horticulture cd unit c 5-3: nursery, landscaping, and gardening

65
Horticulture CD Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Nursery, Landscaping, and Landscaping, and Gardening Gardening

Upload: poppy-wells

Post on 30-Dec-2015

218 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Horticulture CDHorticulture CD

Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Landscaping, and

GardeningGardening

Page 2: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Problem Area 5: Fruit and Problem Area 5: Fruit and Vegetable Crop ProductionVegetable Crop Production

Page 3: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Lesson 3. Growing and Maintaining Lesson 3. Growing and Maintaining Small FruitsSmall Fruits

Page 4: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

What Does it Take to Grow These What Does it Take to Grow These Things?Things?

Page 5: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

Understand site and fruit selection Understand site and fruit selection when planning a garden.when planning a garden.

Explain how to prepare and plant Explain how to prepare and plant small fruits.small fruits.

Discuss the maintenance of small Discuss the maintenance of small fruit planting.fruit planting.

Understand harvesting and Understand harvesting and marketing systems for small fruits.marketing systems for small fruits.

Page 6: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

TermsTermsArborsArborsBanded fertilizerBanded fertilizerBiennialBiennialBleedingBleedingBroadcast fertilizerBroadcast fertilizerCrownCrownEverbearing Everbearing strawberriesstrawberriesFloricancesFloricancesFour-arm kniffen Four-arm kniffen systemsystemFrost protectionFrost protection

Hill systemHill systemK soil testK soil testMatted-row systemMatted-row systemP1 soil testP1 soil testPerennialPerennialPrimocanesPrimocanesRefractometerRefractometerSmall fruitsSmall fruitsSpaced-row systemSpaced-row systemSpring-bearing (June Spring-bearing (June bearing) strawberriesbearing) strawberriesTrellisesTrellises

Page 7: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

How can I Select Small Fruits to How can I Select Small Fruits to Grow?Grow?

Understand site and fruit selection Understand site and fruit selection when planning a garden.when planning a garden.

Page 8: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

SelectionSelection

Small fruits are the edible fruit that is Small fruits are the edible fruit that is produced on a small perennial plant.produced on a small perennial plant.– They may be grown when space is They may be grown when space is

limited.limited.– A well-planned garden will supply A well-planned garden will supply

fresh fruit from early spring to the first fresh fruit from early spring to the first killing frost in the fall.killing frost in the fall.

– The fruits produced have a pleasing The fruits produced have a pleasing taste and dietary value as sources of taste and dietary value as sources of vitamins, minerals, and acids.vitamins, minerals, and acids.

Page 9: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Selection FactorsSelection Factors

The size of your family, personal The size of your family, personal taste preferences, the space taste preferences, the space available, and planned usage of the available, and planned usage of the fruit are factors in determining what fruit are factors in determining what to plant.to plant.– Fruit can be eaten fresh, canned, Fruit can be eaten fresh, canned,

frozen, or preserved as jellies or jams frozen, or preserved as jellies or jams for use during the rest of the year.for use during the rest of the year.

– Do not plant more than you can care Do not plant more than you can care for properly.for properly.

Page 10: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Selection FactorsSelection Factors

The ideal small fruit site would be The ideal small fruit site would be near the house with fertile well-near the house with fertile well-drained soil.drained soil.– Full sun-light is preferred.Full sun-light is preferred.– A moderately elevated or sloping site, A moderately elevated or sloping site,

which provides good drainage, will which provides good drainage, will reduce losses from late spring frosts.reduce losses from late spring frosts.

Page 11: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Selection FactorsSelection Factors

Varieties for home small fruit planting Varieties for home small fruit planting should be selected for high quality; either should be selected for high quality; either for eating fresh, preserving, or both.for eating fresh, preserving, or both.– Resistance to diseases and winter hardiness Resistance to diseases and winter hardiness

should be considered.should be considered.– Selection of early, mid-season, and late-Selection of early, mid-season, and late-

season varieties will provide a harvest of season varieties will provide a harvest of fresh fruit during a longer period.fresh fruit during a longer period.

