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Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 1
 Seven important elements for
growing plants successfully

1. A sunny, weed-free location. Plants should have a minimum of a 6-8 hours

of sunlight exposure. Early morning sun is preferred. Use appropriate weeding
techniques to keep plantings weed-free.
2. Well drained soil. All berries, asparagus, and rhubarb grow well in a wide variety
of soils. However, the soil should have at least 2%-3% organic matter for best growth
and if the soil is not well drained, planting in raised beds may be necessary.
3. Soil pH. Nutrient and pH requirements are not the same for all plants. You should
have your soil tested before planting to know your current soil pH and fertility.
Contact your local Cooperative Extension office for information on taking soil
samples, and for assistance in interpreting test results. Specify the crop that you
plan to grow.
4. Rotation of land. Avoid planting strawberries or raspberries in soils where
previous crops have included strawberries, raspberries,
potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants or peppers. These crops may Snow or an occasional
harbor the soil pathogens Verticillium, Phytophthora and frost will not hurt the
nematodes that may negatively affect your new plants. newly planted plants
(except for green

5. Soil depth and compression. With any planting method,

plants will fail to flourish if planted too deep or too shallow,
tissue-culture plants,
see page 15). It is
and if soil is not pressed firmly around the roots. Please read important to plant as
the planting information in this guide before you plant. early as possible in the
Call us or your local extension office if you have planting spring.
questions.

6.
Irrigation. Maintain proper moisture levels throughout
Fall planting of small
the season, and most importantly, during the establishment
fruit plants is not
period. Please note: if you are planting in raised beds it
recommended for
is imperative that you provide drip irrigation. Overhead
the majority of the
irrigation is not sufficient to maintaining proper moisture.
Northeast and the
Natural Spring rains are great for helping to get your plants
Midwest.
off to the best start. Plants should receive 1”-3” of water each
week. Water 1-3 times per week rather than every day.

7. Location preparation. It is best to have the site prepared and ready for
planting prior to receipt of your plants so that you can plant them upon arrival.

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 read i m m ediatel y !

Receiving Instructions
Thank you for ordering your quality plant stock from
Nourse Farms! Check your plants immediately upon
receiving them. If you have any questions or problems
please call us right away. Please read the appropriate
sections of this planting guide before you plant.
• Planting should be done as soon as possible after you Bare Root Raspberry Stock
have received your plants. If your local conditions are not
suitable for planting please call as soon as possible to delay
your plant shipment.
• These plants are dormant, and a light frost will not hurt them.
If you cannot plant right away, it is important to keep roots
moist, (except asparagus roots) not soaked, and cool without
temperature fluctuations until you plant.
• When your plants arrive, check the roots for moisture. Lightly Bare Root Strawberry Stock
sprinkle them with water if needed, close the bag or box.
DO NOT FREEZE! Small orders can go in the crisper of your
refrigerator. Large orders should go into a cooler set at 28°-32° F.
• Do not store more than seven days, the sooner you plant the more successful
your planting will be!
• All plants need adequate soil moisture once planted. Water plants well when
you transplant and water them well once more within the planting week.
Continue weekly watering (unless it rains) until your new plants begin growing.
Maintain good moisture until plants are established and throughout the
growing season.
• If your order contains green or dormant tissue culture plants, see the special
instructions provided on page 15.
• Snow or an occasional frost will not hurt the newly planted plants (except for green
tissue-culture plants—see tissue-culture section). Natural spring rains are the best
aid in getting your plants off to the best start. Irrigation, if available, will help with
late spring plantings. Fall planting of berry plants is not recommended for the
majority of the Northeast and the Midwest. With any planting method, two
factors are critical: depth of planting and soil compression. Plants will fail to
flourish if roots are too deep or too shallow and if the soil is not packed firmly
around the roots.

Viterra Agri-gel™ is a product we use when planting to help maintain

moisture and establish plants with little stress. We have been using this
product for several years with excellent results, and carry Viterra Agri-gel™
in our accessories product line.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 3

 Landscape Plan by Janna Thompson, Nourse Farms

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Locally Grown Starts at Home!
How to add beauty, interest, and an abundant supply
of delicious and colorful fruit to your landscape.
Growing berries is not just a way of assuring an abundance of fresh,
delicious and colorful fruit; it’s also an easy way to add beauty and
interest to your landscape. Since each variety of plant has its own
distinct growth habit, the benefit of planting berries
offers both aesthetic and practical rewards.

Cane plantings such as blackberries and raspberries

will climb fences and trellises and become a lovely
ornamental hedge; they will also burst with color in the
spring just before bearing their fruit.

Blueberry bushes, excellent for beginners, develop into

4’- 6’ tall shrubs that turn a brilliant red in the fall.
Some varieties have golden or orange fall foliage!

Currants and gooseberries provide an excellent low

border, and gooseberries thorns will keep out
unwanted pests. Strawberries make a perfect ground
cover. Planting a few varieties will produce berries all
season long.

Elderberry bushes are fast growing and hardy. They typi-

cally grow quite large and full with clusters of tiny white
flowers in late spring followed by clusters of berries in late
summer.

The No Planting Zone is a guideline for all of our plants.

Planting in areas that see little or no sun will lead to plants
that will struggle to survive. If plants do survive, the small
crop produced will have a lot of disease pressure.

