This document provides an overview of growing berries and small fruits on Cape Cod. It discusses selecting good varieties for the region and maintaining plants through proper planting, pruning, mulching and harvesting techniques. Common berry crops for Cape Cod including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are outlined. Tips are provided on variety selection, planting, supporting, pruning and dealing with pests and diseases for each berry type. Other options like grapes and less common berries are also mentioned. The document encourages using berries and small fruits for benefits beyond food like habitat, pollinators and wildlife.

1. GROWING BERRIES AND SMALL FRUITS
ON CAPE COD
A “BERRYLICIOUS” SUBJECT!
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener

2. WHAT WE’RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT
Selecting
• Good
Varieties for
Cape
Nov. 2013
Maintaining
Planting
Harvesting
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
• Pruning
• Mulching/
Winter Care
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3. SHOULD I TAKE NOTES?
Nov. 2013
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4. COMMON CROPS ON CAPE COD
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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5. OTHER “BERRY GOOD” IDEAS
• Other Edible Berries/Small Fruits
• Berries for Habitat
• Berries for Birds
• Berries to Attract Pollinators
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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6. HOW TO SELECT
• Types of Strawberries
• June (Spring) Bearing (mid, early and late)
• Crops 2/3 Week Period, Many Runners
• Everbearing
• Crops in Spring, Summer, Fall; Few Runners
• Day Neutral
• Crop Throughout Growing Season
• May Be Harder To Manage for Continuous Productivity
Everbearing and Day Neutral are Especially Good for Containers
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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7. STRAWBERRY PYRAMID KIT
- June Bearers, Top 2 Levels
- Ever Bearers, Bottom Level
- Flags to Scare Away Birds?
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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8. HOW TO SELECT
• Extension Agencies Are Often Recommending for Farmers
• Overview of Strawberry Varieties -- U Vermont
http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/factsheets/strawberryvarieties.html
• Consider
• Good Location in Full Sun
• Sandy Loam, Good Drainage, Plenty of Organic Matter, pH 5.5 – 6.5
• Don’t Plant Where Certain Vegetables Have Grown
• Variety, Flavor, Freezing Quality, Yield
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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9. WAYS TO PLANT
Nov. 2013
http://strawberryplants.org/2010/05/growing-strawberries/
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10. PLANTING DEPTH IS IMPORTANT
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg5625.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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11. HARVESTING
• First
Year – Follow Instructions for Variety
• That Will Involve Removing All or Most Blossoms
• Then, ENJOY!
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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12. ONE DAY’S HARVEST
Nov. 2013
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13. ENJOY FRESH OR FROZEN
Nov. 2013
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14. END OF SEASON
Nov. 2013
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15. ‘RENOVATE’ THE BED EACH YEAR
CUT BACK PLANTS, ALL RUNNERS, MULCH
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
2 Weeks Later
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16. BLUEBERRIES GROW
WELL IN THE
SANDY, ACIDIC SOIL
OF CAPE COD
www.farmfresh.org
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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17. HOW TO SELECT FROM MANY VARIETIES
• At Least 2 Varieties for Cross Pollination, Season Extension
• Examples of Recommended High-Bush Varieties
• Early—Bluejay, Bluecrop, Blueray, Nelson
• Mid-Season - Berkely, Bluecrop, Blueray, Nelson
• Late – Coville, Herbert, Jersey, Lateblue
• Also Consider – Yield, Berry Size, Hardiness, Growth Habit,
Vigor, Disease Resistance
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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18. BAREROOT OR CONTAINER GROWN?
Nov. 2013
www.knollacresblueberries.com
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
forums2.gardenweb.com
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19. PROTECT FROM BIRDS!