– The use of several varieties helps ensure a The use of several varieties helps ensure a successful harvest.successful harvest.

Page 12: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 13: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

How is a Small Fruit Site How is a Small Fruit Site Prepared and Planting Done?Prepared and Planting Done?

Explain how to prepare and plant Explain how to prepare and plant small fruits.small fruits.

Page 14: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Most small fruit plants occupy the Most small fruit plants occupy the same location for several years.same location for several years.– Therefore, it is desirable to build up the Therefore, it is desirable to build up the

soil fertility of the proposed location.soil fertility of the proposed location.– Planning one or two years ahead can Planning one or two years ahead can

also help to reduce weed problems.also help to reduce weed problems.– Plant small fruits where row crops have Plant small fruits where row crops have

been cultivated for one or two years.been cultivated for one or two years.

Page 15: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Application of 4 bushels of well-rotted manure Application of 4 bushels of well-rotted manure per 100 square feet in the summer or fall per 100 square feet in the summer or fall before planting will add organic matter and before planting will add organic matter and nutrients to the planting bed.nutrients to the planting bed.– Add 25 pounds of 20 percent superphosphate for Add 25 pounds of 20 percent superphosphate for

each 1,000 pounds of manure.each 1,000 pounds of manure.– Compost, de-composed leaves, or lawn clippings Compost, de-composed leaves, or lawn clippings

may also be used. may also be used. – In September, sow rye as a cover crop at the rate In September, sow rye as a cover crop at the rate

of 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.of 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.– Plow it under in early spring to improve the soil.Plow it under in early spring to improve the soil.

Page 16: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and PlantingAll of the small fruits, except blueberries, grow All of the small fruits, except blueberries, grow satisfactorily in a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.satisfactorily in a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.5.Blueberries require a pH of 4.2 to 5.2 for best Blueberries require a pH of 4.2 to 5.2 for best growth.growth.The pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the The pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of the soil with 7.0 as neutral and 6.0 to 7.0 slightly soil with 7.0 as neutral and 6.0 to 7.0 slightly acid. acid. Before planting, use a spade in small areas or Before planting, use a spade in small areas or a rototiller in larger areas to prepare the a rototiller in larger areas to prepare the seedbed. seedbed. The soil should be loose and the organic The soil should be loose and the organic matter and fertilizer thoroughly incorporated.matter and fertilizer thoroughly incorporated.

Page 17: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Plants that arrive early should be placed Plants that arrive early should be placed in cold storage (32 to 40°F) or “heeled-in cold storage (32 to 40°F) or “heeled-in”.in”.– Heeling-in is placing plants in a trench Heeling-in is placing plants in a trench

deep enough to permit covering the roots deep enough to permit covering the roots and long enough to spread the plants side-and long enough to spread the plants side-by-side one layer deep.by-side one layer deep.

– The soil is firmed over the roots.The soil is firmed over the roots.– The plants are watered and kept shaded The plants are watered and kept shaded

until the weather and the seedbed are until the weather and the seedbed are ready for planting.ready for planting.

Page 18: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and PlantingPlanting and spacing requirements vary with Planting and spacing requirements vary with the type of small fruit you plant.the type of small fruit you plant.Strawberries can be planted as soon in the Strawberries can be planted as soon in the spring as the ground can be prepared.spring as the ground can be prepared.– Plant them so that the top of roots is just covered Plant them so that the top of roots is just covered

with soil and add one pint of water.with soil and add one pint of water.– The crown is where the shoot and roots come The crown is where the shoot and roots come

together. It should be exposed at ground level.together. It should be exposed at ground level.– Spring –bearing (June bearing) strawberries Spring –bearing (June bearing) strawberries

produce berries mainly in the month of June produce berries mainly in the month of June while everbearing strawberries produce berries while everbearing strawberries produce berries throughout the summer. throughout the summer.

– The type of strawberry you plant could have an The type of strawberry you plant could have an effect on which planting method you choose.effect on which planting method you choose.