The Caution Zone is a place where plants will struggle

during high heat months. Because of extra protection from
wind and cooler temperatures, plants and fruit can get an
overdose of sun and heat.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 5

Avoid Common Planting Mistakes
• Plants will fail to flourish if roots are too deep or too shallow.
• Take care that soil is packed firmly around the plant roots.
• Do not plant near wild plants or near plants whose origins are unknown.
• Water well 1-3 times a week, not every day!
• We advise you to plant all the roots of the plant without cutting the roots.
• All of our plants prefer full sun and will not thrive in shady spots. A half day of
sun or more is necessary to ripen your berries.
• We recommend a 10-10-10 fertilizer for all of our plants (blueberries need our
17-6-6 or Ammonium Sulfate).
Strawberries
• Avoid planting strawberries in soils where previous crops have included strawberries,
raspberries, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants or peppers. These crops may harbor
soil pathogens which may affect your new plants.
• Do not mulch using materials like decayed or wet leaves that tend to mat
down and can smother plants.
• Do not renovate day neutral strawberries.
Brambles
• Caution should be taken to prevent the roots from being planted too deep.
• Plant green tissue culture plants only after danger of frost has passed.
• Do not mulch brambles beyond the first year.
• Do not mow down summer-bearing raspberries; they fruit on 2 year-old canes.
• You only need to cut-back the canes which bore the previous year.
Asparagus
• Be careful not to damage emerging spears when cutting below the soil surface
during harvest.
• Asparagus require very sweet soil—be sure that soil pH is at 7.0-7.2.
• Do not add compost to soil until plants are growing.
• Do not soak prior to planting.
Blueberries
• Blueberries require an acidic soil with a pH between 4.5-4.8. A pH of 5.0 or higher is too high!
• Do not use leaves or excessive sawdust as mulch. Either can limit or prevent rains from
reaching the soil and plant roots.
• Excessive sulfur can be toxic. (See page 22 for application rates)
• Do not apply fertilizer at planting or in late summer or early fall. This could lead to
new, succulent growth that is susceptible to winter injury and may lead to entry
points for disease.
• Blueberries can be adversely affected by potassium chloride.
Do not use fertilizer that contains it.
• We do not recommend Aluminum Sulfate. Use elemental sulfur instead.
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Additional Resources
You have local resources wherever you are, and no one knows your area’s planting
needs better than a local! Local extension offices often publish their research on web
sites and in pamphlets. Check with your local extension office for any recommended
publications that may help you with planting in your region.

A complete USDA listing of extension offices is located online at:

www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html

Or write to request information:

United States Department of Agriculture
Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service 1400 Independence
Avenue SW., Stop 2201
Washington, DC 20250-2201

Below is a brief list of regional extension services that specialize in berry research;
for a more extensive list, please check out our list of Commercial and Home Garden
Resources and Links online at www.noursefarms.com.

NORTHEAST
Cornell University’s Berry Resources and Pest Management Guidelines
gardening.cornell.edu

MIDWEST
Ohio State University
ohioline.osu.edu/lines/fruit.html

MIDATLANTIC
Pennsylvania State University Small Scale Fruit Production
extension.psu.edu/gardening/fphg

SOUTH
Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium
smallfruits.org

WEST COAST
University of California Agricultural Natural Resources
ucanr.edu
TROUBLESHOOTING
Cornell Berry Diagnostic Tool – If your berry plants look sick
fruit.cornell.edu/berrytool/index.html

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 7

 strawberries

ATTENTION! AT-A-GLANCE
Avoid planting strawberries in soils
where previous crops have included pH:
strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, 6.5 - 6.8
tomatoes, eggplants or peppers.
These crops may harbor soil Spacing:
pathogens, which will affect 12”-18” in the row
your new plants. 3’-4’ between rows

Planting
Plant as soon as possible in the spring. Planting at the correct depth is very important. Dig
a hole in the soil so that you are able to lower the plant into the ground without bending
or cutting the roots. Set plants in the ground with the roots straight down. Make certain
that the plants are set with the middle of the crown level with the top of the soil. Be sure
not cover the crown. Within a week or so, the soil will settle and the soil line should be even
with the bottom of the crown.

We advise not to cut any

of the roots off your plants.
Take care that soil is packed
firmly but not hard packed
around the plant roots.
Avoid covering crowns
with soil while you hoe,
weed, and cultivate
throughout the season. ROOTS BENT
TOO HIGH
Irrigation CORRECT
Water thoroughly after TOO DEEP
planting. Maintain good Courtesty of Ohio State University Extension

moisture throughout the

season. Strawberries do best when they get 1”-2” of rainfall or equivalent irrigation each
week, depending on soil type. If irrigation is not available, select a site with good water-
holding capacity (but avoid wet soils). Strawberries do poorly under drought conditions.

Fertilization/Soil Preparation
Avoid fertilizer burn. Do not fertilize until your plants are established (about six weeks after
planting). Applying fertilizer near the planting date leads to burning of plant leaves and
roots. Being too generous with fertilizer will also be detrimental. Mix ½ lb. of 10-10-10 per
100 square feet into soil at least 2-3 weeks prior to planting. Fertilize again with ½ lb.
10-10-10 per 100 square feet again in July and in August.

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 strawberries

Weed Control
Prepare your site prior to planting. Remove weeds throughout the growing season.
After planting, weekly cultivation removes weeds when they are small so they do not
have a chance to compete with your plants. A scuffle hoe works well for this type of
work. Strawberry roots are shallow. Be careful not to damage the roots while you are
removing weeds. You may want to control weeds BEFORE they start, with a granular
herbicide, such as Strawberry and Fruit Tree Weeder. Check with your local agricultural
extension before using chemicals. Proper mulching aids in weed control.

Preparing for Winter

Mulching is necessary in most northern states for winter protection of the crowns.
A mulch prevents the quick freezing and thawing and thus mitigates fluctuating
temperatures which cause crown damage that affects plant survival and crop yield.
Mulch also keeps fruit clean, conserves moisture, keeps down weeds, and adds
humus to the soil.

Mulch with any loose, acid-free and weed-free material such as salt hay or straw,
approximately 4”, after plants have started to go dormant or after 6-10 hard frosts—
usually in early to late November. Avoid decayed or wet leaves, which can smother
plants. Remove the mulch in early spring before new growth starts. You can move the
mulch to between the rows to keep weeds at bay and keep mud from splashing
onto the fruit.

Renovation
See details for June-Bearing or Day-Neutral.

