New Property, New Garden

[Kazedwards]

Thanks for the big response everyone. I will definitely check out Starks.

As far as blueberries we always get a live Christmas tree. I had assays heard that pine needles help with blueberries. So I thought I would make a hugelkulture bed out of the whole tree. Figured it would do the same as pine needles.


-Zach

[PhilaGardener]

Originally Posted by Kazedwards

Maybe just one Pawpaw though as I have never tried one. They are supposedly native to Missouri but I can't seem to find any to try. I'm fairly certain hey self pollinate.

You will need at least two, as most pawpaw varieties are not self-fruitful.

[Cole_Robbie]

I have always wanted to grow them, but never have. I was just reading the descriptions of a few varieties here: http://www.petersonpawpaws.com/Products.php

[Kazedwards]

I don't know why they interest me so much but they do. They use to be very popular but have been forgotten in the last 60-70 years.


-Zach

[Kazedwards]

So a few days ago I plant some garlic at the new place. I must say I am amazed by the soil. I took some compost and some soil from the best area of the current garden and took it out there with me. It doesn't have anything on the soil at the new place. The new soil is very dark and has great texture. Can't wait to see how stuff grows in it.

Here is the new soil just a shovel deep.

Here is the new soil on the left and the soil/compost I brought on the right. Huge difference!



-Zach

[Sydney Grower]

Speaking of blueberries, just picked our 4 bushes again tonight. They just keep giving. Every 3 days we pick a bowl full like this. Can't believe how generous they are.

Enjoyed some for dessert.

[MissS]

I just saw this thread and WOW, you have some great topsoil there and look at how deep it is!!! You sure do have a great piece of land, I bet that you have your best garden ever next year. I am very envious, most of us work years to have what you have found in that little shovel.

[MendozaMark]

Don't forget that blueberries are also great landscaping plants. They make a real nice hedge with beautiful fall red colors.

[dustdevil]

Originally Posted by Sydney Grower

Speaking of blueberries, just picked our 4 bushes again tonight. They just keep giving. Every 3 days we pick a bowl full like this. Can't believe how generous they are.

Enjoyed some for dessert.

I think I see some rare Australian Blueberry Spiders glowing in the bottom of that bowl. You best mail a bowl of your blueberries to my lab for further analysis

[Salsacharley]

It may go without saying but I advise you to be very certain where you want to place your trees. Be sure they don't cause shade problems for your garden locations. What a fabulous opportunity you have to plan and build everything to your own specs. Good luck!

[Cole_Robbie]

Good point about the plan. It's hard to tell from the pics, but another thing to look for are frost pockets. Cold air will flow downhill like water and collect in the lowest areas. Those spots will usually freeze out plants that otherwise would be hardy in your zone.

[Jimbotomateo]

Originally Posted by Kazedwards

So a few days ago I plant some garlic at the new place. I must say I am amazed by the soil. I took some compost and some soil from the best area of the current garden and took it out there with me. It doesn't have anything on the soil at the new place. The new soil is very dark and has great texture. Can't wait to see how stuff grows in it.

Here is the new soil just a shovel deep.

Here is the new soil on the left and the soil/compost I brought on the right. Huge difference!

Can you send me a truck load. Thanks in advance, Jimbo.

-Zach

[Sydney Grower]

Originally Posted by dustdevil

I think I see some rare Australian Blueberry Spiders glowing in the bottom of that bowl. You best mail a bowl of your blueberries to my lab for further analysis

Haha Dusty,

Love it. Just send an address and i'll get them right on the way

[Kazedwards]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I have worked on the soil at the current place for 4 years and it's not even close to as good as that.

The property does slope down enough that I'm sure I will have a frost pocket. The hill faces northeast. I was thinking of planting the fruit trees with peaches toward the bottom. That way the soil warms slower and I don't have a late frost ruin a year.

I can't wait to start getting the more permanent trees and bushes planted but I don't want to rush to fast and regret it later.


-Zach

[Worth1]

That soil goes back thousands of years and is the soil that was all over the Oklahoma Kansas Texas area before the great dust bowl days.
Many feet of soil was simply blown away when they plowed under the buffalo grass to grow wheat.
Then it stopped raining and the wind started blowing.


I have been 100 foot up in an oil derrick and seen these things coming in out in west Texas from the cotton fields of new Mexico and the pan handle.


Time to get out of the derrick as the wind kicks up to 70 mph in no time and the temperature drops big time.
Sometimes from 60 to 20 in less than 15 minutes.

For fruit trees you can plant them in rows in the garden but give space and select dwarf or semi dwarf trees.
Your going to be pruning them anyway.
You can even do the aspalier training to make better use of your space.
No law says they have to be a tree.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...q4ZGKpReY8q0rw
Run your grape trellises and fruit tree rows from south east to northwest.