Page 19: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Strawberry PlantingStrawberry Planting

The matted-row system requires The matted-row system requires setting plants 24 inches apart in setting plants 24 inches apart in rows 3’ 6" to 4’ apart.rows 3’ 6" to 4’ apart.– This popular method allows the plant This popular method allows the plant

to form runners (horizontal shoots) to to form runners (horizontal shoots) to fill in the row to about two feet wide.fill in the row to about two feet wide.

Page 20: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Strawberry Planting Strawberry Planting

The spaced-row system is a The spaced-row system is a modification of the matted-row system.modification of the matted-row system.– The spaced-row system includes setting The spaced-row system includes setting

plants 24 inches apart in rows 3 ½to 4feet plants 24 inches apart in rows 3 ½to 4feet apart but the runner plants are spaced to apart but the runner plants are spaced to make roots not closer than four inches make roots not closer than four inches apart.apart.

– After the spaced-row about two feet wide is After the spaced-row about two feet wide is obtained, all new runners are removed.obtained, all new runners are removed.

Page 21: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Strawberry Planting – Spaced Row Strawberry Planting – Spaced Row

This will give optimum growing This will give optimum growing conditions since strawberry rows conditions since strawberry rows can often be too dense for good can often be too dense for good production.production.Spaced-row culture requires more Spaced-row culture requires more care than matted-row culture but care than matted-row culture but higher yields, larger berries, and higher yields, larger berries, and fewer disease problems are the fewer disease problems are the rewards.rewards.

Page 22: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Strawberry PlantingStrawberry Planting

The hill system requires the removal The hill system requires the removal of all runners.of all runners.– The plants are set 1 to 1 ½ feet apart The plants are set 1 to 1 ½ feet apart

in rows that are 1 to 1 ½ feet apart.in rows that are 1 to 1 ½ feet apart.– Often the rows are arranged in groups Often the rows are arranged in groups

of three or four, with a 2-foot walkway of three or four, with a 2-foot walkway between each group of rows.between each group of rows.

Page 23: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 24: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 25: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Raspberries ripen shortly after strawberries.Raspberries ripen shortly after strawberries.– Red, black, purple, and yellow fruit types are Red, black, purple, and yellow fruit types are

available.available.– Because of virus disease, black and purple Because of virus disease, black and purple

raspberries should be planted about 600 feet raspberries should be planted about 600 feet from red varieties.from red varieties.

– Virus-free one-year-old No. 1 grade plants are Virus-free one-year-old No. 1 grade plants are suggested for planting.suggested for planting.

– Plant in early spring.Plant in early spring.– Avoid allowing the roots to dry out.Avoid allowing the roots to dry out.– Spread the roots out in the planting hole and firm Spread the roots out in the planting hole and firm

soil over them.soil over them.

Page 26: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Planting RaspberriesPlanting Raspberries

Set red raspberries two or three Set red raspberries two or three inches deeper than they were in the inches deeper than they were in the nursery and set black and purple nursery and set black and purple raspberries about one inch deeper.raspberries about one inch deeper.– Apply one or two quarts of water Apply one or two quarts of water

around each plant.around each plant.

Page 27: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Planting RaspberriesPlanting Raspberries

Cut red raspberry plants back to 8 to Cut red raspberry plants back to 8 to 12 inches after planting.12 inches after planting.– The stems of canes of black and The stems of canes of black and

purple raspberries should be cut off at purple raspberries should be cut off at ground level, removed from the ground level, removed from the planting, and burned.planting, and burned.

Page 28: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Blackberries are best planted in early Blackberries are best planted in early spring. spring. – Spacing will depend on the trellis and Spacing will depend on the trellis and

training system to be used.training system to be used.– Most erect blackberry varieties can be Most erect blackberry varieties can be

grown without sup-ports, spaced four to grown without sup-ports, spaced four to five feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart.five feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart.

– Set the plants at the same depth as they Set the plants at the same depth as they were planted in the nursery.were planted in the nursery.

– Cut the tops back to six inches.Cut the tops back to six inches.