June-Bearing Strawberries
(Such as Jewel and Darselect)
Establishment Year
Pinch off all the flower buds in the first year of growth. This allows the plant to put its
energy into becoming established and will yield a larger crop the first bearing year.
It also will encourage runner production and support winter survival. Fill in the rows
of your strawberry plants by allowing some runners to take root. In mid to late July,
set 2 or 3 daughters on each side of the mother plant by lightly pressing the plantlets
on the runners into the ground and tamp the soil down around the plantlet. Cut off
any additional runners that form during the season. Over-crowded beds will produce
small berries and can have more disease problems.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 9

 strawberries

June-Bearers succeeding years

Apply 1 lb.-1½ lbs. of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. at renovation. Side-dress in
July and August, as in the establishment year. For most efficient use of fertilizer,
apply about ⅔ that rate at renovation and ⅓ in September. Continue to
maintain adequate moisture throughout the remainder of the growing season.
Renovation
A process called ‘renovation’ is performed on June-bearing strawberry beds immedi-
ately after the harvest that helps to keep plants healthy and productive over the years.
Follow these simple steps:

As soon as all the berries have been harvested, mow off the leaves or clip them to
about 3” tall. Use your lawn mower set at the highest setting and collect the clippings
in the mower bag or rake them off to help reduce disease. Take care not to cut or
injure the crowns!

Rototill the edges of the beds to narrow the bed width to 12”-18”. Remove some plants
to leave 3”-5” between remaining plants. Try to retain strong runner plants and remove
the mother plants when they are 3-4 years old.

Everbearing Strawberries (Such as Evie-2 and Seascape)

Establishment Year
Pinch off all the flowers for 6 weeks after setting out your plants. We recommend that
you remove all the runners during the first year. This will allow the plants to become well
established. You can let the plants develop fruit midsummer through October. We suggest
½ lb.-1 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. be worked into the soil at least 2-3 weeks
before planting. Side-dress with ½ pound of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. in July and again in
August, compensating for wet periods that leach away nutrients.

Day-neutral varieties can be planted in single rows with 5”-9” between plants or in double
rows, staggered with 10”-20” between plants. Your rows should be about 42” apart.

It is important to note that hot weather will impact strawberry production. With day-neutrals,
the impact can be tempered with good watering practices. The cooler temperatures of
autumn will bring a return of berry size and yield. Do not renovate day-neutral strawberries!

Succeeding Years
Side-dress with 1 lb.-1½ lbs. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. in the spring.
Side-dress in July and August the same as in the establishment year.
You can expect a bed of day-neutral plants to be productive for one to two years.

10 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 BRA M B L ES
RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, & TISSUE CULTURE PLANTS

AT-A-GLANCE ATTENTION!
Avoid planting raspberries
pH: 6.5 - 6.8
in soils where previous crops
In-row spacing: have included strawberries,
12”-18” Red & yellow raspberries raspberries, potatoes,
20”-24” Black raspberries tomatoes, eggplants or
3’-4’ Blackberries peppers. These crops may
Between rows: harbor soil pathogens, which
8’-12’ depending on machinery will affect your new plants.

Planting
Plant nursery matured plants 1” deeper than they were in the nursery. The soil line around
the stem will indicate their nursery depth. Care should be taken so that the hole is wide
enough to allow the entire root system to be covered. When planting bare-root plants, use
a hoe to make a trench 2” deep the length of the bed. Spread the roots out in the trench and
set at about 2” deep. Caution should be taken to prevent the roots from being planted too
deep. The fine root system should not be allowed to dry during the planting process. This can
happen very quickly on a warm day. For Tissue Culture plugs (“TC” on your packing slip and
order confirmation) go to page 15.
We suggest soaking the plants for up to 2 hours prior to planting and keeping the plants in
the pail of water as you plant. We also suggest the use of a product such as Agri-gel™ to prevent
roots from drying. Spread roots along the bottom of the trench and cover immediately. Take
care while planting to keep roots at the 2” level. This will promote suckers to develop from the
roots. Do not soak plants more than 3 hours.
Planting Year
New growth on raspberries may not appear for 4-6 weeks. The cane portion of the plant
may never leaf out. Check for root development by gently digging 2”-3” out from the cane
of the plant.
Irrigation
Water thoroughly after planting. Maintain good soil moisture until plants are well established.
Do not water every day. One to three times per week is sufficient. The plants should receive
1”-2” of rainfall or the equivalent each week throughout the season.
Fertilization
For optimum growth and production, thoroughly incorporate light amounts of fertilizer at
least 2 weeks prior to planting. Do not fertilize new transplants until well established. Home
gardeners should incorporate ½ lb.- ¾ lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 sq. ft. Commercial
growers should use 500 lbs. per acre of 10-10-10 or make applications according to soil tests.
Additional applications may be necessary according to weather and/or leaching conditions.
An additional 1 lb. of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. can be applied again in July or August, and in
following years, in the early spring.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 11

 BRA M B L ES
RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, & TISSUE CULTURE PLANTS

Weed Control/Mulch
Regular cultivation around plants is necessary during the
growing season. Because raspberry root systems are shallow,
be careful not to cultivate more than an inch deep. Mulching
during establishment can also help control weeds. Do not
mulch brambles beyond the first year. Please consult your local
extension service for
Trellis and Training chemical control
We suggest all brambles be supported by a trellis. A trellis
recommendations .
keeps canes upright and fruit off the ground, makes picking
much easier, and maintains good aeration throughout the
planting which helps with disease control. We have been
successful using a T-bar trellis for raspberries that supports 2 wires 12” apart at 3’ - 4’ above
the ground (Diagram 1, below). Some varieties which are taller such as Taylor, and Lauren
might benefit from a T-trellis with two T-bars — one at 3’ and one at 4’. Blackberries and
black raspberries are best trained to a four-wire trellis (Diagram 2, below). Attach the main
stems to the wire with a clip or a slightly loose twist tie.

Summer Raspberry Trellis Top wire 48”-52” tall

DIAGRAM 1

T-Trellis

Black Raspberry & Blackberry Trellis

DIAGRAM 2

4-Wire Trellis

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 BRA M B L ES
RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, & TISSUE CULTURE PLANTS

Trellis Instructions
Everbearing Raspberry
Trellis can be temporary to help facilitate the mowing of the plants in the spring. We
suggest metal fence posts about 6’ long. You can bolt on a 12”-18” long piece of angle iron
to create the T-trellis. Drill holes on each end of the angle iron to hold the twine. Posts are
spaced 25’ apart in the row. Installation is usually done sometime in July after the raspber-
ries produce the first flowers. Install posts with a 3 lb. hammer. The posts should be
1½’ -2’ into the soil. The twine needs to be ⅔ the height of the plant. Poly twine comes in
many sizes, we recommend #450 1-ply. We remove twine and post after plants have seen
2 freezes.

