Fruit (Bush) Growing Guide

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Average, well drained soil. Match your choice of bush fruits to local climate and soil conditions.

Position

Sun or partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

All are hardy deciduous plants, but cold tolerance varies widely with species. Choose regionally-adapted bush fruits, for example juneberries (saskatoons) in the far north and rabbiteye blueberries in the far south.

Feeding

In early spring, mulch over root zone with 1 to 2 inches of good compost. Mulch with grass clippings or straw.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Purchase dormant plants and set them out in early spring. Plants grown in containers can be transplanted through early summer. Mulch after planting new fruits.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Numerous bush fruits are descended from native plants, and they are easier to grow organically compared to other fruits. You can add a variety of this plant to label what it is and specify spacing or planting times.

Harvesting

Let experience be your teacher -- taste fruits often as they approach ripeness. Bumper crops can be frozen, dried, or made into jams and jellies.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Fruit (Bush)

Aphids (General)

Earwig

Plum Curculio

Slug

Snail