Page 29: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Blueberries are eaten fresh and easily Blueberries are eaten fresh and easily frozen. frozen. Blueberries require an acid soil (4.2 to Blueberries require an acid soil (4.2 to 5.2) and a high organic matter.5.2) and a high organic matter.Buy two year old plants of medium to Buy two year old plants of medium to large size. large size. Set plants at the same depth that they Set plants at the same depth that they were in the nursery.were in the nursery.Space plants six to eight feet apart in Space plants six to eight feet apart in rows 8 to 10 feet apart and water rows 8 to 10 feet apart and water thoroughly.thoroughly.

Page 30: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

Grapes are popular for home gardens.Grapes are popular for home gardens.

Some grape varieties ripen from early Some grape varieties ripen from early August until mid-October, thereby August until mid-October, thereby providing a long season of fresh fruit.providing a long season of fresh fruit.

Set the plants slightly deeper than they Set the plants slightly deeper than they grew in the nursery.grew in the nursery.

Space the plants eight feet apart and Space the plants eight feet apart and space rows eight feet apart.space rows eight feet apart.

Page 31: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Site Preparation and PlantingSite Preparation and Planting

As the plants develop they need As the plants develop they need supports. supports.

Trellises are two or three wire Trellises are two or three wire supports stretched between wood or supports stretched between wood or metal posts.metal posts.

Arbors are curved wooden supports Arbors are curved wooden supports that may also provide shade and that may also provide shade and interest to your garden.interest to your garden.

Page 32: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 33: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

How are Small Fruit Plantings How are Small Fruit Plantings Maintained?Maintained?

Discuss the maintenance of small Discuss the maintenance of small fruit plantings.fruit plantings.

Page 34: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Small fruit maintenance includes Small fruit maintenance includes weed control, mulching, fertilizing, weed control, mulching, fertilizing, irrigation, frost control, pruning, and irrigation, frost control, pruning, and pest control.pest control.

Weed control, especially with the Weed control, especially with the low growth habit of strawberries, is low growth habit of strawberries, is important.important.

Page 35: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Hoeing or tilling should be shallow to Hoeing or tilling should be shallow to prevent damage to plant roots.prevent damage to plant roots.

As plants become established, mulch As plants become established, mulch with black plastic and/or organic with black plastic and/or organic mulches such as straw, sawdust, ground mulches such as straw, sawdust, ground corncobs, or wood chips. corncobs, or wood chips.

Mulching not only reduces weed growth Mulching not only reduces weed growth but conserves moisture, prevents soil but conserves moisture, prevents soil erosion, and helps keep fruit clean.erosion, and helps keep fruit clean.

Page 36: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Soil tests taken before planting Soil tests taken before planting should guide fertilizer application should guide fertilizer application during seedbed preparation.during seedbed preparation.– The P 1 soil test is a soil test for The P 1 soil test is a soil test for

available phosphorus.available phosphorus.– The K soil test measures potash (K2 The K soil test measures potash (K2

0) levels in the soil.0) levels in the soil.– Soils showing a high P1 test (50 and Soils showing a high P1 test (50 and

up) and a high K test (300 and up) up) and a high K test (300 and up) need only nitrogen fertilizer.need only nitrogen fertilizer.

Page 37: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Apply fertilizer in the early spring.Apply fertilizer in the early spring.

Banded fertilizer is placed only on Banded fertilizer is placed only on the row while broadcast fertilizer is the row while broadcast fertilizer is placed over the entire area. placed over the entire area. – Broadcast fertilizer can stimulate Broadcast fertilizer can stimulate

unwanted weed growth between the unwanted weed growth between the rows.rows.

Page 38: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Irrigation/watering depends on the Irrigation/watering depends on the amount of natural rainfall.amount of natural rainfall.– Water is a key to successful small fruit Water is a key to successful small fruit

production especially with production especially with strawberries.strawberries.

– Insufficient moisture results in Insufficient moisture results in undersized berries, delayed maturity, undersized berries, delayed maturity, less flavor, and dull fruit color. less flavor, and dull fruit color.

– Like most other plants, one inch of Like most other plants, one inch of water once a week is ideal.water once a week is ideal.

Page 39: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Use of overhead sprinklers allows Use of overhead sprinklers allows the adaptability for spring frost the adaptability for spring frost control.control.