Summer-Bearing Raspberries, Blackberries, Purple Raspberries

and Black Raspberries
Rows longer than 100’ should use a pressure treated 4” × 4” end post and pressure treated
2” × 4” or metal fence post every 25 feet. Blackberries should have a 4” × 4” for every post.
The T is made by thru bolting a 12”-18” two-by-four. Monophilament trellis line should be
considered instead of twine. We use nursery clips to attach each cane to the wire.
Self-locking clamps are used to hold the line to the end post or it can be tied off.

a s p berry Crisp
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Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 13

 BRA M B L ES
RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES, & TISSUE CULTURE PLANTS

Pruning
Summer-Bearing Raspberries
These varieties carry one crop of berries on the over-wintering canes during the summer
months. For best yields, prune out the canes that carried fruit directly after harvest. Thin
remaining new growth to 6-8 strong, healthy canes per running foot of row.

Fall-Bearing (primocane-bearing, Everbearing)

These varieties can produce two crops. The largest is borne in the late summer and fall on
the tips of canes that grew throughout the summer. A second crop is carried lower on those
same canes early the next summer. To have two crops, the planting must be pruned as a
summer bearer.
Most ever-bearers will produce the best crop if not allowed to fruit in early summer. To treat
these plants as fall-bearers, mow off all the canes after the canes have lost their leaves in very
late fall, or wait until early spring in colder areas. Be sure to cut the
DIAGRAM 1
canes as closely as possible to the soil surface, leaving as little stub
as possible above the ground. The new, strong canes that grow
that summer will bear an abundant fall crop.
Black Raspberries and Purple Raspberries
Black raspberries and purple raspberries break buds from their BEFORE PRUNING
crown region in the hill and send out few, if any, suckers. Prune
plants to 4-6 canes per hill. Both of these types of raspberry plants
respond well to a process called tipping, whereby the 1-year old
canes are pinched back as they reach a height of 5’-6’ in July or August.
This practice encourages fruiting lateral branches to break from the AFTER PRUNING
main cane and keeps plant height in check. Laterals, in turn, can also Black and purple raspberries
be headed back in the late Fall to 10”-15”. Pinching back laterals can Courtesty of Ohio State University Extension

help increase berry size and increase winter hardiness.

Blackberries (Thornless & Semi-erect)

Some type of trellis support is recommended (see diagram 2). A 3-wire or 4-wire trellis works
best for this type of plant. Tip 1st year canes when they reach 5’ high in midsummer. Canes that
fruited can be removed anytime after they have been harvested. Thin the remaining canes to
6-8 canes per running yard of row. If grown in a hedgerow, thin canes to 6-8 canes per hill. Later-
als should be cut back to 12” in late November.
DIAGRAM 2
Sometimes thornless blackberries are managed by
tying them to a stake. In the staked-hill system, the
canes are wrapped around a stake 2” in diameter, tied
in 2 to 3 places, and cut off to the height of the stake
Thornless blackberries before
at 5’- 6’ above ground level. The plants are set 5’ - 8’ apart and after dormant pruning.
in every direction and restricted to a clump. This is an Courtesty of Ohio State University Extension

easy to maintain system and can be an attractive addition

to the home garden landscape. A trellis or staking is highly recommended for the semi-erect,
trailing blackberries in order to keep the fruit clean and minimize canes breaking.

14 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 tissue culture plants

Care and Handling of Tissue Culture Bramble Plants

Our tissue culture plug plants will be either green with leaves (right from the greenhouse) or
dormant without leaves (dormant TC plants that have been put through a chilling and
a hardening off period and have since been stored in our cooler, they may have a few
small leaves).
Green TC Plants
Upon receiving your plants:
1. Open the box and open the plastic liner.
2. Check the moisture: cells should be moist before planting.
If not planted immediately:
1. Cut the box top off and cut holes in the bottom of the box.
2. Check the moisture—maintain good moisture but don’t
over water, the plastic liner can hold in moisture.
3. Hold in a bright, well-lit, cool area.
Green Blackberry TC plug
4. Do not store in refrigeration.
Important: Plant green tissue culture plants only after danger of
frost has passed. Water regularly once planted until a new root
system has formed or the plant is well established. A new root system
will develop in 4-6 weeks.
Dormant TC Plants
These are not sensitive to frost damage and can be planted at the same time as dormant
bare-root stock. In addition, they are much less sensitive to water stress. Dormant TC
plants can be held at 30°-32° F until planted.

Planting all Tissue Culture Plants

• Plant so that the soil plug is well covered with ½”-1” of soil using the same spacing as
used for bare root plants.
• Use care when applying herbicide on TC plants. We have had good results using 4 lbs.
per acre of Devrinol 50W. In our experience, other herbicides will damage these plants.
• Fertilize TC plants the same as bare rooted plants, using ½ lb.-¾ lb. 10-10-10 per 100
sq. ft. incorporated prior to planting. Once well established, side dress with
10-10-10 to maintain vigorous growth.
• Maintain good moisture levels until the plants are well established or for 4-6 weeks.
Note: Foliar applications of soluble fertilizer have proven successful in establishing green
plug plants. Two or three applications every 3-4 days using 5-7 lbs. per acre of actual Nitrogen
will provide enough nutrients to
establish the plants quickly.
If you have any questions regarding handling,
You may use any soluble fertil-
planting or caring for tissue culture plants,
izer (such as Calcium Nitrate or
please contact us at (413) 665-2658 or
Miracle-Gro™) that you would use
[email protected].
on your houseplants. Once plants
are established, side dress as usual.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 15

 s tASPARA
r a w b e rG rUS
ies

Asparagus— AT-A-GLANCE
A long term pH: 7.0 - 7.2
investment! In-row spacing:
A well prepared, well
12”-14” between plants
cared for asparagus bed
can be productive for 6’-8’ for Purple Passion
ten years or more! Between rows: 3’

Planting
Asparagus does not like to be transplanted once established. Choose a permanent, sunny
location with well-drained soil. Don’t plant too early because a frost will kill new shoots.

