Keeping Animals Out of the GrapevineOur scuppernong grapes are ripening fast and they are so good. With us living close to the woods, animals can be a problem when trying to grow fruit and vegetables.
Paint Strainers to Protect GrapesTo protect your grapes from insects, bugs, and birds while still allowing them to get water and sunlight, use these paint strainers. They are sold at your home improvement store for $2.50 for a 2 pack. We just staple the closure shut and this paint strainer cloth is reusable.
Harvesting CherriesOur Stella cherry tree is loaded this year. We purchased it as a seedling in 2003, on sale at a grocery store for about $5. Most years, we get some cherries but this is a bumper crop, even the birds can't keep up. The heat wave of last weekend has quickly ripened the fruit and they need to be picked NOW!
Thinning an Apple TreeIt's June and that means the apple trees are fruiting. To improve the quality of fruit this season and increase your flowering next season, now is the time to thin the apple tree.
Growing ApplesApples can be harvested from mid-summer to late fall depending on the variety and growing zone. To harvest fruit, avoid removing the stem by cupping the apple in your hand and tilting it upward while twisting to separate the spur from the branch...
Tomatoes Are Not Getting RipeOur tomato plants have luxuriant growth and lots of green tomatoes but they are taking forever to ripen, and when they do, they're blotchy.
Planting Blueberry BushesWe are getting ready to plant blueberry bushes. I have read online that we need to cut off the top 3rd of the plants when we plant them and then not let them produce for the 1st 2 years. Does anyone out there have experience with blueberries?
Growing PlumsPlums can be left to ripen on the tree and harvested when they reach their mature size and color. If they are rich and sweet to the taste, and fee slightly soft when squeezed they are ready to be harvested...