Photos Courtesy Mary Ann Buss
Nov. 2013
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20. AFTER 3 / 4 YEARS PRUNING ESSENTIAL
“Twiggy”
Nov. 2013
OTHERWISE BECOME BIENNIAL
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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21. http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1430.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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22. PRUNING
• Late Winter While Plants Dormant
• Remove Winter Damage
• Remove Older Shoots
• Remove 2 or 3 Oldest Shoots at Ground
• For Largest Fruit Size, Cut Fruiting Shoots To 4-5 Buds
• Heavier Pruning = Shorter Ripening Season
• Lighter = Longer Ripening Season
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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23. Blueberries
At The Demo Garden
(Falmouth, Fairgrounds)
Get Some of Both Pruning
Very Productive, Old Wood
Photo Courtesy Bob Brancale
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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24. Freeze to Enjoy Year-Round
Dry?
Nov. 2013
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25. HOW TO SELECT THE LOCATION
HTTP://WWW.BLUEBERRY.ORG/GARDENING.HTM
• Full Sun or Nearly So
• Soil pH of 4.09 to 5
• Excellent Drainage
• Cross Pollination
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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26. Raspberries
Are Also Popular
On Cape Cod
Photo Courtesy Cheryl Ikasalo
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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27. RASPBERRY VARIETIES
• By Color
• Red (Gold), Purple, Black
• Growth Habit
• Erect (Red); Arching (Black)
• Summer Bearing – One Crop Early Summer
• Fall Bearing – Small Crop Spring, Larger Crop Fall
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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28. THESE VARIETIES
ARE RECOMMENDED
FOR OHIO
See Also
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1108.html
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1421.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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29. PLANTING
• Early Spring
• Soil, Neutral to Slightly Acidic
• Red Raspberries Are Generally Planted In Rows
• 3’ apart; rows at least 6’ apart
• Black Raspberries – 4’ Apart
• Tips Will Root if Not Supported
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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30. A TYPICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1108.html
Nov. 2013
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31. MY BERRY ROW
Nov. 2013
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32. 32
RON USES
STURDY POSTS,
4” SQUARE WIRE
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
Photo Courtest Ron Morissette

33. CHERYL’S ROW
WITH
STURDY POSTS
Nov. 2013
Photo Courtesy Cheryl Ikasalo
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34. STRUCTURE OF A RASPBERRY BUSH
Second Year Fruiting Cane
First Year Cane
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1421.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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35. PRUNING DEPENDS ON TYPE OF RASPBERRY
• Summer Bearing
• After Harvest Complete, Cut All Floricanes to Ground
• Remove, Dispose (Do Not Compost)
• Leave 4 or 5 Primocanes
• Or Leave Until Spring to See Winter Damage
• In Spring May Cut These Canes to Just Above Support
• Fall Bearing
• For Fall-Only, Cut All Canes to Ground in Late Winter
• For Spring + Fall, Follow Instructions for Summer Bearing
• Black – Pinch Back for Branching, Remove Bearing Canes After
Harvest
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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36. RASPBERRIES HAVE SHALLOW ROOTS
• Cultivate Carefully
• Mulch is Desirable
Nov. 2013
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37. THEY ARE SUSCEPTIBLE
TO A
VARIETY OF DISEASES
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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38. ANTHRACNOSE, BLIGHT BOTH FUNGAL DISEASES
http://ipm.illinois.edu/fruits/diseases/spur_blight/
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1152.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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39. TO CONTROL FUNGAL DISEASES, POWDERY MILDEW
• Buy Disease-Resistant Varieties
• Good Sun, Air Circulation
• Remove and Destroy Canes That Have Finished Bearing
• Keep Area Clear of Weeds, Especially Wild Raspberries
• Can Apply Sulpher and Copper-Based Fungicides,
According to Directions
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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40. TREATMENT OF VIRAL DISEASES
• Seems No Remedy for
Home Gardeners
• Destroy Plants, Replant in
Different Location
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg1152.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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41. Pruned and Mulched
Lots of Growth
Hope Springs Eternal!
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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42. PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE, ENJOY THE RESULTS!
Harvest From Cheryl’s
Raspberry Patch
One Day in July
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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43. BLACKBERRIES ARE
“ROBUST”
GROWERS, BEARERS
Photo Courtesy Ron Morissette
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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44. BLACKBERRIES ARE
AGGRESSIVE!