It is best if you prepare the site a year in advance by removing all perennial weeds. At least
2-3 weeks prior to planting, incorporate 5 lbs. of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. in the early spring.
Have a test done to check that the soil is in the correct pH range and that it contains high
levels of phosphorous. Application of lime may be needed to adjust the pH.

Dig a furrow 8”-10” (the same depth and width as your shovel) deep. For heavier, clay-like
soils 8” is recommended. (See diagram below, stage 1) We recommend bone meal (½lb.
per 10’ row) or super phosphate and lime spread thoroughly at the bottom of the planting
furrow. Lay roots along the bottom of the furrow with the crown facing up and cover with
2”-3” of soil. Do not add compost until plants are growing (See diagram below, stage 3).

As the spears grow up through the soil, above ground level, and expand into fern, gradually fill
in the trench, using up to 50% compost with soil. Using this method helps to limit small weeds.
Within six weeks, the furrow should be completely filled. (See diagram below, stage 4)

PLANTING CROWNS
1. Set crowns upright in wide
furrows, 8” - 10” deep, with
roots spread.
2. Cover with 2” of soil.
8”-10”

Do not add compost!

3. and 4. gradually fill the
furrows adding up to 50%
compost to soil as the
1 2 3 4 plants grow.

Irrigation
Plants need a well-drained site. Lighter soils may require more frequent watering than
heavier soils, which retain moisture better. Maintaining moisture during establishment
year is very important.

16 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 ASPARA G US

Fertilizing
In the establishment year: Do not add compost or fertilizer until plants are growing. In addi-
tion to the Spring fertilizer application, side-dress in early August with 1 lb. of 10-10-10
(or equivalent) per 100 sq. ft. and lightly work into the top 2” of soil.

In succeeding years: use 2 lbs. 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. in early spring, and again following
harvest. Use of lime, bone meal, and super phosphate helps maintain ideal soil.

Weed Control/Mulching
Ferns will die back naturally in the fall. Mulching the dried ferns with a mower in the spring
will reduce weed pressure. Check with local extension before using chemical products. If
tilling the soil, only till ½ ”-1” of the soil surface. Deep tilling can damage your crowns and
stir up weed seed.

Bed Maintenance
In the early spring of the 2nd year, cut the old ferns down to ground level. Control weeds all
season and irrigate as needed. Be on the lookout for asparagus beetles. These insects can
cause considerable damage to an established bed. Aphids and the asparagus miner are addi-
tional pests to check for. For chemical weed and pest control recommendations, contact your
local Cooperative Extension office.
In early Spring of each succeeding year, follow the same routine but increase the fertilizer to
2 lbs. of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft. Side-dress again after harvest with 2 lbs. of 10-10-10
per 100 sq. ft. Test your soil pH every 3-4 years to maintain a pH of 7.0-7.2. Broadcast lime
according to the soil test results and recommendations.

Harvesting Spears
Research shows that you can begin to harvest asparagus the year after establishment, cutting
all the first spears that appear for a period of 7-10 days. (Once spears begin to get spindly, stop
harvesting.) The second season is similar, except that you can harvest all the spears that ap-
pear for a period of 3-4 weeks. By the third year, you can cut for
the full season, which is usually 6-8 weeks long.

TIPS: During harvest, asparagus roots need 2”-3” of water per

week and before the soil gets too dry. If frosted, tips become
brown. Remove the spear immediately to prevent further set
back of planting.

Be careful not to damage emerging spears when cutting below

the soil surface. An alternative to cutting is to snap the spears.
Make sure you snap stalks off close to the soil surface so as not to
leave stubs of asparagus. Stubs can be potential entry points for
pests and diseases. Always maintain good growing conditions
after harvest, keeping the planting weed and insect free. Do
not remove any ferns. They will die back naturally in the fall with freezing temperatures.
Use the dried ferns in early spring as a mulch to reduce weed pressure. With a little care
you should enjoy an asparagus bed for many years.
Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 17
 horseradish

ATTENTION! AT-A-GLANCE
The size and diameter of
the horseradish root does pH: 6.2 - 6.7
not determine the ultimate In-row spacing:
size of the plant. 10”-12”
Between rows: 3’

Planting
Plant horseradish in a well prepared, weed free bed. Place the root piece at a 45° angle in
the soil with the flat (larger) end up and the slanted end down. The flat end should
be 1”-2” below the soil surface. Five to ten plants are usually sufficient for a home garden.

Irrigation
Keep soil moist throughout the establishment period.

Fertilization
Horseradish does not need a lot of fertilization, fertilize Bottom/slanted cut
in spring with 5 lbs. of 10-10-10 per 100 sq. ft.

Weed Control & Mulching

Regular, manual weeding is recommended. Consult
a local extension before using chemical products.

Harvest Top/flat cut

You may harvest horseradish roots anytime from midsummer on, but for the best flavor, wait
until after the first frosts or in late fall, when the leaves have died back. Dig around the roots
with a pitchfork and pull the roots out of the soil. Take the large, main root and as much of
the secondary root system as possible. Wash and dry the roots. Use the largest pieces for
your recipe. Save the side roots that are ¾” in diameter and about 8” or longer for planting.
They will provide your next year’s crop. If not harvested, the roots will need to be divided
every year or two.

Here is an easy recipe to try:

Wash, peel, and dice horseradish roots. Place them
Horseradish is a vigorous in a grinder or blender with a small amount of
grower! With a small amount water and a couple of ice cubes. Cover tightly and
of attention, it will flourish in grind until desired consistency is reached. Vinegar
almost any garden setting. or lemon juice stops the enzyme process that gives
horseradish its bite. Add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar
They may take over your gar-
or lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of salt per cup of
den. Be careful not to plant too horseradish sauce. Add immediately for a mild
close to your favorite flowers. sauce; wait up to 3 minutes for a hot sauce. Store in
a covered glass jar in the refrigerator or the freezer.
(Adapted from a University of Illinois Extension Bulletin.)

18 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 rhubarb

AT-A-GLANCE Rhubarb (Pie plant) is easy

to grow and makes a
pH: 6.0 - 6.8 wonderful addition to
In-row spacing: 3’ strawberry pie and
as the base for many
Between rows: 5’ - 6’ jellies, desserts, sauces,
and condiments.