Because strawberries grow close to Because strawberries grow close to the ground where cold air (which is the ground where cold air (which is heavier than warm air) accumulates, heavier than warm air) accumulates, they are particularly susceptible to they are particularly susceptible to frost damage.frost damage.

Page 40: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Frost ProtectionFrost Protection

Frost protection is the practice of using Frost protection is the practice of using water sprinklers in the patch when water sprinklers in the patch when temperatures drop to 34° F at plant level temperatures drop to 34° F at plant level in the field or garden to prevent frost in the field or garden to prevent frost damage.damage.– The sprinklers are run continuously until The sprinklers are run continuously until

the ice that forms on the plants has melted.the ice that forms on the plants has melted.– As water freezes, it releases heat (heat of As water freezes, it releases heat (heat of

fusion), which warms objects in contact fusion), which warms objects in contact with the water and ice.with the water and ice.

Page 41: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Frost ProtectionFrost Protection

If some free water is maintained on a If some free water is maintained on a bud covered with ice, the temperature of bud covered with ice, the temperature of the bud will remain approximately 32° F.the bud will remain approximately 32° F.

At 32°, there will ordinarily be no injury At 32°, there will ordinarily be no injury since flower tissue damage generally since flower tissue damage generally begins at 28° F. begins at 28° F.

Winter freeze protection can be Winter freeze protection can be accomplished by covering plants with accomplished by covering plants with straw.straw.

Page 42: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Pruning is the removal of plant parts Pruning is the removal of plant parts to regulate crop size and quality and to regulate crop size and quality and to direct growth.to direct growth.– Pruning of small fruits requires an Pruning of small fruits requires an

understanding of their growth habits.understanding of their growth habits.– Whether strawberry runners are to be Whether strawberry runners are to be

pruned/pinched off depends on the pruned/pinched off depends on the planting system you selected (see planting system you selected (see Objective 1).Objective 1).

Page 43: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Renovation of a strawberry patch is Renovation of a strawberry patch is the renewing the plants by mowing the renewing the plants by mowing off the tops within 10 days of the off the tops within 10 days of the final harvest. final harvest.

Rows can be narrowed and fertilizer Rows can be narrowed and fertilizer added at that time. added at that time.

This process will result in higher This process will result in higher yields.yields.

Page 44: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Brambles (raspberries and Brambles (raspberries and blackberries) send up new shoots or blackberries) send up new shoots or canes each year from the roots and canes each year from the roots and crown.crown.– Primocanes are the first year Primocanes are the first year

vegetative canes.vegetative canes.They grow vigorously during the They grow vigorously during the summer, initiate flower buds in the fall, summer, initiate flower buds in the fall, and over winter. and over winter.

Page 45: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Floricanes are the second year Floricanes are the second year canes that form flowers and bear canes that form flowers and bear fruit.fruit.– Roots and crowns are perennial Roots and crowns are perennial

meaning that they live for an indefinite meaning that they live for an indefinite number of years going dormant for the number of years going dormant for the winter.winter.

– The canes are biennial meaning they The canes are biennial meaning they have a two year life.have a two year life.

Page 46: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Fruit is borne on leafy shoots from Fruit is borne on leafy shoots from one-year-old wood during the one-year-old wood during the second year, then gradually dry up second year, then gradually dry up and die shortly after harvest.and die shortly after harvest.Prune out these canes at ground Prune out these canes at ground level.level.Pruning brambles also involves Pruning brambles also involves training them to the support or trellis training them to the support or trellis system you have selected.system you have selected.

Page 47: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 48: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening
Page 49: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

We prune blueberries to remove old We prune blueberries to remove old or unthrifty wood and to stimulate or unthrifty wood and to stimulate new vigorous growth.new vigorous growth.– The first 2 years pruning is removing The first 2 years pruning is removing

blossoms.blossoms.– When danger of frost is past in the When danger of frost is past in the

early spring of the 3 rd year before early spring of the 3 rd year before new growth begins, remove dead or new growth begins, remove dead or injured branches, short branches near injured branches, short branches near the ground, and any spindly stems.the ground, and any spindly stems.

