In Need of Info About Growing Blueberrys and Grapes.?
ive got a couple of acres im not using and i wanted to grow some blueberrys and grapes but i don’t got the slightest clue on how to grow them can you give me some tips and websites i can use….thanks.
Growing Grapes – Grow Grapes – Growing Grape
Plant blueberries as soon as the ground can be worked in the spring so that the plants can become well established before hot weather arrives. Blueberry bushes thrive in a sunny area, in acidic soil that is rich in organic matter & is moist but well-drained. Remove the soil 2 to 3 feet wide and 12 to 18 inches deep, and mix it with an equal amount of humusy material, such as composted leaf litter, which lowers soil pH, boosts organic matter and improves soil drainage. Backfill the hole. Plant the bush at the same depth they were in their pots, highbush blueberries 4 to 5 feet apart and rabbiteyes 6 to 8 feet apart. Water thoroughly to moisten the roots and close any air pockets in the soil. Place a 3-5 inch mulch around your blueberry bushes to eliminate weeds, and help keep the soil moist. Water weekly during dry periods.
More info here:
http://www.essortment.com/all/growingblueberr_rnxh.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MWmkK5T44A&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoJapfA7sIg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klA3gJkmpOU&NR=1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGnwLFpst3M&feature=related
Here’s information on growing grapes:
http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/howto/fruit/grapevine/index.html
"Grow the vine along an arbor or in long rows over wires, & prune for fruit growth. You want to ensure the grapes are in the full sun as much as possible. During the summer remove the leaves which are covering or shading the grapes. You want to make sure you don’t remove too many leaves or there won’t be enough food production to feed the grapes."
http://www.gardensheds.greenhouses.arbors.learnabout.info/Training%20vines%20for%20an%20arbor,%20pergola,%20or%20trellis.htm
http://orchards-fruit-gardening.suite101.com/article.cfm/grape_vineyard_care
"Good air circulation, sun exposure and a soil that is well drained are desirable for quality crops of grapes. Air circulation is best if the location has a gentle slope; avoid low frosty pockets. Plant the vines away from trees so that they will receive full sunshine. Grapes are not as particular to soils as other fruit crops; as long as the soil is best; rich soils stimulate excessive vine growth at the expense of fruit quality. Grapes require a soil pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
During the first season, the primary objective for grapevine growth is development of a healthy root system and straight trunk. After setting the vine, prune it to one stem and cut this stem back to two or three buds. When new growth begins and the first shoots from the two-bud cane reach 6 to 10 inches in length, select the most vigorous and prune away the others. Tie the shoot gently to the training stake several times during the first season. Pinch lateral shoots back to the leaf growing from the main shoot. This allows the main shoot to grow more rapidly, possibly saving as much as a year in establishing a healthy vine." This further explains the different systems of pruning & training you can use after the first year:
http://www.tricountyfarm.org/oregon_grapes.asp
"Grapes should be cut back every fall to produce good healthy clumps of grapes. If not, they tend to be sparce and smaller. Neglected grapes can be trimmed back quite a bit, back to one or two stalks 4 ft high with good results, thereafter trimming suckers."
http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7547
These sites have more explanations, photos & illustrations on trellising:
http://www.avalonwine.com/trellising-the-grape.php
http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu/Viticulture/Information/Trellising_and%20_training.htm
These videos show how to prune grape vines:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlJeN3pnhPE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u82y2nhw-7o&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JOTRbUodQw&NR=1
In my opinion, blueberry bushes are easier & less complicated to grow than grapes.
Good luck!!! Hope this helps.
Try ehow.com