Back to Eden Gardening and Hugelkulture and other non-conventional garden methods

[JanetMarie]

@JanetMarie

When's the next time you're coming thorough this way...I'd buy some!

I'll let you know!

 

[Arielle2]

I have a question about underplanting blueberries (3-4 foot growers). I know they need full sun but I would like to squeeze in an apple tree too. Location is South side of yard and very sunny. I am wondering if blues could handle being somewhat under the tree (which is non existent at this point). Anyone have experience with blueberries having dappled shade for part of the day? Do you know of any other conflicts there could be to plant together?

Check the soil pH of apples and blueberries.

Blueberries like very acid soil. Apples not so much.

Blueberries require acid soils. Michigan State University Extension recommends the soil pH be between 4.5 and 5.5. If you plant blueberries in the neutral soils (soil pH 6.5 to 7) favored by most plants, theplants will be yellow and grow poorly if they grow at all.Dec 17, 2012
Soil test before you plant blueberries | MSU Extension
msue.anr.msu.edu/news/soil_test_before_you_plant_blueberries

 

[Marmalade25]

Aw, good point! I knew of blues needing acidic soil, but had not thought of apple trees' pH needs.
Have others tried layering food producing plants and how well does it work?

 

[Arielle2]

Layering is new to me, but it is my plan.

PLants needing 6-7 pH are in the orchard proper. And plants that need high acid will be elsewhere.

My soils are acid and blueberries grow everywhere. WIth the removal of the big trees the sun reaches the floor. Basically need to lime the orchard row and leave the rest alone...for now.

 

[lazy gardener]

I believe strawberries would be compatible with your blueberries.

Juneberries would be a better choice for an under crop for apple trees. I'm doing a BTE orchard. While waiting for the trees to fill in, I have planted rhubarb, June berries, raspberries, blackberries, various garden crops, some flowers, Bocking #14 comfrey. Garlic and daffodils are great planted in a ring around the trees to defer mice and voles from nibbling the bark in the winter.

 

[Marmalade25]

I have never tasted a Juneberry! Time to try.
Good suggestion. Blueberries and strawberries is a good idea.
Do you use the comfrey to make a tea and feed your plants?

 

[Arielle2]

I believe strawberries would be compatible with your blueberries.

Juneberries would be a better choice for an under crop for apple trees. I'm doing a BTE orchard. While waiting for the trees to fill in, I have planted rhubarb, June berries, raspberries, blackberries, various garden crops, some flowers, Bocking #14 comfrey. Garlic and daffodils are great planted in a ring around the trees to defer mice and voles from nibbling the bark in the winter.

Now Iknow where to put the black berries!!

Just read that marigolds may help with replant disease......

 

[1cock2hens]

as you might know most plants dont grow well anywhere near walnut trees but I have blackberries under several walnut trees and they do amazing

 

[lazy gardener]

My original intent for the comfrey was to use it as a high protein fodder for the chickens. They won't touch it, even though it is reported to be 30% protein. It is also useful to cut and use as a mulch or as a compost amendment. I usually just cut it, and let it lie where cut. It's planted between the trees in the orchard. one clump between each 2 trees. Alternate names for it are: boneset, bruisewort, and knitbone. I used it with plantain and jewel weed to make a salve last season, I also put some tea tree oil in the salve. I may have had too much herb for the carrier oils, but the combination of herbs or the concentration made the stuff smell vile! My previous salve with plantain, sage, and jewel weed was wonderful. Back to the experimentation phase!

 

[Arielle2]

In a permaculture video the host recommended comphrey. It has a very deep taproot and pull up nutrients. He cuts it down and lets it rebloom, in VT.

Maybe sheep or goats will eat it....?????