starts to yellow in the summer, a bit of balanced liquid fertilizer will help perk it up in addition to lots of water.
How often should I water Bushel and Berry® plants?
The amount of water your plants need will depend on your climate but generally, you want to make sure the plant has consistent moisture but isn’t overwatered. This usually means watering two to three times a week for plants in the landscape and daily if it’s in a container.
How do I prune my berry plants?
For blackberries and raspberries, simply let your plant go dormant in the winter. In early spring, you should start to see new green sprouts coming up from both the soil and on some of the canes. The sprouts from the ground will become canes that fruit next year. Old canes with new growth emerging should fruit this year. Leave all the new shoots from the ground and old canes that have green leaves emerging. Prune all the dead canes with no new growth at ground level.
For blueberries, it’s best to prune in early spring when the blueberry plants are dormant. Pruning off dead wood or non-fruiting wood will allow the plant to put its energy into the good canes for maximizing fruit production.
For strawberries, after harvest, remove old leaves. To identify old leaves, look for leaves that have lost their glossy appearance and are turning yellow or brown. Remove runners throughout the season to encourage better fruit production. Runners are long, horizontal stems with a terminal cluster of leaves that will eventually form their own root system. Trim off runners back to the base of the plant.
I pruned my plants this spring and now I don't see any fruit?
Fruit will only appear on second year wood, so if you prune your plant in the spring you will not see fruit until the next year.
How do I protect the berries in the winter?
Bushel and Berry® varieties require little winter maintenance and can usually be left outside during cold months, however, plants in decorative containers and planters are more at risk than plants in the ground. If your plants are in the ground, it’s a good idea to mulch heavily around the base and give them extra water.
If your plants are in decorative containers and you have harsh winter weather, insulating the plant or moving the container to an unheated garage or basement is a good idea. If you store your containers in the garage, remember to protect them from the winter temperatures that can come in as you open and close the door. Keep your containers inside until the threat of the last frost has passed (typically in early spring). While storing the berry plants inside, make sure to keep the soil moist but not soaked.
I already bought my plants, but it’s not warm enough to plant outside. What do I do?
If you can’t plant immediately, store the plants in a cool, dark place (above freezing) like a cellar, garage, shed, or unheated basement. The temperature should be around 40 degrees Fahrenheit and not go above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Check on your plants once or twice a week to be sure that their roots are staying moist, but not drenched. If you purchased bare root plants that arrived in plastic bags, make sure the bags have little holes for airflow while storing them. For best results, get your plants into the ground as quickly as possible in spring.
If your plant has completely sprouted out all the way up and down the stems, do not store it in a cool, dark place. Instead, plant it into a container and leave it inside by a window where it can get sunlight. Allow the plant to grow there until it can be transferred outside in spring.
How can I prevent critters from eating the berries?
Birds and squirrels will be the largest nuisance to your Bushel and Berry® plants as small critters love berries. One of the easiest ways to make sure there are enough berries is to plant more! Investing in mesh netting to deter hungry birds and squirrels can be helpful. Ask your local garden center for product suggestions.
How do I know what my soil's pH level is?
You can test your soil using a DIY kit widely available at garden centers. These kits are relatively inexpensive and easy to use. A pH test measures soil acidity or alkalinity. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. An acid soil has a pH value below 7.0. Above pH 7.0 the soil is alkaline.
Do blueberries need acidic soil?
Blueberries do best in an acidic soil with pH balance of 4.5–5.5. If you have a pH balance higher than 5.5, you can incorporate peat moss (or any soil acidifier product) into the soil which is acidic and can lower the pH balance. Dr. Earth® Acid Lovers® mix is a great way to lower the pH level. If growing in a container, pH levels should be checked every 6 weeks throughout the growing season and soil acidifiers should be added if the pH is not within the 4.5–5.5 range.
What size container do I need to grow berries?
All of the varieties in the Bushel and Berry® collection will thrive in containers, raised beds, or in the ground for years to come. If you decide to plant in a decorative container, we recommend planting blueberries in containers that are 12–16” in diameter and at least 10” deep to allow the plant room to grow. Plant raspberries and blackberries in large containers that are 16” in diameter or larger and at least 12” deep. Plant strawberries in containers that are 10–12” in diameter and at least 8” deep.
Tip: Remember, plants and their roots in decorative containers dry out faster, especially on warm summer days. It’s important to water deeply every day and ensure the container has good drainage. A good way to gauge is to water until you see water coming out of the drain holes.
How much sun do Bushel and Berry® plants need?
All berries need at least six hours of full sun each day to produce berries. Light shade is okay. Berries do not like intense evening sun.
Where can I buy Bushel and Berry® plants?
To find the closest nursery to you that sells Bushel and Berry® plants, please enter your zip code on the “Where to Buy” page.
What is a chill hour?
Chill hours are roughly the number of hours between the temperatures of 32–45 degrees Fahrenheit. All berry plants must receive their recommended chill hours in order for them to fruit the following year. These hours occur during the winter months when the plant is dormant. The minimum required chill hours are listed next to each variety.
How often should I fertilize my blueberry plant in the container?
Twice a year is ideal. Apply one dose early in the spring, prior to blooming and a second dose during the last weeks of spring. You may not need to add extra fertilizer if the blueberry plant is producing leaves, flowers and fruit well. If you want to spread out the fertilizer applications, apply a dose of fertilizer in spring and every two months for the remainder of the season until fruiting ends. Blueberries are sensitive to over fertilization, so please follow the instructions on the fertilizer you purchase.
How often should I fertilize my blueberry plant in the ground?
Twice a year is ideal. Apply one dose early in the spring, prior to blooming and a second dose during the last weeks of spring. You may not need to add extra fertilizer if the blueberry plant is producing leaves, flowers and fruit well. If you want to spread out the fertilizer applications, apply a dose of fertilizer in spring and every two months for the remainder of the season until fruiting ends. Blueberries are sensitive to over fertilization, so please follow the instructions on the fertilizer you purchase.
How often should I acidify my blueberry plant in the container?
Blueberries do best in an acidic soil with a pH balance of 4.5–5.5. If you have a pH balance higher than 5.5, you can incorporate peat moss (or any soil acidifier product) into the soil which is acidic and can lower the pH levels. Dr. Earth® Acid Lovers® mix is a great way to lower the pH level. Since the plant is growing in a container, pH levels should be checked every 6 weeks throughout the growing season and soil acidifiers should be added if the pH is not within the 4.5–5.5 range.