Despite the unseasonable cold weather (and snow), we managed to get a lot of work done on the farm this weekend. The most important task was to plant the remaining 100 Niagara grapes – so that plot now has 150 grapes in about .5 acres.
We planted 14 new blueberry bushes, slightly enlarging the patch near the barn, and replacing some of the previously planted bushes. We also applied aluminum sulfate to the blueberry patch, to keep soil acidity low in order for the bushes to thrive.
Our strawberries started shooting leaves over a week ago and the colder weather has not slowed them down. We cleaned up the patch and then covered it with straw, letting only the new leaves show through.
The elderberry patch also got a good “thinning out”. They need to be pruned almost like brambles (just not as often). Old fruiting canes need to be removed so that new canes can grow and bear fruit. And yes, we are still cleaning up and pruning in the blackberry patch – just two more rows to go!!