Page 50: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

On mature bushes, remove some old On mature bushes, remove some old wood annually and prune to keep the wood annually and prune to keep the bush at a manageable height.bush at a manageable height.Older branches are distinguished by Older branches are distinguished by their grayish-black bark while newer their grayish-black bark while newer branches have a reddish color.branches have a reddish color.Keep in mind that blueberries bear on Keep in mind that blueberries bear on the one-year-old growth.the one-year-old growth.Thinning plants can result in larger Thinning plants can result in larger berries.berries.

Page 51: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

With grapes, pruning usually refers to With grapes, pruning usually refers to the removal of canes during the dormant the removal of canes during the dormant season and is based on the number of season and is based on the number of buds needed to produce the next year’s buds needed to produce the next year’s growth.growth.– Avoid late spring pruning that results in Avoid late spring pruning that results in

bleeding, the oozing of plant sap.bleeding, the oozing of plant sap.– Prune after the coldest part of winter is past Prune after the coldest part of winter is past

and before the buds begin to swell.and before the buds begin to swell.February and early March are usually best.February and early March are usually best.

Page 52: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

When vines were planted they When vines were planted they should have been pruned to a single should have been pruned to a single stem with two buds.stem with two buds.A shoot grows from each bud.A shoot grows from each bud.In the second year all but the In the second year all but the strongest cane are pruned.strongest cane are pruned.During the third year strong lateral During the third year strong lateral canes develop and can be trained to canes develop and can be trained to supports.supports.

Page 53: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Leave two buds (renewal spurs) on Leave two buds (renewal spurs) on each shoot near the lower and each shoot near the lower and upper trellis wires.upper trellis wires.

Fruiting canes for next season grow Fruiting canes for next season grow from these buds.from these buds.

After the third year, most vines can After the third year, most vines can be treated as mature vines.be treated as mature vines.

Page 54: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

The four-arm kniffen system is the use The four-arm kniffen system is the use of a two-wire trellis to support vines that of a two-wire trellis to support vines that have a main trunk and four major lateral have a main trunk and four major lateral canes or “arms”. canes or “arms”. – For this system in early spring prune the For this system in early spring prune the

vine to four lateral canes, each with 6 to 12 vine to four lateral canes, each with 6 to 12 buds arising from the main trunk.buds arising from the main trunk.

– Each of these buds is capable of producing Each of these buds is capable of producing two or three clusters of grapes.two or three clusters of grapes.

Page 55: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

Leave two renewal spurs near the main Leave two renewal spurs near the main trunk for future fruiting canes at each trunk for future fruiting canes at each trellis wire.trellis wire.

Remove all other growth.Remove all other growth.

Over-pruned vines become too Over-pruned vines become too vegetative and under pruned vines are vegetative and under pruned vines are weak and produce small cluster of fruit. weak and produce small cluster of fruit.

Healthy canes have a darker color and Healthy canes have a darker color and shorter internodes.shorter internodes.

Page 56: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Pruning Small FruitsPruning Small Fruits

The thinning of vines should result in The thinning of vines should result in good exposure to sunlight of pencil good exposure to sunlight of pencil diameter (1/4 to 1/3 inch) canes, diameter (1/4 to 1/3 inch) canes, consistent yield, and high quality fruit. consistent yield, and high quality fruit. Proper pruning necessitates removal of Proper pruning necessitates removal of 80 to 90% of the wood.80 to 90% of the wood.A vigorous growing vine can support 45 A vigorous growing vine can support 45 to 60 buds.to 60 buds.After pruning, loop or spiral the canes After pruning, loop or spiral the canes over the support wires and tie with twine over the support wires and tie with twine or other durable material.or other durable material.

Page 57: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Small Fruit MaintenanceSmall Fruit Maintenance

Pest control begins with the Pest control begins with the selection of a suitable planting site, selection of a suitable planting site, the use of disease resistant the use of disease resistant varieties, purchase of healthy varieties, purchase of healthy plants, and the use of good cultural plants, and the use of good cultural and sanitation practices.and sanitation practices.– The home gardener may use The home gardener may use

individual chemicals or multipurpose individual chemicals or multipurpose mix containing insecticide and mix containing insecticide and fungicide.fungicide.

