Products
Blueberries
Blueberries have long been prized as a great tasting and value added fruit. They are low in calories, virtually fat free, a good source of fiber, and very high in antioxidants. Research has put blueberries at the top of the list of 40 fruits, juices and vegetables in antioxidant activity. Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that contribute to heart disease and aging. Blueberries also contain over 40 cancer-preventive compounds, as well as vitamins C, E and beta carotene.
Rabbiteye blueberries are the main fruit at our farm. We have approximately 1,000 plants of various varieties. Our blueberry season usually starts in early July and continues through August. In addition to the berries, we usually offer a limited number of blueberry plants for sale during the winter months.
Blackberries
Blackberries are available at our farm from mid June until late July. We have several types available, such as Arapaho and Hull. All of our blackberries are thornless and are grown in an open, easy to access field. Blackberries are nutritious. One serving of blackberries (one cup or 140 gm) provides 50 percent of the vitamin C, 10 percent of the folate, and 22 percent of the fiber required daily. Blackberries are also a good source of potassium, calcium, and iron. In addition, the compound ellagic acid, identified as an anticarcinogen, is found in blackberries.
Muscadines
Our farm also offers muscadines for pick-your-own customers during the growing season. The muscadine season is from late September until late October. We have several varieties of muscadines such as: Black Beauty, Supreme, Darlene, Fry, Nesbit, Scuppernong, Dixieland, Granny Val, and Cowart. We have both the bronze and dark types.
At one time muscadines could only be found in the wild. But in the early 1800s a number of superior wild varieties were selected for cultivation. One of these was “Scuppernong.” Found on the Scuppernong River in North Carolina in 1810, it has become the common name for all bronze muscadines.
Grapes and muscadines are among the world’s richest sources of ellagic acid (thought to help prevent cancer) and resveratrol, which helps reduce heart disease in the so-called “French paradox.” (Frenchmen with rich diets who drink red wine have much less heart disease than people in the rest of the world.) Muscadines are a great source of dietary fiber, too.
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Planting Instructions
Blueberry Plants
Blueberries are in the same family as azaleas and rhododendrons. These plants do not have a dominant tap root nor does the root system send down deep penetrating roots. In an ideal situation, this creates a shallow (roughly 6 – 12 inches) root zone. In well drained and aerated soils, it is possible for the roots to reach much deeper. Blueberries grow well in acid soils with a pH of about 4.0 to 5.5. Blueberries will grow in shade or full sun.
- SITE AND SOIL PREPARATION: Because blueberries have a shallow root system, only the top 6 – 12 inches of soil needs to be prepared. The area should be well-drained. There should be no standing water, nor should the area be subject to standing water, even during times of maximum rains. Excess water should be able to drain away from the plants within a few hours. Blueberries will not tolerate standing water.
- SPACING AND PLANTING: Spacing within a row may average from 3 – 6 feet, dependent upon personal preference. Three feet will give a high density planting and form a hedge quickly, 5 – 6 feet is the average distance between plants. Plants can also be grouped, separated as singles or planted within almost any landscape configuration. The best time to plant blueberry plants is during the winter months, from November to early Spring time.
- Prepare a hole about 2 feet diameter and about 8 inches deep. If the dirt appears to be poor, try to have some good potting soil/compost to supplement the soil removed from the hole. Fill the hole about ½ full with this mix of loose soil. If the plant is in a pot, it should be removed and the roots should be fanned out horizontally. This is accomplished by shaking or dipping the roots in a bucket of water and washing the soil from the roots. Place the plant in the hole and fan into a flat configuration.
- Do not let the roots dry out, freeze or be exposed to ultraviolet light during this process. Sunlight will kill the small fibrous roots. Roots should be kept wrapped or covered with a damp covering until planted. Place the plant in the hole and fan the roots out in all directions. While holding the plant trunk upright, rake 3 – 4 inches of soil back over the roots and pack by stepping on. Wet the soil to allow the soil to settle around the roots. Do not fertilize at this time of planting.
- WATER: The root zone area should always be kept moist – but not too wet! A top mulch of 1 – 4 inches over the root zone is encouraged to conserve water and control weeds. Since blueberry plant roots are shallow, weeds are a major threat. Mulch can be leaves, pine needles, hay, or bark. During the summer, the blueberry plants need about 1- inch of rainfall per week, depending on the soil. THE MAJOR REASON FOR BLUEBERRY PLANT FAILURE IS EITHER TOO LITTLE WATER OR TOO MUCH WATER.
- FERTILIZERS: Fertilizers formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons are usually ideal for blueberries. Blueberries can tolerate only small amounts of nitrogen at a time, but this important nutrient is required at all stages of growth for healthy development. Fertilize in small amounts or with a specially formulated slow release fertilizer no greater than 10-10-10. Best time to fertilize is right before or during the change from bud to bloom and soon after fruit harvest in late summer.
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Blackberry Plants
Although we routinely do not sell blackberry plants, the following tips may help you if you decide to grow your own plants. As with most new plants, it’s always best to test the soil four to six months before planting to allow adequate time to amend the soil based on results. Your local Extension Service can help you with soil testing. The extension service also has excellent material on their web site that can help you with your plants. If the soil pH is too low, raise it to the level suggested by the soil test with dolomitic lime.
Keep plant roots moist until planting time by either heeling them into the ground temporarily or wrapping them in wet burlap. As with any plant, do not leave the roots exposed to the drying effects of sun and air.
Prepare a planting hole large enough to allow the roots to spread out naturally. Do not prune the roots except to remove damaged ones. Set plants at the same depth they were planted in the nursery. The crown (the point where the stem and root merge) should be one inch below ground level; tissue culture plants should be placed at ground level.
After planting, tamp the soil firmly to remove air pockets around the roots. Water all new plantings well, immediately after planting. Mulch with pine straw, or other weed-free type mulches.
Mixed fertilizers are satisfactory for blackberries. For best results, apply fertilizer in early spring when growth starts and again in summer just after harvest. Use 10-10-10 commercial mix at the rate of 5 pounds per hundred linear feet of row. For late-ripening thornless blackberries, apply the fertilizer mix no later than July to avoid forcing late-season growth that would be subject to winter injury. For the first year or two, before the root system of the plants develops fully, spread 3 or 4 ounces of fertilizer in a 12-inch radius around the base of each plant.
Blackberries require abundant moisture while the berries are growing and ripening. If rainfall is not adequate, provide irrigation water equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall per week. A minimum rate of drip irrigation for mature blackberry plants is 2 gallons of water per day while berries are developing. Usually, about 5 gallons of drip irrigation is equal to 1 inch of rainfall.
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Muscadines
We don’t sell muscadine plants however a number of nurseries propagate and sell muscadine plants. Fall is usually the best time to order plants.
When planting, be sure to plant self-fertile varieties with female-flowered types for cross-pollination. For planting and care details contact your local Extension Service office.