Planting
Plant divisions in the early spring in a well prepared, weed-free soil. Set divisions in the ground
so that the buds lie 1” below the soil surface. You will find this year’s buds nestled in a protec-
tive layer of husks surrounding the outside of the division. Place plants in the ground with
buds pointing up. Cover the buds and tamp down firmly. Do not leave air pockets around the
division or the division will dry out.
Special Considerations
Do not harvest rhubarb the first year. You may harvest lightly (a few stalks per plant) the
second year. By the third year you can expect to harvest all stalks that are 1” and larger in
diameter for a period of 6-8 weeks. Leave the smaller stalks to make food for the crown and
next year’s production. The harvest season for rhubarb extends from early May to early June.
Some harvesting in the fall is acceptable. Harvest stalks by snapping the stalk off at the base.
Seed stalks that appear should be snapped off immediately. After 3-5 years divide plants to
maintain petiole or stalk size and production. A rhubarb patch will last several years with some
attention. Warning! The only edible portion of rhubarb is its stalks. Leaves are Poisonous – Do
Not Eat! Do not harvest rhubarb after frost, it can make you sick if you eat it.

- R hubar b Jam
traw b e r r y
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ashed)
b e r r ie s , (4 cups m ces)
w
2 lbs stra rb (8 cups 1/2” pie
s r h u ba
2 lb the suga
r
gar
6 cups su s. Cove r rh u b a rb with 1/2
gar and
/2” piece h remain
ing su
Directions
u t rh u b arb into 1 n d mix wit dissolved
, then
fr u it . C b e rr ie s a l gar is
su
Wash ru sh u n ti
and 1-2 h
rs. C low h e a t ick. Po r
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and let st . P la c e mix over in g . C o ok until th tight.
a rb vent bu rn nd firmly
with rhub tly to pre screw ba
combine fre q u e n
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ly, stirring ” of the to
boil rapid to within 1/4 ld: 10 8oz
jars
ri li ze d ja rs m in . Yie
st e 1 0
into ater bath
boiling w
Process in

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 19

 hbol ruseebrear dr i se h
s

ATTENTION! AT-A-GLANCE
Blueberries must have a soil pH
between 4.5 and 4.8. Have your pH: 4.5 - 4.8
soil tested. If the pH level is outside In-row spacing:
the specified range, begin amend- 4’ - 5’
ing it right away. Excessive amounts
of sulfur can be toxic to your plants. Between rows:
10’ - 12’

Blueberries are a tasty and nutritious fruit borne on a plant beautiful enough to grow as
an ornamental. A well-prepared site, planted properly, will pay dividends of a lifetime of
fruit. They are easy to grow and relatively pest-free.

Soil pH
Soil pH should be between 4.5 and 4.8. A pH of 5.0 is too high! For best results amend pH
levels BEFORE planting. However, by following our planting instructions you can establish
plants successfully without prior pH adjustments. Addition of sulfur may be necessary to
adjust the pH. Regular garden sulfur is the best material to use to reduce pH. Regularly
measure and maintain pH levels for optimum success.
Consult your local Cooperative Extension service for advice on how to test your soil.
Planting
Plant your new blueberry plants slightly deeper than they were grown in the nursery. Be sure
to cover the top of the plug with ½” -1” of topsoil. Be careful not to plant too deeply, and do
not let the roots dry out during the planting process.
Do not apply fertilizer at planting. Dig a hole 1’ × 1’ × 1’ and scarify
the sides and bottom. Mix aged wood chips into your soil at a Planting Tip
ratio of 30% -40% wood chips to 60% -70% soil. At this point, also Instead of removing or
mix in the appropriate amount of sulfur required (see page 22). rototilling sod, apply
If you are planting more than a few plants, spread 3” - 4” of aged Roundup™ to a 2’-3’
wood chips over a 3’ - 4’ wide row. Mix the wood chips into the wide strip when the
top 6” - 8” of soil with the appropriate amount of sulfur indicated grass is 4”-6” tall. This
by your soil test. will be the row for
your plants.
If you use peat moss, make sure that it is thoroughly saturated
with water before mixing it with loam. Place this mixture around
each plant. Make sure the peat/soil mix is thoroughly covered with ½”-1” of plain soil after
backfilling the hole if you use peat in the mixture. Any peat not covered with soil will wick
moisture away from the plant and cause the roots to dry out rapidly.
Warning! Shavings or sawdust with manure has too much nitrogen for first year plants.
Irrigation
Because of blueberries’ shallow, fibrous root system, they require frequent watering. Main-
tain moisture, and do not allow roots to dry out. Water 1-3 times per week, not everyday.

20 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 blueberries

Fertilization
First Year: Wait 4 - 6 weeks after planting before fertilizing to avoid burning the roots.
Apply 1 oz. ammonium sulfate in a circular band around each plant.
Subsequent Years: 2 oz. per plant at bloom time, and again a month later. Do not fertilize
after July, this puts the plant at risk of winter injury and diseases. Avoid fertilizers containing
potassium chloride.

Blueberries can be adversely affected by potassium chloride. Do not use fertilizer that contains
it. We also do not recommend aluminum sulfate.

Weed Control/Mulching
A heavy mulch is good for water retention and improves plant health. Apply 3” - 4” of aged
wood chips. Avoid treated or colored wood chips or mulch. Do not use Cedar or Black Walnut
chips. Avoid using leaves, or an excessive amount of sawdust, as both can mat down and
prevent moisture from reaching the plant’s roots. Regular manual weeding will be necessary.
Maintaining a good depth of wood chips all year is conducive to healthy blueberry roots. We
recommend using drip irrigation placed under the mulch. Then you are able to apply water at
your convenience and know the water is getting to the root zone where it is needed.
Pruning
Remove all flowers during the first year. Do not allow berries to develop. For the first 3 years,
no pruning is needed. After the first three years, blueberries should be pruned annually during
the dormant period. Your goal is to eventually have 12 canes per plant. Older, heavy branches
in the center should be removed to allow air and sunlight to penetrate. Remove the lower,
weak and damaged branches and branches less than 6 inches long. These branches will never
fruit and can serve as an entrance point for disease.