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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45. BLACKBERRY VARIETIES
• Thorny Erect
• Thornless Semi-Erect
• Trailing (Both Thorny and Thornless)
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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46. ONE CROP, TWO CROPS
One Crop on Floricanes
http://noursefarms.com/ Whatley, MA
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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47. THORNS, NO THORNS
Photo Courtesy Ron Morissette
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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48. PLANTING BLACKBERRIES
• Plant in Early Spring
• Full Sun; Slightly Acidic Soil, 5.5 – 7 pH
• Upright – 3’ Apart; Rows 8’ Apart
• Trailing – 5-8’ Apart; Rows 6-10’ Apart
• Fertilize With Balanced Fertilizer in Spring
• Roots Also Shallow
• Cultivate Carefully, Mulch Well
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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49. SUPPORTING BLACKBERRIES
http://sacredhabitats.com/2013/02/24/grow-blackberry-patch/
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/762.html#Erect
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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50. C. L. FORNARI’S DOYLE THORNLESS BLACKBERRY
WITH EXTENSIVE SUPPORT SYSTEM
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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51. FOR BERRIES IN GENERAL
REMOVE WILD PLANTS
500-600’ IF POSSIBLE
BEWARE OF FRIENDS
BEARING DISEASED
BERRY PLANTS
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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52. CONCLUDING THOUGHTS ABOUT ‘BIG 4’
• Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties That Are Right for Cape Cod
• Strawberries and Blueberries Have Their Own Requirements
• Raspberries and Blackberries Have Similar Requirements
• Different Varieties of Each Berry Require Different Care
• Select Reputable Nurseries, Mail Order Houses
• Follow Their Directions
• Use Specific Web Searches To Add to Your Store of Knowledge
• Lots of Good Videos; Always Consider Source (.org, .edu)
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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53. SOME MORE EXOTIC BERRIES
NOURSE FARM OFFERINGS
Invicta Gooseberry
(native)
Pink Champagne Currant
(native)
Nov. 2013
Samdal Elderberry
native
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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54. STILL MORE EXOTIC BERRIES
MILLER NURSERIES OFFERINGS (RECENTLY SOLD TO STARK BROS.)
Hardy Kiwi
Aronia (Black Chokecherry)
native
Seaberry
Goji Berry
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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55. GRAPES GROW WELL PRETTY MUCH EVERYWHERE
Do You Have
Experience?
Advice?
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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56. SOME SMALL FRUITS LIKE FIGS ARE MARGINAL
My Brown Turkey Fig
In November
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/fig.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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57. 57
OTHER WAYS TO USE BERRIES
IN THE HOME LANDSCAPE
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener

58. FOOD FOR BIRDS
SEE HTTP://WWW.WILDFLOWER.ORG/ FOR A NATIVE PLANT DATABASE
Winterberry at C.L.’s
Orange front, Red, back
American Beautyberry
Arrowwood Viburnum
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/v/vibden/vibden1.html
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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59. C.L.’s Privet and
Pokeberry/Pokeweed
Poisonous Weed?
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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60. ATTRACT POLLINATORS
SEE HTTP://WWW.POLLINATOR.ORG/
Mountain Ash (Rowan)
www.Wikipedia.og
Nov. 2013
Serviceberry
http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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61. WILDLIFE HABITAT
Holly
In Orleans parking lot
Smooth Sumac
Hawthorne
http://www.sacredearth.com/ethnobotany/plantprofiles/hawthorn.php
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RHGL#
Avoid Poison Sumac
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62. ‘EDIBLE’ HEDGE
A Few Other Possibilities
Quince
Pawpaw
Goji Berry
and Many, Many More!
Rosa Rugosa Hedge
Community of Jesus, Orleans
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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63. BERRIES, SMALL FRUITS
PROVIDE A LOT OF PLEASURE
AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
FOR MINIMAL INVESTMENT OF TIME, EFFORT
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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64. THANK YOU!
Nov. 2013
Mary Lou Roberts, Master Gardener
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