To ensure you receive the varieties and quantities you want, order early in the fall! We typically begin to sell out of varieties during winter. If you already know your 2024 order, you can call us to place a 2024 preorder.
SITE SELECTION
Choose a sunny, weed-free location for your new plants. Plants should receive a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight exposure daily. For best growth, the soil should have at least 2-3% organic matter.
It is good practice to have your soil tested to determine if it is lacking in any essential minerals and nutrients. This can be done through your County Extension Office.
DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH SPACE?
Plant spacing is vital to ensuring long-term plant health. Adequately spacing plants will conserve water, reduce competition for light, and provide more soil nutrition to each plant. With appropriate spacing, plants will produce larger yields.
Strawberries
- In the row: 12"–18"
- Between rows: 3'–4'
Brambles
- In the row: Red and Yellow Raspberries 18"–24"; Black Raspberries 20"–24"; Blackberries 3'–4'
- Between rows: 8’–12’, depending on machinery
Asparagus
- In the row: Green: 12"–14"; Purple: 6"–8"
- Between rows: 5'
Blueberries
- In the row: 4'–5'
- Between rows: 10'–12'
Horseradish
- In the row: 10"–12"
- Between rows: 3'
Rhubarb
- In the row: 3'
- Between rows: 5'–6'
Elderberries
- In the row: 3'–6'
- Between rows: 10'–12'
Currants & Gooseberries
- In the row: 3'– 4'
- Between rows: 6'–8'
KNOW YOUR pH!
The acidity or alkalinity of soil is indicated by its pH measurement.
pH affects nutrient availability and nutrient uptake by plants.
- Strawberries: 6.5–6.8
- Brambles: 6.5–6.8
- Asparagus: 7.2 and higher
- Horseradish: 6.2–6.7
- Rhubarb: 6.0–6.8
- Blueberries: 4.5–4.8
- Ribes: 6.0–6.5
- Elderberries: 6.0–6.8
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VARIETY FOR YOUR GARDEN
What type of soil do you have?
Light/sandy, medium, heavy/clay-like?
What are the field conditions?
A good disease-resistance package is a priority for farms that have grown berries for many years with limited land for rotation or that have heavy, wet soil.
Where are you located?
In more northern locations (zones 3 & 4) with very cold winter temperatures, hardiness is a key priority. In southern locations, varieties that can withstand high temperatures are necessary.
For brambles, are you looking for summer production, fall production, or both?
Primocane-bearing varieties produce a crop in the fall while floricane-bearing varieties produce a crop in the summer. We offer 8 brambles that can double-crop in the right conditions.
CONSIDERATIONS
Are you thinking about planting strawberries or brambles?
Avoid planting strawberries or brambles in soils where previous crops have included strawberries, brambles, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers. These crops may harbor soil pathogens, which will affect the health and performance of your new plants.
Are you thinking about planting blueberries?
Soil pH is the most important consideration, as blueberries require a specific pH of 4.5 to 4.8 to perform at the highest level. A pH of 5.0 is too high! If your pH is above 4.5-4.8, start amending your soil now with elemental sulfur.
Are you thinking about planting asparagus?
Asparagus plants require a pH of 7.2 or higher. If your pH is too acidic, we recommend adding lime to your site.
Are you thinking about planting rhubarb?
Good drainage is absolutely necessary. If you have heavy or slow-draining soil, you must plant rhubarb in raised beds.
Are you thinking about planting horseradish?
Horseradish is a hardy perennial that requires plenty of space in your garden bed as it spreads readily.
Are you thinking about planting currants or gooseberries?
Choose a sunny location but avoid southern exposure and southern-facing slopes since the intense sun may injure the plants. Currants and gooseberries will tolerate partial shade.
Are you thinking about planting elderberries?
Elderberry plants can grow to reach 12 feet, although you may prune to maintain a smaller size.
WHAT CROPS HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY PLANTED IN THE SOIL?
Avoid planting strawberries or brambles in soils where previous crops have included strawberries, brambles, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers. These crops may harbor soil pathogens, affecting your new plants' health and performance.