Blueberry Muffins
1¾ cups flour
3 tsp baking powder 1 egg
½ tsp salt ¾ cup milk
¼ cup margarine 1 tsp vanilla
½ cup sugar 1 cup frozen blueberr
ies
Directions
Preheat oven to 40
0F. In a large bowl,
baking powder an put the first three ing
d salt) and stir. In a redients (flour,
sugar together (we second bowl, squis
used our fingers) un h the butter and
milk and vanilla un til they are mixed.
til it’s quite smooth Beat in the egg,
just mixed (it will sti . Pour into the first
ll be a bit lumpy). Do bowl. Stir until it’s
ries gently into the n’t stir too much. Fo
batter (try not to cru ld your blueber-
(or spray with Pam sh them). Grease yo
). Fill about 3/4 full. ur muffin tin
brown. Makes 12 to Bake for 25 minutes
16 muffins until just nicely

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 21

 blueberries

New wood produces the largest fruit. Canes should be a mix of different ages and any
canes over 2” in diameter should be removed. For detailed pruning information, we highly
recommend Oregon State University’s how-to video: A Grower’s Guide to Pruning High bush
Blueberries, available from Nourse Farms. Rutgers University also publishes a Blueberry Bul-
letin, which is very informative.

Additional Information Regarding Soil pH

The term pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of soil. The pH level is important to know
because it affects a plant’s ability to obtain nutrients from the soil and each type of plant has
different soil pH requirements.

Contact your local Cooperative Extension (see page 7) for advice on the proper procedure
and materials to test and lower the soil pH, using amendments such as sulfur, sawdust, aged
wood chips, old leaves or finished compost. A combination of the above materials gives the
best results. It is important to get a soil test for an accurate pH reading so you know the right
amount of sulfur to apply.

Amount of Sulfur in Pounds per 100 Square Feet Required to

Lower Soil pH for Blueberries
PRESENT
SOIL pH SAND LOAM CLAY
Desired 4.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
pH value for 5.0 0.4 1.2 1.4
blueberries 5.5 0.8 2.4 2.6
6.0 1.2 3.5 3.7
is 4.5 6.5 1.5 4.6 4.8
7.0 1.9 5.8 6.0
7.5 2.3 6.9 7.1
Source: MidwestSmall Fruit Pest Management Handbook,Bulletin 680

Example 6 plants spaced 5’ apart requires a space 35’ × 4’, or 140 sq. ft. If your soil
pH tests at 6.5, and your soil is a loam soil, it would require 4.6 pounds of sulfur per
100 sq. ft. or 6.4 pounds of sulfur for the 140 sq. ft. The formula: 140 sq. ft. divided
by 100 is 1.4, 1.4 multiplied by 4.6 pounds is the amount needed for 140 sq. ft.
(1.4 × 4.6 = 6.44)

The amount of sulfur to be applied varies according to the soil type: sand (light),
loam (medium), clay (heavy), as well as the present pH level of your soil.
Blueberry Trouble-Shooting
Yellow leaves on blueberries can be quickly corrected with a foliar application of one
tablespoon iron chelate per gallon of water sprayed over the leaves. You should see greener
leaves in a few days. However, the underlying problem may be that the soil pH is too high.
Have your soil tested and amend as directed above. After 1-2 years of establishment, you
should be getting 12”-18” of new growth each year. If not, recheck your soil pH and/or use
a little more fertilizer.

22 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 c ur rh ruabna trsb &
gooseberries

AT-A-GLANCE
Admired for generations in
pH: 6.0 - 6.5 Europe for their adaptability
as plants and their versatility
In-row spacing: 3’ - 4’ as food, currants and goose-
Between rows: 6’ - 8’ berries, known collectively as
Black currant “Titania” should be ribes, are growing in popular-
spaced 4-5’ apart in the row.
ity in this country.

About Currants and Gooseberries

Currants and gooseberries are small fruits that were well known in this country earlier
in the last century and are now making a comeback. These are ideal fruits for those
sections of the country with a minimum of 1000 hours of winter chilling (zones 3 to 6).
You can expect to harvest currants and gooseberries during late June and July. Well
cared for plants may fruit well for 10-15 years. They are rounded shrubs that grow
approximately 3’-4’ tall and 3’-4’ wide.

Restrictions
Today’s currant and gooseberry varieties have been bred for disease resistance, and the va-
rieties Nourse Farms carries are either highly resistant or immune to White Pine Blister Rust
disease. Check with your local Cooperative Extension office or Department of Agriculture
for any restrictions to growing Ribes in your area. NOTE: We cannot ship these plants to
Massachusetts residents without a permit. Some Massachusetts towns do not allow Ribes of
any variety. We can ship out-of-state.

Planting
Choose a sunny location, but avoid southern exposure and southern facing slopes since
intense sun may injure the plants. Plant currants and gooseberries in good, well-drained
soil that contains at least 2%-3% organic matter. Planting on a slight slope will facilitate air
circulation. Plants should be set slightly deeper than they were in the nursery.

Irrigation
Maintain adequate moisture levels especially immediately
following planting. Plants should receive 1” - 2” of rainfall or
the equivalent per week throughout the growing season.
Gooseberry fruit will sunburn more easily if soil is too dry.
Planting on a slope facilitates water drainage.

Fertilization
None is needed during the planting year. In following years,
apply 5 oz. of 10-10-10 per plant. Apply the fertilizer in the
spring, or apply half the amount (2½ oz.) in the spring and
the balance during the summer.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 23

 currants &
gooseberries

Weed Control/ Mulching

Cultivation by scuffle hoe or regular manual weeding is necessary. Use of mulch helps
inhibit weeds. Straw, or wood chips can be applied at 2”- 4” depth. Avoid treated or colored
wood chips or mulch. Do not use Cedar or Black Walnut chips. Avoid using leaves, or an ex-
cessive amount of sawdust, as both can mat down and prevent moisture from reaching the
plant’s roots. Contact a local extension before using any chemical products for weed control.

Pruning
Black currants have different pruning needs than other currants and gooseberries. Currants
(not black) and gooseberries fruit most heavily on the spurs (short branches) that occur on
2-3 year old branches. Your pruning task will be approximately the same for both groups
of plants, so they will be described together. You can grow currants and gooseberries in a
shrub form or as a ‘cordon’ against a trellis.