Page 58: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

What Harvesting and Marketing What Harvesting and Marketing Systems can be Used With Small Systems can be Used With Small

Fruits?Fruits?

Understand harvesting and Understand harvesting and marketing systems for small fruits.marketing systems for small fruits.

Page 59: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing SystemsHarvesting and Marketing Systems

Most small fruits are harvested by Most small fruits are harvested by hand.hand.– The owner harvests small gardens The owner harvests small gardens

while larger areas requires hired labor.while larger areas requires hired labor.– Pickers are either paid wages or the Pickers are either paid wages or the

fruit is harvested and marketed fruit is harvested and marketed through a pick-your-own patch (PYO). through a pick-your-own patch (PYO).

With PYO patches the customers pick With PYO patches the customers pick and pay a per pound price for what they and pay a per pound price for what they harvest.harvest.

Page 60: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing SystemsHarvesting and Marketing Systems

Picked fruit may be eaten fresh, Picked fruit may be eaten fresh, used in cooking (pies, jellies, jams, used in cooking (pies, jellies, jams, preserves, juices) or frozen.preserves, juices) or frozen.

Small fruits vary greatly in their Small fruits vary greatly in their keeping ability at harvest.keeping ability at harvest.

Page 61: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing SystemsHarvesting and Marketing Systems

Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are perishable products so harvest time, are perishable products so harvest time, handling, and storing are key to quality.handling, and storing are key to quality.Color change is a good indication of ripeness. Color change is a good indication of ripeness. Flavor is the best indication of harvest Flavor is the best indication of harvest ripeness.ripeness.Berries picked too early will continue to ripen Berries picked too early will continue to ripen but sweetness, quality and size will be but sweetness, quality and size will be sacrificed.sacrificed.Overripe berries will be soft, poor quality, and Overripe berries will be soft, poor quality, and rapidly deteriorate.rapidly deteriorate.

Page 62: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing SystemsHarvesting and Marketing Systems

Blueberries in large patches are Blueberries in large patches are sometimes harvested with vibrating sometimes harvested with vibrating devices and catch frames or devices and catch frames or mechanical harvesters.mechanical harvesters.– Mature blueberries will keep several Mature blueberries will keep several

days on the bushes.days on the bushes.– The blue or black color of the The blue or black color of the

particular variety is the key to knowing particular variety is the key to knowing that berries are ready for harvest.that berries are ready for harvest.

Page 63: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing Systems Harvesting and Marketing Systems Cont.Cont.

With grapes, color, sugar content, With grapes, color, sugar content, taste, aroma, and ease of berry taste, aroma, and ease of berry separation from the stem are separation from the stem are indications of ripeness.indications of ripeness.– For wine grapes, extensive testing in For wine grapes, extensive testing in

done to determine harvest readiness.done to determine harvest readiness.– The refractometer is a hand-held The refractometer is a hand-held

instrument used in the field to estimate instrument used in the field to estimate the sugars present in grapes. the sugars present in grapes.

Page 64: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Harvesting and Marketing SystemsHarvesting and Marketing Systems

Laboratory tests are made to Laboratory tests are made to determine the acid level of the determine the acid level of the grapes.grapes.

It is important to note that grape It is important to note that grape clusters do not continue to ripen clusters do not continue to ripen after being cut from the vine, so they after being cut from the vine, so they should not be harvested before they should not be harvested before they are fully ripe.are fully ripe.

Page 65: Horticulture CD Unit C 5-3: Nursery, Landscaping, and Gardening

Review / SummaryReview / Summary

How can I select small fruits to grow?How can I select small fruits to grow?

How is a small fruit site prepared and How is a small fruit site prepared and planting done?planting done?

How are small fruit plantings How are small fruit plantings maintained?maintained?

What harvesting and marketing systems What harvesting and marketing systems can be used with small fruits?can be used with small fruits?