Prune dormant plants early every spring before new growth begins. Remove any canes that
are damaged or droop to the soil and canes that shade the center of the shrub. This prevents
accumulation of too much old wood and encourages production of strong new growth.

Cordon
Growing currants or gooseberry plants as a cordon or espalier
is common, especially if you do not have a lot of space for gar-
dening. The plants are trained to grow flat against a trellis (as
shown in diagram below) and pruned so they have 1-3 strong
shoots or branches. This shape also makes harvesting easier.

Single-Trunk Shrub
Growing currants or gooseberry plants as a cordon or save
one vertical shoot from the first year’s growth. Cut shoot back
to 10” -12” or half of its length (whichever is longest). The sec-
ond year, select three or four strong side shoots near the top of
the main shoot that are spaced evenly around the main shoot.
Cut these side shoots back to half their length to an outward
facing bud. In the third year, select two or three leaders from
each of the side shoots that are facing out from the center at
different angles.

Cut back all other growth to one or two buds. Maintain growth
habit by cutting back leaders to half their length and all other
laterals to one bud. Remove any lateral growth or suckers
below the soil line. Cut out old or diseased wood.

Single, double, or triple cordons can be used for tighter spac-

ing and easier harvesting. Cut back the first year growth to one

24 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 currants &
gooseberries

Training red and white currants,

1 and gooseberries as freestanding
bushes
1. At the time of planting, remove all two-
2 year-old and older wood. Leave six to eight
one-year-old canes.
2. During the first dormant season, remove all
but three or four two-year-old canes. Leave
four or five vigorous one-year-old canes.
3. During the second and subsequent dormant
seasons, leave three or four each of one-, two-,
and three-year-old canes. Remove all canes
four years old or older.
4. Before pruning your mature Ribe plant,
3 4 use this drawing to determine the age of
your canes.

© Courtesty of Danny L. Barney, PhD and Kim E. Hummer, PhD and Food Products Press® 1-year 2-year 3-year
Currants, Gooseberries, and Jostaberries: A Guide for Growers, Marketers, and Researchers in North America old wood old wood old wood

main branch. The second year, cut back a single cordon by ½ its new growth. Double cordons
require that two strong shoots be tied down during the second season to a horizontal position.
Triple cordons have two horizontal shoots and one central, vertical shoot. Winter prune the
horizontal shoots to an upright bud and the central shoots to ½ their growth. Cut any side
shoots back to one bud and remove any low growth or suckers. The third year, cut back vertical
cordons by one-half of their growth and trim side shoots back to one bud. Many other varia-
tions can be developed from the basic cordon theme.

Pick currant fruit clusters when fruit has reached peak color, and are slightly soft.

Black Currants
Since black currants crop most heavily on one-year old wood, pruning is meant to stimulate
new growth and take out older growth. With this objective, in subsequent years, prune back
three or four of the oldest branches to strong new growth, or to the base of the branch. Your
objective is to have 6-8 good branches per plant that are continually renewed.

As soon as your new plants are in the ground, each branch

should be pruned so that two buds show just above the soil. Do
not leave any branches to bear fruit because this will delay plant
development. At the end of the first year, two or three branches
and some smaller, weaker shoots should have developed. Prune
out all the new, weak shoots and branches so that you are left
with one or two main branches.

Special Consideration —
Cross Pollination
It is recommended that two different varieties of black currants
be planted to facilitate cross-pollination and a larger crop.
Gooseberries are self-fruitful.

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 25

 E L DERBERRIES

The elderberry makes a great AT-A-GLANCE

wine or jam and is prized for
its medicinal qualities. The
pH: 6.0 - 6.8
flowers can also be used to In-row spacing:
make syrup and other recipes. 3’ - 6’
Between rows:
10’ - 12’

About Elderberries
Elderberries are popular for their unique taste in pies, sauces, jellies, and jams and
they are occasionally used in winemaking. They are attractive, easy to grow, and are
great in landscape plantings. They can grow up to 12’ tall. Plants can be pruned to
maintain a smaller size.

Samdal
This is one of several newer varieties from Denmark. Plants are vigorous, producing long
shoots from soil level each growing season and bearing fruit the next. These are removed
after bearing and replaced by the current year’s growth. This makes the plant easy to prune
and manage as a shrub. Large fruit clusters ripen in August each year. Berries have very high
anthocyanin content....very good for you!

Planting
Plant at same depth as grown in the nursery, all roots should be well covered.

Irrigation
Keep soil moist throughout the establishment period. From flowering through harvest, be
certain the plants receive 1” of water via rain or by hand per week.

Fertilization
No fertilizer should be applied in the planting year. In succeeding springs, spread 1 cup
10-10-10 per plant in a circle around the plant. Apply manure or compost only after plants
begin to grow.

Weed Control/Mulching
Thorough manual weeding is necessary, but do not cultivate deeply. Roots are fibrous and
shallow and injure easily. Use a combination of hand weeding when weeds are small, mow-
ing and mulching. Generally, once established a thick planting will suppress weeds on its
own. Compost or straw mulch will help.

Harvest
Berries are generally harvested late August through early September. Remove the entire
cluster from the shrub and strip the berries from the cluster for use. Use the fruit as soon as
possible or keep it cool for later use.

26 View How to Videos at noursefarms.com

 elderberries

Special Considerations
Elderberry plants are generally free of pests. Birds absolutely love elderberry and an
unprotected bush can be stripped clean as soon as berries turn color! Netting seems to
work best.

Pruning
New canes usually reach full height in one season and
develop lateral branches in the second.

Flowers and fruit develop on the tips of the current

season’s growth. The best fruit production happens
on the second-year elderberry canes with good lateral
branching. Older wood tends to become weak and loses
productivity. In early spring while the plants are dormant,
remove all dead, broken or weak canes. Your goal should
be to have an equal number of canes between one and
three years old.

Notes

Nourse Planting & Culture Guide 27

41 River Rd. • South Deerfield, MA 01373

phone: (413) 665-2658

fax: (413) 665-7888
email: [email protected]

noursefarms.com

© Nourse Farms